Human Rights Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Independent Institution on Missing Persons in the Syrian Arab Republic (IIMP) was established by the General Assembly in its resolution 77/301, adopted on 29 June 202

• The organization is dedicated to addressing the issue of missing persons in Syria, focusing on the rights of victims, survivors, and families affected by the conflict. The IIMP aims to promote accountability and justice for those who have suffered due to human rights violations. The organization operates with a commitment to uphold international human rights standards and works collaboratively with various stakeholders, including UN entities and non-governmental organizations, to achieve its mission. The IIMP is relatively new, having been established in 2023, and is expected to grow in its capacity and reach as it develops its programs and initiatives.

Job Overview:
The Human Rights Officer position is crucial for the IIMP as it involves a range of responsibilities aimed at ensuring the effective implementation of international human rights instruments and standards. The officer will be tasked with reviewing and evaluating activities related to human rights, particularly those concerning victims and families of missing persons. This role requires a proactive approach to support treaty bodies and mechanisms, prepare reports for various UN bodies, and engage with institutional counterparts to align projects with human rights-based approaches. The officer will also be responsible for integrating human rights considerations into UN and non-governmental programs, ensuring that gender dimensions are taken into account. The position demands a strong commitment to human rights advocacy and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders to promote awareness and training on human rights issues.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Human Rights Officer will have a comprehensive set of duties, including: reviewing and monitoring the implementation of international human rights standards; supporting treaty bodies and mechanisms; preparing reports for the General Assembly and Human Rights Council; engaging with institutional counterparts and UN staff; integrating human rights into programs; ensuring up-to-date information on human rights matters; coordinating with other UN sectors and international organizations; developing training and awareness-raising activities; leading a team and supervising junior staff; collecting and analyzing data to identify trends; and performing other related duties as required. The role requires a strong focus on collaboration, data analysis, and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances in the field of human rights.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of human rights issues, including the ability to address complex problems related to political, ethnic, racial, gender, and socio-economic dimensions. They should have knowledge of the institutional mandates of human rights organizations and prevailing policies. The ability to evaluate information from various sources and assess its impact on human rights situations is essential. Candidates should demonstrate skills in training civil authorities and advocacy groups, as well as the ability to relate human rights issues to broader political and humanitarian programs. Professionalism, commitment to gender equality, and the ability to analyze data for decision-making are also critical qualifications for this role.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law, political science, international relations, social sciences, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. This educational background is essential for understanding the complex legal and political frameworks that govern human rights issues.

Experience:
A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, political affairs, international relations, law, or a related area is required. Candidates should have experience in coordinating with UN entities and international organizations in the design or implementation of humanitarian or human rights programs. Direct engagement with victims and survivors of conflict and human rights abuses is also necessary. Experience in institutional planning, monitoring, or reporting processes is desirable, as is experience working in or on the Syrian Arab Republic, which would provide valuable context for the role.

Languages:
For this position, proficiency in English and Arabic is required, as these are the working languages relevant to the role. Knowledge of French is also beneficial, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Candidates should consult the UN Language Framework for specific language skill requirements.

Additional Notes:
The position is currently based in Geneva, Switzerland, but may be subject to relocation to Damascus, Syria, or another relevant location as determined by the institution's operations. Candidates should be prepared for potential reassignment in accordance with UN regulations. The role is expected to be full-time, and the organization is committed to promoting gender equality and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Compensation and benefits will be aligned with UN standards.