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, focusing on human rights issues, and aims to foster a culture of respect for human rights through advocacy, education, and capacity-building initiatives. The OHCHR is committed to promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women in all its activities, reflecting its mission to create a world where everyone can enjoy their human rights without discrimination.

Job Overview:
The Human Rights Officer position is critical for advancing the agenda of business and human rights within the assigned country or region. The incumbent will be responsible for developing and implementing a workplan that aligns with the established terms of reference, focusing on promoting human rights from a gender perspective. This role involves conducting substantive research and analysis of human rights issues, assessing their impact on the local situation, and collecting and analyzing relevant data, including gender-specific indicators. The officer will also formulate actionable recommendations to support the development and implementation of National Action Plans (NAPs) on business and human rights, ensuring that access to remedy mechanisms are adequately considered. The position requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including government bodies, civil society, and the private sector, to integrate human rights considerations into political, humanitarian, and economic efforts. The Human Rights Officer will also direct capacity-building efforts and supervise field verification work, ensuring that human rights training programs are effectively implemented across relevant institutions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Human Rights Officer will undertake a variety of duties, including defining workplans for assigned countries, conducting research and analysis of human rights issues, collecting and analyzing data, formulating recommendations for NAPs, providing support to policy-making bodies, integrating human rights issues into broader efforts, directing capacity-building initiatives, supervising field verification work, assisting military and police in developing training programs, representing the UN human rights program at meetings, and writing various reports. The officer may also provide guidance to junior staff and perform other related duties as required, ensuring that all activities are aligned with the organization's mission and objectives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong knowledge of human rights issues, particularly in relation to business and human rights. They should demonstrate the ability to identify problems in their political, ethnic, racial, gender equality, and socio-economic dimensions. The role requires excellent research and analytical skills, the ability to draft human rights reports, and the capacity to evaluate and integrate information from diverse sources. Candidates should also exhibit professionalism, effective communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment. A commitment to gender perspectives and the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work is essential.

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 complex legal and social frameworks surrounding human rights issues.

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 skills.

Languages:
English is the required working language 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, and proficiency in Portuguese is desirable, although not mandatory. Candidates should be able to communicate effectively in English, as it is essential for the role.

Additional Notes:
The position is subject to the availability of funds and the extension of the mandate. The appointment is fixed-term and may be renewed based on the continued existence of the mandate and funding availability. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The organization values diversity and inclusivity, 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.