Associate 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 regions around the world, including East Africa, where it has a regional office in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The OHCHR is committed to addressing human rights violations and promoting the implementation of international human rights standards. It employs a diverse team of professionals dedicated to advancing human rights and fostering a culture of respect and dignity for all individuals, regardless of their background. The OHCHR collaborates with various stakeholders, including governments, civil society organizations, and international bodies, to achieve its mission of promoting and protecting human rights for everyone, everywhere.

Job Overview:
The Associate Human Rights Officer position at the OHCHR Regional Office for East Africa involves a multifaceted role focused on the intersection of business and human rights. The incumbent will be responsible for conducting research and collecting information related to human rights issues, particularly those involving businesses and their impact on communities. This includes analyzing data from various sources to provide insights into the human rights situation in the region. The role also entails drafting thematic reports and correspondence on human rights matters, participating in consultations, and maintaining awareness of current human rights issues. The Associate Human Rights Officer will engage in training programs aimed at enhancing the capacity of national law enforcement officials and civil society representatives in understanding and implementing business and human rights standards. The position requires collaboration with other Human Rights Officers to integrate human rights considerations into broader political, humanitarian, and economic efforts, as well as liaising with various stakeholders to gather baseline data on human rights conditions, particularly for vulnerable groups. The role is essential in promoting community mobilization and ensuring that the rights of populations are respected and upheld.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Associate Human Rights Officer include: researching and collecting information on business and human rights issues, including gender dimensions; drafting thematic reports and correspondence related to human rights; participating in hearings and consultations; maintaining awareness of current human rights issues and supporting the implementation of business and human rights initiatives; conducting human rights training programs for law enforcement and civil society; reviewing human rights issues and discussing integration with other Human Rights Officers; promoting community mobilization efforts; engaging with government and civil society organizations to create baseline data on human rights; designing and maintaining databases to track project implementation; contributing to data collection and analysis; and performing other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of human rights issues, particularly in relation to business and human rights. They should have the ability to identify problems in their political, ethnic, racial, gender equality, and socio-economic dimensions. Knowledge and experience working with states, businesses, and other stakeholders in implementing business and human rights projects are essential. Candidates should demonstrate research and analytical skills, including the ability to draft human rights reports and identify sources for data collection. Professionalism, teamwork, and planning and organizing skills are critical competencies for this role.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in law, political science, international relations, social sciences, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Candidates with a first-level university degree and no experience may be considered if they have passed the Young Professionals Programme Examination (YPP), the United Nations National Competitive Recruitment Examination (NCRE), or the General Service to Professional (G to P) examination.

Experience:
A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, political affairs, international relations, law, or a related area is required. Experience specifically in business and human rights, including familiarity with the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, is desirable. Candidates should demonstrate a track record of working effectively in these areas and contributing to human rights initiatives.

Languages:
English is required for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is also a working language of the United Nations Secretariat, and proficiency in French is considered an asset, although not mandatory for this role.

Additional Notes:
The appointment is subject to the extension of the mandate and/or availability of funds. The selected candidate will be granted a fixed-term appointment limited to the entity, and renewal of the appointment 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 promotes a diverse and inclusive environment and provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities upon request. The recruitment process does not involve any fees, and candidates are advised to follow all instructions carefully during the application process.