Associate Human Rights Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Technical Mission in Peru, Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). The OHCHR was established to promote and protect human rights globally, and it operates in various countries to address human rights violations and support the implementation of international human rights standards. The organization is committed to ensuring that all individuals can enjoy their rights and freedoms, and it works with governments, civil society, and other stakeholders to achieve this goal. The OHCHR employs a diverse workforce and operates in numerous countries, focusing on various human rights issues, including civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights.

Job Overview:
The Associate Human Rights Officer will play a crucial role in monitoring and reporting on human rights issues, particularly in the context of elections in Peru. This position requires the incumbent to conduct thorough research and collect information from various sources to stay informed about human rights matters. The officer will assist in analyzing this information to understand its impact on the human rights situation in the assigned area. The role involves undertaking field missions, drafting reports, and participating in hearings and consultations to summarize results. The officer will also engage in human rights training programs for national law enforcement officials and civil society representatives, promoting national capacity building. The position requires maintaining awareness of current human rights issues and participating in discussions with other Human Rights Officers to integrate gender dimensions into political, humanitarian, and economic efforts. The officer will liaise with various stakeholders to create baseline data on the human rights situation, focusing on vulnerable groups such as women, indigenous people, and LGBTIQ+ persons. Additionally, the officer will design and maintain a database to track project progress and perform other related duties as required.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Associate Human Rights Officer will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including: researching and collecting information on human rights matters, particularly in the electoral context; assisting in the analysis of information related to human rights issues; undertaking monitoring field missions and drafting reports; participating in hearings and consultations; maintaining awareness of current human rights issues and relevant political and legal developments; participating in human rights training programs; reviewing human rights issues and discussing them with other Human Rights Officers; promoting community mobilization efforts; liaising with government, NGOs, civil society organizations, and UN agencies; creating baseline data on the human rights situation; designing and maintaining a database to track project progress; and performing other related duties as required.

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 and analytical skills is essential, including the capacity to identify sources for data collection, analyze information, and draft human rights reports. Candidates should demonstrate professionalism, effective communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment. They must also show a commitment to incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

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 work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, political affairs, international relations, law, or a related area is required. Additionally, experience in human rights monitoring and reporting is desirable, which indicates a need for candidates to have practical experience in the field.

Languages:
For this position, proficiency in English and Spanish is required. Candidates must demonstrate a minimum level of proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking in both languages, as per the UN Language Framework. English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat, but for this specific job opening, English and Spanish are mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available for ten months, with the possibility of extension subject to the availability of funds. Candidates must be of the nationality of Peru, where this position is located. The position is classified under the National Professional Officer category, and 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 United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, and it is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment.