Human Rights Officer (Reporting Officer)

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan, which operates under the mandate of the Human Rights Council Resolution A/HRC/RES/58/

• The organization is dedicated to promoting and protecting human rights in South Sudan, focusing on addressing human rights violations and ensuring accountability. The Commission is part of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), which is a leading global entity in the promotion and protection of human rights. The OHCHR works in various countries and has a significant presence in conflict and post-conflict areas, aiming to uphold the dignity and rights of individuals. The Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan is committed to fostering a culture of human rights and supporting the establishment of a just and equitable society. It employs a diverse team of professionals who are dedicated to these principles and work collaboratively to achieve the organization's goals.

Job Overview:
The Human Rights Officer (Reporting Officer) will play a crucial role in the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan by reviewing and analyzing information related to human rights violations. The incumbent will advise Secretariat staff on addressing gaps in information and following leads to ensure comprehensive investigations. This position requires close coordination with the Chief of Investigation and Legal Adviser to ensure that the information collected aligns with legal standards and incorporates diverse perspectives, particularly regarding the gendered impact of violations. The Reporting Officer will be responsible for drafting the Commission's reports, ensuring that all findings are documented according to OHCHR standards. The role also involves preparing briefings and analytical documents, drawing conclusions from the data collected, and proposing actionable recommendations. The Reporting Officer must demonstrate professionalism, teamwork, and client orientation while managing multiple priorities and deadlines effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Human Rights Officer (Reporting Officer) include: - Reviewing and analyzing information collected regarding human rights violations; - Advising Secretariat staff on addressing gaps and following leads; - Coordinating with the Chief of Investigation to orient investigations based on identified gaps; - Working closely with the Legal Adviser to ensure compliance with legal standards; - Integrating perspectives from Commission Advisers throughout the investigation and report drafting process; - Preparing briefings, summaries, and analytical documents as required; - Drafting the Commission's reports and acting as the main drafter; - Ensuring proper documentation of information collected in accordance with OHCHR methodology; - Assisting in drawing analytical conclusions and proposing report structures; - Developing actionable and gender-sensitive recommendations; - Performing other duties as required to support the Commission's objectives.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires the following qualifications: - Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in law, political science, international relations, or a related discipline focused on human rights; - A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree; - A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible work experience in human rights, international humanitarian law, or international criminal law; - At least two years of experience in analyzing and drafting public human rights reports; - Relevant working experience in the United Nations or similar institutions is desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in law, political science, international relations, or another discipline related to human rights. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has a solid understanding of the legal and political frameworks surrounding human rights issues.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible work experience in the fields of human rights, international humanitarian law, or international criminal law. Additionally, candidates must have at least two years of experience specifically in the analysis and drafting of public human rights reports. Relevant working experience within the United Nations or similar organizations is considered an asset, as it demonstrates familiarity with the UN's operational and procedural frameworks.

Languages:
For this position, proficiency in English is mandatory, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Candidates must demonstrate a minimum proficiency level of UN Level III in reading, writing, listening, and speaking English. While French is also a working language of the UN, it is not required for this specific job opening, although knowledge of French may be considered an advantage.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available until 31 March 2026, subject to the availability of funds and/or extension of the mandate. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment. This temporary assignment may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, but it does not guarantee future employment in the same position. The eligibility for this temporary job opening may be limited to candidates based at the duty station, and it may be restricted to 'internal candidates' who have been recruited through a competitive examination or selection process. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment, encouraging female candidates to apply and ensuring equal opportunities regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, or other backgrounds. Reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities may be provided upon request.