Human Rights Adviser (HRA)

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Office of the United Nations Resident Coordinator (UNRC) in Apia, Samoa. The UNRC's mission is to coordinate the efforts of various UN agencies and ensure that human rights are integrated into their programs and activities. The UNRC operates in multiple countries, focusing on promoting sustainable development and human rights. The organization emphasizes the importance of collaboration among different UN entities to achieve common goals and uphold international norms and standards.

Job Overview:
The Human Rights Adviser (HRA) plays a crucial role in supporting the UN Resident Coordinator and the UN Country Team in integrating human rights into their programs, particularly through the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF). The HRA is expected to build the capacities of the UN Country Team to apply a human rights-based approach, conduct situational assessments, and facilitate country-level coordination. This position involves advising on strategies to strengthen national capacities for the promotion and protection of human rights, advocating for human rights as a common UN value, and supporting engagement with international human rights mechanisms. The HRA will also provide technical assistance to national stakeholders and participate in various UN meetings and planning processes.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The HRA will be responsible for several key duties, including: supporting the UNRC and UNCT in integrating human rights into their programs; advising on strategies to build national capacities for human rights; promoting human rights through advocacy and awareness-raising; advising on humanitarian responses in emergencies; liaising with the Regional Office; supporting engagement with international human rights mechanisms; providing capacity building and technical assistance to national stakeholders; and supervising staff or UN volunteers as required. The role requires a proactive approach to identifying issues and resolving problems, as well as effective communication and leadership skills.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of human rights theories, concepts, and approaches. They should demonstrate the ability to analyze complex situations, conduct independent research, and manage conflicting priorities. Professionalism, communication skills, and leadership qualities are essential, as the HRA will serve as a role model and empower others to achieve objectives. The ability to incorporate gender perspectives and ensure equal participation is also crucial.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in law, political science, international relations, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in the field of human rights at both national and international levels is required. Candidates should have experience in development or humanitarian contexts, and experience working on human rights issues in a field office is desirable. Additionally, experience in inter-agency coordination and capacity building initiatives is preferred, along with familiarity with international human rights mechanisms or treaty bodies.

Languages:
English is the mandatory working language for this position, with a required proficiency level of UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is considered a good to have language, but English proficiency is essential for effective communication within the UN.

Additional Notes:
The position may involve an extension of the appointment based on the availability of funds and the extension of the mandate. The United Nations is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from candidates of all backgrounds. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. The recruitment process adheres to strict standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity, with a focus on geographic diversity. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities. The position is subject to a probationary period of one year for external candidates.