Human Rights Officer

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

• This 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 was established in 1993 and has a mission to ensure the universal enjoyment of human rights as enshrined in law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law. The organization employs a diverse workforce and operates in numerous countries, focusing on various human rights issues.

Job Overview:
The Human Rights Officer will play a crucial role in conducting investigations into allegations of human rights violations, international humanitarian law, and international criminal law. The incumbent will be responsible for utilizing open-source and digital investigation methodologies to gather and analyze evidence. This position requires a strong understanding of human rights issues and the ability to work under pressure while maintaining a high level of professionalism. The officer will also be expected to develop processes for investigations, prepare comprehensive reports, and ensure that human rights considerations are integrated into broader political and humanitarian efforts. The role demands a proactive approach to research and analysis, particularly concerning the human rights situation in the assigned region or country, and the ability to represent the UN human rights program in various meetings.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Human Rights Officer will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including: conducting open-source and digital investigations on human rights violations; setting up investigation tools and systems; verifying and analyzing digital content; collecting and preserving evidence from online sources; developing investigation processes; preparing detailed investigation reports; conducting substantive research and analysis; collecting and analyzing human rights data; integrating gender perspectives into human rights issues; defining work plans; representing the UN human rights program at meetings; writing reports and communications; and providing guidance to junior staff. The officer may also be required to perform other related duties as necessary.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong knowledge of human rights issues, including their political, ethnic, racial, and socio-economic dimensions. They should have the ability to identify and resolve human rights issues, conduct research, and analyze information effectively. The role requires a commitment to gender equality and the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues. Candidates should also demonstrate technological awareness and the ability to apply technology to their 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 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. At least two years of this experience must be in online open-source investigation, analysis, or verification in the context of international human rights activities or international criminal investigations. Relevant experience in the region is desirable, as is training in open-source investigation and analysis.

Languages:
Fluency in English (both oral and written) is required, as English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in Arabic is considered desirable, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with diverse populations and contexts.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available until September 30, 2026, subject to funding availability and/or extension of the mandate. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The position may be limited to internal candidates and is subject to various eligibility requirements. The UN does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, and reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities.