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 regions around the world, including South-East Asia, where it focuses on addressing human rights issues pertinent to the region. The OHCHR aims to foster a culture of human rights through advocacy, education, and the provision of technical assistance to governments and civil society organizations. The organization is committed to promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women, ensuring that human rights are integrated into all aspects of its work. The OHCHR employs a diverse workforce of professionals dedicated to advancing human rights and operates in numerous countries, collaborating with various stakeholders to achieve its mission.

Job Overview:
The Human Rights Officer position is crucial for addressing the intersection of climate change and human rights, particularly the right to a healthy environment. The officer will be responsible for planning and coordinating activities that relate to these critical issues, ensuring that gender perspectives are integrated into all initiatives. This role involves conducting substantive research and analysis of human rights issues/events, assessing their impact on the human rights situation in the assigned region or country. The officer will collect and analyze human rights data, including gender-specific indicators, to inform policy-making and program implementation. The position requires collaboration with various bodies and stakeholders to ensure that human rights considerations are integrated into political, humanitarian, and economic efforts. The Human Rights Officer will also be responsible for capacity-building efforts in the region, writing reports and communications, and providing guidance to junior staff. This role is essential for promoting human rights in the context of climate change and ensuring that the voices of affected communities are heard and considered in decision-making processes.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Human Rights Officer will undertake a variety of duties, including: planning and coordinating activities related to climate change and human rights; conducting research and analysis on human rights issues related to climate change; collecting and analyzing human rights data and indicators; providing support to sub-commissions and other bodies; ensuring integration of human rights issues into various efforts; defining work plans; following up on cases verified by regional offices; representing the UN human rights program at meetings; directing capacity-building efforts; writing reports and communications; collecting and analyzing data to identify trends; and performing other related duties as required. The officer will also be responsible for ensuring that gender perspectives are incorporated into all areas of work and will need to demonstrate professionalism, teamwork, and effective planning and organizing skills.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of human rights issues related to climate change and the right to a healthy environment. They should have the ability to identify problems in their political, ethnic, racial, gender equality, and socio-economic dimensions. Knowledge of institutional mandates of human rights organizations and prevailing policies related to climate change is essential. Candidates should demonstrate research and analytical skills, including the ability to draft human rights reports and evaluate information from various sources. The ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and to develop clear goals and priorities is also required. Candidates should show a commitment to gender equality and the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

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. Successful completion of degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics, or data science is considered an advantage, as it aligns with the data-driven aspects of 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. Additionally, two or more years of experience specifically related to climate change and the right to a healthy environment is desirable. This experience should demonstrate the candidate's ability to handle complex human rights issues and contribute to the development of effective strategies and solutions.

Languages:
English is required 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 Secretariat, and proficiency in French is considered an asset. Candidates should be able to communicate effectively in both languages, as this will enhance their ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders and contribute to the organization's goals.

Additional Notes:
The position is subject to the availability of funds and the extension of the mandate. Candidates for the National Professional Officer category must be nationals of Thailand. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and encourages female candidates to apply. The organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and is dedicated to ensuring the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity in its hiring practices. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities to support their participation in the recruitment process.