Human Rights Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located in the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Sexual Violence in Conflict (SRSG-SVC). This office is part of the United Nations and focuses on addressing issues related to sexual violence in conflict situations. The organization aims to provide expert guidance and support to various stakeholders, including governments and international bodies, to enhance accountability and promote human rights in conflict-affected areas. The UN has a global presence, operating in numerous countries and employing thousands of staff members dedicated to various humanitarian and developmental missions.

Job Overview:
The Human Rights Officer will be a key member of the United Nations Team of Experts on the Rule of Law and Sexual Violence in Conflict (TOE). This role involves providing expert advice on international human rights and humanitarian law, particularly in relation to sexual violence in conflict. The officer will participate in accountability efforts, including deployments to conflict zones, and will contribute to the implementation of the TOE Joint Programme. The position requires a strong understanding of human rights instruments and the ability to engage with various stakeholders, including treaty bodies and national officials. The officer will also be responsible for liaising with peace operations and field offices to ensure that the TOE's efforts align with existing human rights initiatives. This role is crucial for enhancing the UN's response to sexual violence in conflict and ensuring that human rights considerations are integrated into broader political and humanitarian efforts.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Human Rights Officer will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Providing expert advice on international human rights, humanitarian law, and transitional justice.
• Participating in the work of the TOE on accountability for sexual violence in conflict, including field deployments.
• Reviewing and evaluating activities related to the implementation of international human rights instruments.
• Supporting engagement with treaty bodies and special procedures on sexual violence.
• Contributing to reports for the General Assembly, Human Rights Council, and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security Council.
• Liaising with human rights components of peace operations and national officials to plan missions.
• Coordinating with other UN sectors and international organizations on policy matters.
• Assisting military and police in developing human rights training programs.
• Carrying out administrative functions related to staff, planning, and budget. 1
• Training and supervising new or junior staff members. 1
• Performing other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong background in human rights, political affairs, or international relations. The position requires a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in relevant fields, with at least two years focused on providing technical assistance in conflict and post-conflict settings. Knowledge of accountability mechanisms and experience in addressing issues of sexual violence and rule of law are essential. Candidates should demonstrate skills in training and capacity building, particularly in relation to human rights and gender perspectives.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in law, political science, international relations, social sciences, or related fields is required. Alternatively, a first-level degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) combined with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complex legal and political frameworks that govern human rights issues in conflict situations.

Experience:
The role requires a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, political affairs, international relations, or law. Candidates should have at least two years of experience in providing technical assistance for strengthening accountability and legal systems in conflict and post-conflict settings. Experience in the areas of women, peace, and security, particularly regarding sexual violence and rule of law, is highly desirable. Additionally, experience in criminal accountability is considered an asset.

Languages:
Fluency in English (both oral and written) is required for this position, as English is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French is desirable, as it is another official UN language. Proficiency in additional languages may enhance a candidate's application, particularly in regions where multiple languages are spoken.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available for a period of four months. If the selected candidate is an internal staff member of the UN Secretariat, the selection will be recorded as a temporary assignment. The United Nations emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in its recruitment process, ensuring that all candidates are considered based on their qualifications and organizational needs. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities. The position is subject to the conditions of service established by the UN, including compliance with organizational regulations and rules. Candidates should be aware that the recruitment process does not involve any fees, and the UN does not request personal banking information from applicants.