Human Rights Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is a United Nations entity responsible for promoting and protecting human rights globally. Established in 1993, OHCHR works to ensure that human rights are respected and upheld in all countries. The organization operates in multiple countries and employs a diverse workforce dedicated to advancing human rights standards and addressing violations. OHCHR's mission includes supporting the implementation of international human rights laws and fostering dialogue among governments, civil society, and other stakeholders to promote accountability and justice.

Job Overview:
The Human Rights Officer position at the OHCHR Multi-Country Office in Nairobi involves a range of responsibilities aimed at promoting business and human rights. The incumbent will define work plans for assigned countries, conduct substantive research and analysis of human rights issues, and collect and analyze human rights data, including gender-specific indicators. The role requires formulating actionable recommendations for the development and implementation of National Action Plans (NAPs) on business and human rights, ensuring that access to remedy mechanisms are integrated into these processes. The officer will also provide support to various commissions and bodies, ensuring that human rights considerations are included in political, humanitarian, and economic efforts. Additionally, the officer will direct capacity-building initiatives, supervise field verification work, assist relevant institutions in developing training programs, and represent the UN human rights program at meetings. The position demands effective communication and collaboration with various stakeholders to achieve organizational goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Human Rights Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

• Define work plans for assigned countries in accordance with established terms of reference.
• Implement activities related to projects and programs promoting business and human rights, with a focus on gender perspectives.
• Conduct substantive research and analysis of human rights issues/events and assess their impact on the human rights situation in assigned countries or regions.
• Collect and analyze human rights data and indicators, including gender-specific data.
• Formulate actionable recommendations for the development and implementation of National Action Plans (NAPs) on business and human rights.
• Provide support to sub-commissions, commissions, and other bodies, following up on the implementation of decisions made by policy-making bodies.
• Ensure integration of human rights issues, including gender equality dimensions, into political, humanitarian, and economic efforts.
• Direct capacity-building efforts on human rights in the assigned region/country.
• Supervise field verification work through periodic visits and follow up on various cases and situations verified by regional offices. 1
• Assist relevant institutions, including private sector entities, in developing and implementing training programs in human rights, including business and human rights, international law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">humanitarian law, democracy, and the rule of law. 1
• Provide effective support to companies by developing management tools, conducting studies, and establishing internal monitoring and due diligence mechanisms for UNGPs compliance. 1
• Represent the UN human rights program at working-level meetings. 1
• Write various reports, including project implementation progress reports, communications, briefings, and statements. 1
• Coordinate with OHCHR Kenya and Democratic Republic of the Congo Country Offices. 1
• May provide guidance to new/junior staff. 1
• Perform other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong knowledge of human rights issues and the ability to identify related problems in their political, ethnic, racial, gender equality, and socio-economic dimensions. Experience working with states, businesses, and other stakeholders in implementing business and human rights projects is essential. Knowledge of the institutional mandates of human rights organizations, prevailing policies, and procedures is required. Candidates should demonstrate research and analytical skills, including the ability to identify sources for data collection, analyze information, and draft human rights reports. The ability to evaluate and integrate information from various sources and assess its impact on the human rights situation is crucial. Candidates should also show professionalism, commitment to gender perspectives, and the ability to analyze and interpret data to support decision-making.

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.

Experience:
A minimum of five 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 is essential, as is experience in engaging with the business sector. Desirable experience includes capacity-building and implementing technical cooperation projects, as well as program management and project implementation.

Languages:
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, proficiency in both languages is required, with a minimum level of proficiency specified in the UN Language Framework. Candidates must demonstrate their ability to read, write, listen, and speak effectively in both languages.

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 limited to the entity. 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 promotes a diverse and inclusive environment and provides reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities upon request. The recruitment process does not involve any fees, and candidates are advised to provide complete and accurate information in their applications.