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, providing support to governments, civil society, and other stakeholders. The organization operates in various countries, focusing on monitoring human rights situations, providing technical assistance, and advocating for the rights of individuals and communities. The OHCHR has a significant presence in conflict and post-conflict areas, including Ukraine, where it aims to address human rights violations and promote accountability. The mission in Ukraine, known as the Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU), plays a crucial role in documenting human rights abuses and advocating for the protection of civilians in the ongoing conflict. The OHCHR is committed to fostering a culture of respect for human rights and ensuring that all individuals can enjoy their rights without discrimination.

Job Overview:
The Human Rights Officer position is critical in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, focusing on the protection of civilians and the documentation of human rights violations. The incumbent will work under the supervision of the Senior Human Rights Officer and the Head of Mission, engaging with various stakeholders, including UN staff, national officials, and military personnel. The role involves leading teams, developing programs related to civilian protection, and analyzing trends in human rights violations. The officer will be responsible for preparing reports for international bodies, conducting training programs for national stakeholders, and ensuring compliance with international human rights standards. This position requires a proactive approach to identifying emerging patterns of harm and making recommendations for action, as well as a commitment to integrating gender perspectives into all aspects of the work.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Human Rights Officer include leading teams focused on the protection of civilians, particularly in documenting civilian casualties and monitoring damage to civilian infrastructure. The officer will review and evaluate activities related to compliance with international human rights instruments and law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">humanitarian law, supporting treaty bodies and special procedures. Regular meetings with stakeholders will be essential for collaboration and information sharing. The officer will also assist in developing and implementing training programs on human rights and international humanitarian law, ensuring that gender perspectives are integrated. Data collection and analysis will be a key part of the role, providing insights through various reporting methods. The officer will advocate for the protection of civilians and raise human rights concerns with relevant authorities, ensuring timely and accurate reporting in line with OHCHR standards. Additional responsibilities include supervising junior staff and coordinating administrative functions within the unit.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of human rights issues, including the ability to address complex problems in their 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 diverse sources and assess its impact on the human rights situation 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, planning and organizing skills, and teamwork are key competencies required for this role.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in law, political science, international relations, social sciences, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree in the aforementioned fields combined with two additional years of relevant 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 seven years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, political affairs, international relations, law, or a related area is required. Experience in a conflict or post-conflict setting, particularly in human rights monitoring, is essential. Candidates with experience in developing programs focused on the protection of civilians will be preferred. Managerial experience as a Team Leader in a human rights field presence is also desirable, indicating the need for leadership skills in this role.

Languages:
English is the required working language for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level III in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Additionally, proficiency in either Ukrainian or Russian is desirable, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level II in these languages. This linguistic capability is important for effective communication and engagement with local stakeholders and communities.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available for six months, with the possibility of extension subject to the availability of funds. It is important to note that applicants for positions in the Field Service category cannot be of the nationality of the country where the position is located. The recruitment process is designed to ensure a diverse and inclusive environment, and reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and all employment decisions are made based on qualifications and organizational needs.