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 humanitarian and human rights aspects of this crisis. It aims to provide a systematic approach to the search and identification of missing persons, ensuring that the rights of victims and their families are respected and upheld. The IIMP operates with a commitment to transparency, accountability, and the integration of gender perspectives in its work. The organization is relatively new, and its establishment reflects the international community's recognition of the urgent need to address the plight of missing persons in conflict situations. The IIMP is expected to engage with various stakeholders, including governments, civil society organizations, and international bodies, to fulfill its mandate effectively.

Job Overview:
The Human Rights Officer position is crucial for the IIMP as it involves planning and coordinating activities related to human rights mandates, particularly concerning the search and identification of missing persons. The officer will conduct substantive research and analysis of human rights issues, assess their impact on the situation in the assigned region, and ensure that human rights considerations are integrated into broader political, humanitarian, and economic efforts. The role requires a strong commitment to a victim-centered approach, engaging with families of missing persons, and maintaining communication regarding the progress of searches. The officer will also represent the UN human rights program in various meetings and direct capacity-building efforts in the region. This position demands a proactive approach to identifying trends in human rights data and utilizing data visualization methods to support decision-making and reporting.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Human Rights Officer will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including: planning and coordinating thematic and country mandates on human rights; conducting research and analysis of human rights issues; collecting and analyzing human rights data, including gender-specific indicators; ensuring integration of human rights issues into various efforts; defining work plans; supervising field verification work; engaging with families of missing persons; representing the UN human rights program at meetings; directing capacity-building efforts; writing reports and communications; providing guidance to junior staff; and performing other related duties as required. The officer will also be expected to analyze data to identify trends and provide insights for strategic planning and reporting.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of human rights issues, including their political, ethnic, racial, gender equality, and socio-economic dimensions. They should have knowledge of the institutional mandates of human rights organizations and prevailing policies and procedures. The ability to conduct research, analyze information, and draft comprehensive human rights reports is essential. Candidates should demonstrate professionalism, efficiency, and a commitment to gender perspectives in their work. Strong planning and organizational skills are necessary, along with the ability to manage client relationships effectively.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law, political science, international relations, social sciences, or a related area 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 surrounding human rights issues.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, political affairs, international relations, law, or a related area is required. Candidates must have experience supporting search or investigation activities related to missing persons. Experience engaging with families of missing persons in the context of search or identification processes is desirable, as is experience collaborating with forensic experts. Additionally, experience working in or on the Syrian Arab Republic is considered an asset, as it provides valuable context for the role.

Languages:
The working languages of the United Nations Secretariat are English and French. For this position, proficiency in English and Arabic is required. Candidates should be able to demonstrate their language skills according to the UN Language Framework, which outlines the minimum required level for each skill in these languages. This linguistic capability is crucial for effective communication and engagement with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position may be subject to relocation to Damascus, Syria, or another relevant location, depending on the institution's operations. Candidates must be willing to accept such reassignment in accordance with UN regulations and rules. The role is expected to be full-time, and the organization is committed to recruiting individuals who are dedicated to the mission of addressing human rights issues and supporting the families of missing persons.