Human Rights Officer (Legal Adviser)

Job Posting Organization:
The position is based within the Independent International Fact Finding Mission for the Sudan, established pursuant to Human Rights Council Resolution A/HRC/RES/60/

• The mission operates under the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), which is dedicated to promoting and protecting human rights globally. The OHCHR works to ensure that human rights are respected and upheld in various contexts, including conflict situations, and aims to provide support to countries in their efforts to fulfill their human rights obligations. The organization is committed to addressing human rights violations and promoting accountability, with a focus on vulnerable populations and marginalized groups. The OHCHR employs a diverse workforce and operates in multiple countries, engaging with various stakeholders to advance human rights initiatives.

Job Overview:
The Human Rights Officer (Legal Adviser) will play a crucial role in advising the Fact Finding Mission on legal matters related to human rights investigations. The incumbent will be responsible for conducting thorough legal analysis and research, contributing to the drafting of investigation plans, and ensuring the legal accuracy of all documents produced by the mission. This position requires a deep understanding of the applicable legal frameworks and standards relevant to the human rights situation under investigation. The officer will also be tasked with identifying trends and patterns of human rights violations, providing legal opinions, and advising on accountability measures. The role demands a commitment to integrating gender perspectives into legal analyses and ensuring that the findings reflect the gendered impact of violations. The officer will work closely with the investigation team, conducting interviews and gathering information to support the mission's objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Human Rights Officer (Legal Adviser) will be responsible for the following duties: advising the team on the applicable legal framework and standards; conducting legal analysis and research; drafting investigation plans; suggesting legal qualifications of gathered information; advising on standards of proof and determining responsibilities; providing legal opinions and drafting briefing documents; ensuring legal accuracy of reports and submissions; identifying trends in human rights violations; drafting legal frameworks for reports; conducting information gathering activities; integrating gender perspectives into legal analyses; advising on legal findings and recommendations; and performing other duties as required. This comprehensive set of responsibilities highlights the importance of legal expertise in the context of human rights investigations and the need for a proactive approach to addressing complex legal issues.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong background in human rights, international law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">humanitarian law, and international criminal law. A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible work experience in these fields is required, with at least two years of experience providing legal analysis to human rights investigative bodies or tribunals. The role demands a thorough understanding of the legal standards applicable to human rights investigations and the ability to evaluate and integrate information from various sources. Candidates should demonstrate professionalism, teamwork, and strong planning and organizing skills, as well as the ability to work collaboratively in a diverse environment.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in international law or a related discipline is required for this position. Alternatively, a first-level university degree with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. This educational background is essential for understanding the complex legal frameworks that govern human rights issues and for providing informed legal advice to the Fact Finding Mission.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible work experience in human rights, international humanitarian law, and international criminal law. At least two years of this experience must involve providing legal analysis to human rights investigative bodies or tribunals. Candidates with working experience in the region of focus will be viewed favorably, as this knowledge can enhance the effectiveness of the legal advisement provided to the mission.

Languages:
Fluency in English (both oral and written) is required for this position, as English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Additionally, fluency in Arabic is desirable, as it may facilitate communication and understanding in the context of the mission's work. The ability to communicate effectively in these languages is crucial for the successful execution of the duties associated with this role.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available until 30 September 2026, subject to the availability of funding and/or extension of the mandate. The selection process may be limited to internal candidates or those based at the duty station, and the position is classified as a temporary assignment. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance in its workforce and encourages female candidates to apply. The recruitment process adheres to strict standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity, and candidates with a history of violations of international human rights law or other serious offenses will not be considered for employment. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.