Senior Human Rights Officer, Coordinator

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Commission of Inquiry on the situation in the North and South Kivu provinces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), established pursuant to Human Rights Council Resolution A/HRC/RES/60/2

• The organization operates under the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), which is dedicated to promoting and protecting human rights globally. The OHCHR works to ensure that human rights are respected and upheld in various countries, including conflict and post-conflict areas, and engages in various activities such as monitoring, reporting, and providing technical assistance to governments and civil society organizations. The OHCHR is committed to addressing human rights violations and promoting accountability, justice, and the rule of law. It employs a diverse workforce and operates in multiple countries, focusing on various human rights issues, including civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights.

Job Overview:
The Senior Human Rights Officer, Coordinator will play a crucial role in overseeing the Commission's operations in the DRC, particularly in the North and South Kivu provinces. This position requires a strong understanding of human rights issues and the ability to manage complex investigations and reporting tasks. The incumbent will be responsible for developing investigation plans and methodologies, ensuring that the Commission's work aligns with strategic objectives and standard fact-finding methodologies. The role also involves facilitating communication between Commission members and the OHCHR, managing the Secretariat's overall work, and ensuring the protection of victims and witnesses. The Coordinator will be expected to accompany Commission members on field missions and act as the main point of contact for operational and substantive matters with various stakeholders, including member states, UN agencies, and the media. The position demands a commitment to integrating gender perspectives into all aspects of the Commission's work and ensuring the timely delivery of high-quality reports.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Human Rights Officer, Coordinator will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including: supervising the development of investigation plans and methodologies; supporting Commission members in operational and administrative procedures; managing the Secretariat's overall work; facilitating communication between Commission members and the OHCHR; ensuring adherence to strategic objectives and methodologies; coordinating investigation and reporting tasks; overseeing victim and witness protection measures; accompanying Commission members on field missions; acting as the main interlocutor with various stakeholders; ensuring the integration of gender perspectives in all aspects of the Commission's work; taking responsibility for the quality and timely delivery of reports; liaising with security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security coordinators on security requirements; managing the Commission's budget and finances; and performing other duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong background in human rights, with knowledge of institutional mandates and policies related to human rights organizations. The ideal candidate should demonstrate the ability to evaluate and integrate information from various sources, assess the impact on human rights situations, and provide informed advice on complex human rights issues. Professionalism, teamwork, planning and organizing skills, leadership, and sound judgment are essential competencies for this role. The candidate should also exhibit a commitment to gender equality and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in law, political science, international relations, or a related discipline 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.

Experience:
A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible work experience in human rights or a combination of human rights and international humanitarian law or international criminal law is required. Additionally, at least five years of experience in managing teams is necessary, along with a minimum of two years of experience conducting human rights or international criminal law investigations. Relevant working experience in or on the region is desirable and will be considered an asset.

Languages:
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, candidates must demonstrate proficiency in both languages at UN Level III for reading, writing, listening, and speaking. This level indicates a high degree of fluency and the ability to communicate effectively in both languages in a professional context.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available, and its extension is subject to the continuation of the mandate and/or availability of funds. Current staff members holding a fixed-term, permanent, or continuing appointment may apply for temporary positions no more than one level above their current grade. The selection process may include an assessment exercise followed by a competency-based interview. The position is subject to specific eligibility criteria, including considerations for candidates based at the duty station and those who have reached the mandatory age of separation. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and encourages female candidates to apply. The organization does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.