Human Rights Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) was established in April 2018 in Liberia following a six-year host country agreement with the Government of Liberia. The mission of OHCHR is to protect and promote human rights globally, and in Liberia, it focuses on enhancing the capacities of government institutions, civil society organizations, and individuals in human rights promotion and protection. The office operates under a full human rights promotion and protection mandate, contributing to national efforts in promoting respect for human rights, monitoring the human rights situation, and providing capacity building through technical assistance and training. The OHCHR Liberia office aims to strengthen the human rights framework in the country and ensure adherence to international human rights standards.

Job Overview:
The Human Rights Officer position involves conducting substantive research and analysis of human rights issues and events in Liberia, assessing their impact on the human rights situation in the country. The incumbent will contribute to monitoring and reporting on human rights issues, focusing particularly on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights. The role requires ensuring that human rights considerations are integrated into various political, humanitarian, and economic efforts and programs of the Office and the UN Country Team (UNCT). Additionally, the officer will be responsible for integrating gender perspectives and addressing specific women's and girls' rights issues within all assigned human rights activities. The position also entails developing and implementing human rights training programs, representing the UN human rights office at relevant meetings, and drafting reports and communications for policy-making bodies. The role is crucial for enhancing the understanding and implementation of human rights standards in Liberia.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Human Rights Officer include:

• Conducting substantive research and analysis of human rights issues/events and assessing their impact on the human rights situation in Liberia.
• Contributing to the monitoring and reporting of human rights issues in the country, including collecting and analyzing human rights indicators with a focus on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights.
• Ensuring the integration of human rights issues into political, humanitarian, and economic efforts and programs of the Office and the UNCT.
• Integrating gender perspectives and addressing specific women/girls' rights issues within all assigned human rights activities.
• Following up on various cases and situations, including fieldwork, and ensuring timely updates in OHCHR’s human rights case database.
• Assisting in the development and implementation of human rights training programs, including the intersection of human rights, corruption, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Representing the UN human rights office at working-level meetings as necessary.
• Drafting a variety of reports, communications, briefings, and statements for policy-making bodies.
• Performing other duties as required by the Representative, Deputy Head, Team Leader, or Technical Unit Lead.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Human Rights Officer position include a strong understanding of international and regional human rights systems, as well as the mandate of the OHCHR. Candidates should possess sound knowledge of a wide range of human rights issues, particularly those related to Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights. Additionally, applicants should demonstrate excellent judgment and discretion in handling significant human rights issues and problems. Strong planning and organizational skills are essential, along with the ability to prioritize and coordinate work effectively. Good communication skills, both spoken and written in English, are necessary, as is the ability to articulate relevant subject matter clearly and concisely. Candidates should also demonstrate good interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment.

Educational Background:
Candidates for the Human Rights Officer position are typically required to have an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in law, human rights, social sciences, or a related field. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. The educational background should provide a solid foundation in human rights principles and practices, as well as an understanding of the legal frameworks governing human rights.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, legal affairs, or related fields. Experience in conducting research and analysis of human rights issues, as well as monitoring and reporting on human rights situations, is essential. Candidates should have experience working with governmental and non-governmental organizations, and familiarity with the UN system and its human rights mechanisms is highly desirable. Previous experience in capacity building and training on human rights issues is also an asset.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, both spoken and written. Knowledge of additional languages, particularly those relevant to the local context in Liberia, would be considered an advantage but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Monrovia, Liberia, and may involve fieldwork in various locations within the country. It is important for candidates to complete the United Nations Basic security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security course (BSAFE) prior to joining the office. The current UN security level for Liberia is level 2, and all UN staff must adhere to security recommendations from the UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS). The role is full-time, and candidates should be prepared for the living conditions in Liberia, which include access to UN-approved accommodations and facilities.