Human Rights Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The position is based within the Commission of Inquiry on the situation in the North and South Kivu provinces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This commission operates under the mandate of the Human Rights Council, specifically pursuant to resolution A/HRC/RES/60/2

• The organization is dedicated to investigating and addressing human rights violations in the DRC, particularly focusing on the grave violations against children in conflict situations. The Commission aims to ensure accountability and promote the protection of human rights in the region, working closely with various stakeholders to uphold the rights of vulnerable populations, especially children.

Job Overview:
The Human Rights Officer will play a crucial role in monitoring and reporting on serious violations against children, particularly those associated with armed groups. The incumbent will conduct thorough investigations into alleged violations of international human rights law and humanitarian law, ensuring that the rights and needs of child victims are prioritized. This position requires a strong commitment to child protection, as the officer will be responsible for liaising with protection actors and ensuring that appropriate referrals are made for children in need. The officer will also contribute to drafting reports and analytical documents, making recommendations for accountability measures related to child rights violations. The role demands a high level of professionalism, analytical skills, and the ability to work collaboratively within a team to achieve organizational goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Human Rights Officer will be responsible for a variety of duties, including:

• Collecting and contributing to monitoring and reporting on grave violations against children, including incidents of killing and maiming, attacks on schools and hospitals, recruitment of children, and sexual gender-based violence.
• Conducting independent and impartial investigations of alleged violations, including interviewing child victims and witnesses using sensitive techniques.
• Ensuring effective communication and collaboration with protection and child protection actors to address the needs of child victims.
• Advising team members on child protection issues and ensuring awareness of relevant child rights violations and their gender dimensions.
• Participating in missions to sites of violations and contributing to the drafting of final reports and analytical documents.
• Safeguarding the information and documentation related to investigations in accordance with established procedures.
• Establishing a network of reliable interlocutors to facilitate access to primary sources for monitoring grave violations against children.
• Performing other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of human rights issues, particularly those affecting children in conflict situations. They should demonstrate the ability to identify problems in their political, ethnic, racial, and socio-economic dimensions. Knowledge of the institutional mandates of human rights organizations and prevailing policies is essential. Candidates should have strong research and analytical skills, with the ability to draft comprehensive human rights reports. They must also show a commitment to gender perspectives and the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Professionalism, teamwork, and effective planning and organizing skills are critical for success in 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 social issues related to human rights and child protection.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible work experience in human rights is required, with at least two years specifically focused on child rights investigations. Relevant experience working in or on the DRC region is desirable, as it provides valuable context and understanding of the local dynamics affecting human rights.

Languages:
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, candidates must demonstrate proficiency in both languages, meeting the UN Level II requirements for reading, writing, listening, and speaking. This bilingual capability is crucial for effective communication and collaboration within the UN framework and with local stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available, and its extension is subject to the continuation of the mandate and/or availability of funds. Candidates should be aware that 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 position may also be limited to internal candidates or those based at the duty station. The United Nations is committed to diversity and encourages female candidates to apply. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities upon request.