Associate 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 respected and upheld, providing support to various human rights mechanisms and promoting accountability for human rights violations. The organization operates in numerous countries, engaging with governments, civil society, and other stakeholders to advance human rights agendas. The OHCHR is committed to fostering a culture of respect for human rights and aims to empower individuals and communities to claim their rights. The organization employs a diverse workforce and is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment that values diversity and equality.

Job Overview:
The Associate Human Rights Officer position is a critical role within the OHCHR, specifically in the Thematic and Special Procedures Division. The incumbent will support the special procedures mandate of the Human Rights Council, which involves preparing for country visits, drafting communications, and producing thematic reports. This role requires extensive research and analysis of human rights issues, including their gender dimensions, to provide up-to-date information on the human rights situation in assigned areas. The officer will be responsible for drafting reports and correspondence related to human rights matters, participating in hearings and consultations, and maintaining awareness of current human rights issues and relevant political and legal developments. The position also involves liaising with various stakeholders, including government entities, NGOs, and civil society organizations, to gather baseline data on human rights situations, particularly concerning vulnerable groups. The Associate Human Rights Officer will play a vital role in discussions aimed at preventing human rights violations and ensuring accountability for such actions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Associate Human Rights Officer include:

• Providing support to the assigned special procedures mandate of the Human Rights Council, including preparation for country visits and drafting communications and thematic reports.
• Researching and collecting information on human rights matters from various data sources, including communications, publications, and the press, to stay informed about issues and events.
• Assisting in the analysis of information related to human rights situations, including the impact of political, ethnic, racial, and socio-economic factors.
• Drafting a variety of reports and correspondence concerning human rights issues.
• Participating in hearings and consultations, preparing summaries of results for internal and external stakeholders.
• Maintaining awareness of current human rights issues and relevant political and legal developments in the countries concerned.
• Reviewing human rights issues and participating in discussions with other Human Rights Officers to integrate these issues into broader political, humanitarian, and economic efforts.
• Engaging with relevant authorities and influential actors to prevent human rights violations and seek remedial actions.
• Liaising with government, NGOs, civil society organizations, UN agencies, and other partners to create baseline data on human rights situations, focusing on vulnerable groups. 1
• Performing other related duties as required by the Chief of the Special Procedures, Equality and Non-Discrimination Section.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Associate Human Rights Officer position include:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law, political science, international relations, social sciences, or a related field.
• A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• A first-level university degree with no experience will be accepted for candidates who have passed the Young Professionals Programme Examination (YPP), the United Nations National Competitive Recruitment Examination (NCRE), or the General Service to Professional (G to P).

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as law, political science, international relations, or social sciences. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Candidates with a first-level university degree and no experience may qualify if they have passed specific United Nations competitive examinations.

Experience:
A minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, political affairs, international relations, law, or a related area is required. Candidates who have passed a United Nations Competitive Recruitment Examination may not need prior experience. Additionally, at least one (1) year of experience with human rights mechanisms is desirable, along with experience in drafting official reports.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in French or Spanish is desirable. The minimum required level for each skill in these languages is specified according to the UN Language Framework, with English requiring UN Level III proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking, while French and Spanish are desirable at similar levels.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available for three (3) months, with the possibility of extension subject to the availability of funds. Current staff members holding a fixed-term, permanent, or continuing appointment may apply for temporary positions no more than one level above their current grade. The selection process for this temporary assignment will be administered as a temporary assignment for current staff members from the United Nations Secretariat. The position is subject to various eligibility requirements, including considerations for candidates based on their current employment status and the funding source of the position. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment.