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 fundamental freedoms and rights of all individuals are respected and upheld. The organization operates in various countries around the world, engaging with governments, civil society, and other stakeholders to address human rights issues. The OHCHR is committed to the principles of equality, non-discrimination, and the rule of law, and it aims to empower individuals and communities to claim their rights. The organization employs a diverse workforce of professionals dedicated to advancing human rights and fostering a culture of respect and dignity for all.

Job Overview:
The Human Rights Officer position is critical within the OHCHR's Thematic and Special Procedures Division (TSP). The incumbent will provide direct support to the Director and other senior officials, ensuring that strategic management plans and divisional work plans are effectively developed and implemented. This role involves monitoring and evaluating international human rights projects, advising on the strategic implementation of thematic mandates, and integrating human rights considerations into various programs. The officer will also be responsible for data analysis and visualization to support decision-making processes, as well as training and supervising junior staff. The position requires a proactive approach to human rights issues, with a focus on collaboration and coordination across different sectors of the UN and with external partners.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Human Rights Officer will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including:

• Providing timely support to the Director and other senior officials in planning and implementing strategic management plans and divisional work plans.
• Monitoring and evaluating the implementation of international human rights projects and making recommendations based on findings.
• Advising on the strategic implementation of thematic human rights mandates and ensuring coherence across various branches and sections.
• Collaborating with programs to integrate human rights considerations, including gender dimensions, into their activities.
• Collecting and analyzing data to identify trends and patterns, and presenting insights through various data visualization methods.
• Coordinating with other UN sectors, international organizations, and governments on policy matters.
• Leading a team and managing administrative functions related to staff planning and budget.
• Training and supervising new and junior staff members.
• Performing other related duties as required to support the mission of the OHCHR.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of human rights issues and the ability to address complex problems in various contexts. They should demonstrate knowledge of institutional mandates and policies related to human rights organizations. The ability to evaluate and integrate information from diverse sources is essential, as is the capacity to conduct in-depth studies and provide actionable recommendations. Candidates should also exhibit strong skills in training and empowering others, as well as the ability to analyze and interpret data effectively.

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. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of human rights law and international relations.

Experience:
A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, political affairs, international relations, law, or a related area is required. Candidates should have experience in implementing thematic human rights programs, including resource coordination and budget management. Additionally, experience in strategic planning and advising senior leadership on thematic mandates is essential. Supervisory experience is also required, as the role involves managing a team and ensuring effective collaboration.

Languages:
The working languages of the United Nations Secretariat are English and French. For this position, proficiency in English is required, with a minimum level of UN Level III in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is considered desirable, with a minimum level of UN Level II in all language skills. This bilingual requirement reflects the need for effective communication within the UN system and with external partners.

Additional Notes:
This position is initially available for a period of one year and is subject to the availability of funding. The recruitment process emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from candidates of all backgrounds. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance in its workforce and strongly encourages female candidates to apply. The organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities upon request.