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 human rights violations. The organization operates in various countries, including Ukraine, where it has a dedicated Human Rights Monitoring Mission. 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 and is dedicated to promoting gender equality and inclusivity in its operations.

Job Overview:
The Human Rights Officer position within the OHCHR's UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU) is a critical role that involves planning and coordinating activities related to human rights mandates. The officer will conduct substantive research and analysis of human rights violations, including gathering information through interviews with victims and witnesses. This role requires a deep understanding of international human rights law and the ability to assess the impact of violations on individuals and communities. The officer will also be responsible for integrating human rights considerations into various political, humanitarian, and economic efforts, ensuring that gender perspectives are included in all areas of work. The position demands strong analytical skills, the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, and a commitment to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Human Rights Officer will be tasked with a variety of responsibilities, including: planning and coordinating activities related to thematic and country mandates on human rights; conducting research and analysis of human rights violations; gathering and corroborating information on allegations of violations; assessing the impact of these violations; collecting and analyzing human rights trends and data; providing support to UN human rights mechanisms; ensuring integration of human rights issues into broader efforts; defining work plans in accordance with established terms of reference; supervising field verification work; representing HRMMU at meetings; writing reports and communications; and potentially guiding new or junior staff. The officer may also be required to perform other related duties as necessary.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of human rights issues and the ability to identify related problems across various dimensions, including political, ethnic, racial, and socio-economic factors. Knowledge of the institutional mandates of human rights organizations and prevailing policies is essential. The officer should demonstrate research and analytical skills, with the ability to draft comprehensive human rights reports and evaluate information from diverse sources. A commitment to gender equality and the ability to incorporate gender perspectives into all areas of work is also required. The candidate should exhibit professionalism, teamwork, and effective planning and organizing skills.

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 law and international relations.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, political affairs, international relations, law, or a related area is required. Out of these five years, at least two years of experience in conducting human rights monitoring is desirable. Experience in conducting interviews with victims and witnesses of human rights violations, as well as working in conflict settings involving international humanitarian law, is also desirable. This level of experience is crucial for effectively addressing the challenges faced in the field and for contributing to the mission's objectives.

Languages:
The working languages of the United Nations Secretariat are English and French. For this position, proficiency in English and Russian is required, with a minimum UN Level III proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Additionally, knowledge of Ukrainian is desirable, with a minimum UN Level II proficiency. This linguistic capability is important for effective communication and engagement with diverse stakeholders in the region.

Additional Notes:
The position is subject to the availability of funds and the extension of the mandate. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment, encouraging applications from candidates of all backgrounds. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. The recruitment process will adhere to the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity, with a focus on geographic diversity. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities upon request. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.