Associate 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 the rights of individuals are upheld and that governments are held accountable for their actions. The organization operates in various countries around the world, focusing on a wide range of human rights issues, including the rights of vulnerable populations such as older persons. The OHCHR is committed to fostering a culture of respect for human rights and aims to empower individuals and communities to claim their rights. The organization employs a diverse workforce of professionals dedicated to advancing human rights and operates in multiple countries, engaging with various stakeholders including governments, civil society organizations, and international bodies.

Job Overview:
The Associate Human Rights Officer position is situated within the Rights of Older Persons Unit, part of the Equality and Non-Discrimination Branch at the OHCHR Headquarters in Geneva. The primary focus of this role is to implement and advocate for the rights of older persons, ensuring that their voices are heard and their rights are protected. The officer will engage in developing and executing advocacy campaigns, utilizing multimedia tools such as podcasts, social media, and newsletters to raise awareness about the rights of older persons. This position requires a proactive approach to research and information gathering, analyzing human rights issues, and contributing to the development of training materials aimed at various stakeholders, including policymakers and civil society organizations. The officer will also participate in discussions and training programs to enhance national capacities in human rights, particularly concerning older persons.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Associate Human Rights Officer will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including but not limited to: assisting in the development and implementation of advocacy campaigns; researching and collecting information on human rights issues related to older persons; conducting basic research and analysis of statistical data; drafting reports and correspondence; participating in intergovernmental working groups; maintaining awareness of current human rights issues; facilitating training programs for law enforcement and civil society; reviewing human rights issues with a focus on gender dimensions; promoting community mobilization efforts; liaising with various stakeholders to gather baseline data; designing and maintaining databases to track project progress; and performing other related duties as required. The role demands a comprehensive understanding of human rights issues and the ability to engage effectively with diverse groups to promote the rights of older persons.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of human rights issues, particularly those affecting older persons, and demonstrate the ability to identify and analyze related problems. Knowledge of the institutional mandates of human rights organizations, prevailing policies, and procedures is essential. Candidates should exhibit strong research and analytical skills, with the ability to draft human rights reports and identify sources for data collection. Professionalism, efficiency, and a commitment to gender equality are critical attributes for this role. The ability to work under pressure and manage multiple tasks effectively is also required, along with a proactive approach to problem-solving and creativity in developing new ideas and solutions.

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. Candidates with a first-level university degree and no experience may be considered if they have passed the Young Professionals Programme Examination or other relevant competitive examinations.

Experience:
A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, political affairs, international relations, law, or a related area is required. Candidates who have passed a United Nations Competitive Recruitment Examination may be exempt from this experience requirement. The role demands a solid background in human rights advocacy and the ability to engage with various stakeholders effectively.

Languages:
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, proficiency in English is required, while knowledge of French is desirable. Candidates should demonstrate a high level of proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking in English, with a basic understanding of French being advantageous.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available for three months, subject to the availability of funds. It is important to note that this temporary assignment does not guarantee future employment in the same role. The United Nations is committed to diversity and encourages applications from women and individuals from diverse backgrounds. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities to support their participation in the recruitment process. The organization emphasizes the importance of maintaining high standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity in its recruitment process.