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 human rights are respected and upheld in all countries, advocating for the rights of individuals and communities. The organization operates in various regions around the world, including Central Africa, where it has a dedicated Regional Office for Central Africa (CARO) located in Yaoundé, Cameroon. The OHCHR is committed to addressing human rights issues through various mechanisms, including treaty bodies and special procedures, and engages with governments, civil society, and other stakeholders to promote human rights standards. The organization employs a diverse workforce and aims to create an inclusive environment that reflects the diversity of the global population it serves.

Job Overview:
The Human Rights Officer position at the OHCHR Regional Office for Central Africa involves a multifaceted role focused on the implementation of international human rights instruments, particularly the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. The incumbent will be responsible for reviewing, monitoring, and evaluating activities related to these instruments, supporting treaty-established bodies, and preparing reports on the status of human rights ratifications. The role requires collaboration with UN and non-governmental programs to integrate human rights considerations into their initiatives, ensuring that gender dimensions are also addressed. The Human Rights Officer will be expected to provide up-to-date information on human rights matters, coordinate with various sectors of the UN and other organizations, and represent the office at relevant events. Additionally, the officer will lead a team, train junior staff, and analyze data to identify trends that inform decision-making and reporting.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Human Rights Officer will undertake a variety of duties, including: reviewing and evaluating the implementation of international human rights instruments; supporting the work of treaty bodies and special procedures; preparing reports on human rights status; collaborating with UN and non-governmental organizations to integrate human rights into programs; ensuring the provision of up-to-date information on human rights issues; coordinating with other UN sectors and international organizations; representing the office at events; leading a team and managing administrative functions; training and supervising junior staff; collecting and analyzing data to identify trends; and performing other related duties as required. The officer will also be responsible for making recommendations on actions to take based on their evaluations and analyses.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of business and human rights issues, including the ability to address complex human rights problems in various contexts. They should have experience working with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and engaging with the business sector. Knowledge of human rights organizations' mandates, policies, and procedures is essential. The ability to evaluate and integrate information from diverse sources, assess impacts on human rights situations, and conduct in-depth studies is required. Candidates should demonstrate skills in training and capacity building, particularly in recognizing civil unrest warning signs and taking preventive actions. A commitment to gender equality and the ability to analyze data for decision-making are also necessary qualifications.

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 for this position. 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 ensures that candidates have the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge to address complex human rights issues effectively.

Experience:
A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, political affairs, international relations, law, or a related area is required. Candidates must have experience working with the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and engaging with the business sector. This level of experience is crucial for understanding the complexities of human rights implementation and the interactions between various stakeholders.

Languages:
The working languages of the United Nations Secretariat are English and French. For this position, proficiency in both languages is required, with a minimum level of II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking for each language according to the UN Language Framework. This bilingual requirement ensures effective communication and collaboration within the diverse environment of the UN.

Additional Notes:
The position is subject to the availability of funds and the extension of the mandate. The appointment is a fixed-term appointment limited to the entity, and renewal is contingent upon the continued existence of the mandate and availability of funding. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance in its staff and encourages female candidates to apply. The organization adheres to a non-smoking environment and provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities upon request. Candidates should be aware of the importance of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity in their application process.