Human Rights Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is a part of the United Nations system, established to promote and protect human rights globally. The OHCHR works to ensure that human rights are respected and upheld in all countries, providing support to governments, civil society, and other stakeholders. The organization operates in various regions, including Europe and Central Asia, and is committed to addressing human rights violations and promoting accountability. The OHCHR has a diverse workforce and aims to create an inclusive environment that respects the rights of all individuals, regardless of their background.

Job Overview:
The Human Rights Officer position is critical in advising the Resident Coordinator and the UN Country Team on strategies to enhance national capacities for the promotion and protection of human rights in Serbia. The incumbent will be responsible for planning and coordinating human rights activities, conducting substantive research and analysis on human rights issues, and assessing their impact on the situation in Serbia. This role requires a strong understanding of human rights frameworks and the ability to integrate gender perspectives into all aspects of work. The officer will also represent the UN human rights program in meetings, direct capacity-building efforts, and produce various reports and communications to inform policy-making bodies. The position demands a proactive approach to identifying legislative and policy gaps and providing recommendations for human rights capacity-building programs.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Human Rights Officer will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including advising the Resident Coordinator and UN Country Team on human rights strategies, planning and coordinating human rights activities, conducting research and analysis on human rights issues, and assessing their implications for the human rights situation in Serbia. The officer will ensure that human rights considerations are integrated into political, humanitarian, and economic efforts. Additionally, the officer will define work plans, represent the UN human rights program at meetings, direct capacity-building initiatives, and write reports and communications for policy-making bodies. The role may also involve providing guidance to junior staff and performing other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong knowledge of human rights issues, including their political, ethnic, racial, gender equality, and socio-economic dimensions. They should have a solid understanding of the institutional mandates of human rights organizations and prevailing policies and procedures. Research and analytical skills are essential, along with the ability to identify sources for data collection and draft comprehensive human rights reports. The officer should demonstrate professionalism, effective communication skills, and the ability to plan and organize work efficiently. A commitment to gender equality and the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work is also required.

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. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of human rights issues and the legal frameworks that govern them.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, political affairs, international relations, law, or a related area is required. Experience working at the field level with United Nations Country Teams or similar organizations is desirable. This level of experience is crucial for effectively navigating the challenges associated with human rights advocacy and implementation in a complex environment like Serbia.

Languages:
English and Serbian are required for this position, with proficiency at UN Level III for reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Additionally, knowledge of French is beneficial but not mandatory. The ability to communicate effectively in these languages is essential for collaboration with various stakeholders and for the preparation of reports and assessments.

Additional Notes:
The position is subject to the availability of funds and the extension of the mandate. Candidates must be nationals of Serbia, as this is a National Professional Officer category position. The United Nations is committed to diversity and encourages applications from women and underrepresented groups. The organization adheres to strict standards of integrity and efficiency in its recruitment process, ensuring that all candidates are evaluated based on their qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities upon request.