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, including conflict zones, to monitor human rights situations and provide support to local authorities and civil society. The OHCHR employs a diverse workforce of professionals dedicated to advancing human rights and operates in numerous countries worldwide, focusing on various human rights issues.

Job Overview:
The Human Rights Officer position is critical within the United Nations Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU), based in Kyiv. The officer will focus on human rights in the administration of justice, particularly in monitoring detention and trial processes. This role involves leading teams, developing programs, and closely collaborating with HRMMU’s field offices. The officer will be responsible for reviewing and evaluating activities related to the implementation of international human rights instruments and supporting treaty bodies and mechanisms. The position requires regular interaction with various stakeholders, including UN staff, national officials, and military personnel, to integrate human rights considerations into their programs. The officer will also assist in developing training programs for national stakeholders in human rights and the rule of law, ensuring that gender perspectives are included in all initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Human Rights Officer will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including leading teams and developing programs focused on human rights in the administration of justice. The officer will review, monitor, and evaluate activities related to international human rights instruments and prepare relevant reports for various UN bodies. Regular meetings with stakeholders will be essential to coordinate efforts and integrate human rights into broader programs. The officer will ensure that up-to-date information is available regarding human rights issues and make recommendations for action. Additionally, the officer will assist in training national stakeholders and supervise junior staff, ensuring effective coordination and administrative functions within the team. Other duties may include conducting in-depth studies on human rights issues and providing recommendations based on findings.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of human rights issues, including the ability to address complex problems related to political, ethnic, racial, gender, and socio-economic dimensions. Knowledge of the institutional mandates of human rights organizations and prevailing policies is essential. The ability to evaluate information from various sources and assess its impact on human rights situations is crucial. Candidates should demonstrate skills in training civil authorities and advocacy groups, as well as the ability to relate human rights issues to broader political, social, and economic contexts. Professionalism, teamwork, and effective planning and organizing skills are also required.

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 in these fields combined with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, political affairs, international relations, law, or a related area is required. Experience in conflict or post-conflict settings, particularly in human rights monitoring, is desirable. Additionally, experience in developing programs related to human rights in the administration of justice and managerial experience as a Team Leader in human rights field presence is also desirable.

Languages:
English is required for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level III in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Knowledge of either Ukrainian or Russian is desirable, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level II in these languages.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available for six months, with the possibility of extension subject to the availability of funds. Applicants must be aware that they cannot be of the nationality of the country where the position is located. The position is subject to various UN policies regarding recruitment and employment, including considerations for diversity and inclusion. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities.