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 fundamental freedoms and rights of individuals are respected and upheld, and it plays a crucial role in addressing human rights violations and promoting accountability. The organization operates in various regions around the world, including West Africa, where it focuses on enhancing the capacity of states and other stakeholders to fulfill their human rights obligations. The OHCHR is committed to integrating gender perspectives into its work and ensuring that the voices of marginalized groups are heard. The organization employs a diverse workforce and is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment that respects the dignity and rights of all individuals.

Job Overview:
The Human Rights Officer position at the OHCHR Regional Office for West Africa in Dakar is a pivotal role that involves a range of responsibilities aimed at promoting and protecting human rights in the region. The incumbent will work closely with the Regional Representative and the Chief of the Business and Human Rights Section in Geneva to develop and implement strategies that address human rights issues, particularly in relation to business practices. This role requires a deep understanding of human rights frameworks and the ability to analyze complex situations to provide actionable recommendations. The officer will engage with various stakeholders, including government institutions and private sector entities, to foster collaboration and ensure that human rights considerations are integrated into political, humanitarian, and economic efforts. The position also involves conducting research, analyzing data, and preparing reports that inform policy-making and program implementation.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Human Rights Officer will be responsible for defining work plans for assigned countries in accordance with established terms of reference. Key duties include conducting substantive research and analysis of human rights issues, collecting and analyzing human rights data, and formulating recommendations for the development and implementation of National Action Plans on business and human rights. The officer will provide support to various commissions and bodies, ensuring that human rights issues are integrated into broader efforts. Additionally, the role involves capacity-building initiatives, supervising field verification work, and assisting relevant institutions in developing training programs. The officer will represent the UN human rights program at meetings, write reports, and may provide guidance to junior staff. Other related duties may be assigned as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong knowledge of human rights issues, particularly in relation to their political, ethnic, racial, gender equality, and socio-economic dimensions. The ability to identify and analyze human rights problems, as well as experience working with states and businesses on implementing human rights projects, is essential. Candidates should demonstrate professionalism, effective communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment. A commitment to gender equality and the ability to integrate gender perspectives into all areas of work are also required. The ideal candidate will show persistence in overcoming challenges and will be motivated by professional rather than personal concerns.

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 crucial for understanding the complexities of human rights law and international relations, which are fundamental to the role.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, political affairs, international relations, law, or a related area is required. Candidates must have experience specifically in business and human rights, as well as engagement with the business sector. Desirable experience includes capacity-building and implementing technical cooperation projects, as well as program management and project implementation. This level of experience is necessary to effectively navigate the challenges faced in promoting human rights in the region.

Languages:
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, candidates must demonstrate proficiency in both languages, with a minimum required level of II for reading, writing, listening, and speaking. This bilingual requirement is essential for effective communication and collaboration within the UN system and with external stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The appointment is subject to the availability of funds and the extension of the mandate. 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 and encourages female candidates to apply. The organization also emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in its workforce, ensuring that all employment decisions are made based on qualifications and organizational needs. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities to support their participation in the recruitment process.