Human Rights Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The job is posted by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), which is a part of the United Nations. The OHCHR was established in 1993 and is dedicated to promoting and protecting human rights globally. It operates in various countries and has a mission to ensure that human rights are respected and upheld, providing support to intergovernmental bodies and facilitating dialogue on human rights issues. The organization employs a diverse workforce and is committed to creating an inclusive environment that respects the rights of all individuals.

Job Overview:
The Human Rights Officer position is crucial for supporting the work of intergovernmental bodies at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The incumbent will be responsible for monitoring, reporting, and analyzing human rights issues, preparing reports for the General Assembly and Human Rights Council, and providing briefing notes and political analyses for senior officials. The role involves collaboration with Member States, UN agencies, and NGOs to integrate human rights into intergovernmental processes. The officer will also ensure that up-to-date information is available regarding human rights matters and will make recommendations for actions to be taken. This position requires a proactive approach to human rights advocacy and the ability to engage with various stakeholders effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Human Rights Officer will perform a variety of duties, including:

• Monitoring and reporting on the work of intergovernmental bodies related to human rights.
• Preparing relevant sections of reports for the General Assembly and Human Rights Council, including notes on the status of ratification of human rights instruments.
• Drafting briefing notes, political analyses, and talking points for senior officials.
• Collaborating with Member States and NGOs to integrate human rights into their programs.
• Designing and implementing human rights programs and evaluations.
• Ensuring the availability of up-to-date information on human rights issues and making recommendations for action.
• Coordinating with other UN sectors and international organizations on policy matters.
• Supporting the Chief of the Section in administrative functions and staff management.
• Training and supervising junior staff. 1
• Performing other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of human rights issues, including the ability to address complex problems related to political, ethnic, racial, gender, and socio-economic dimensions. Knowledge of the institutional mandates of human rights organizations and prevailing policies is essential. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to evaluate information from various sources and assess its impact on human rights situations. Skills in training civil authorities and advocacy groups are also required, along with the ability to relate human rights issues to broader political, social, and economic contexts. Candidates must show professionalism, effective communication, teamwork, and planning skills.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in human rights, law, political science, international relations, social sciences, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree combined with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, political affairs, international relations, law, or a related area is required. At least five years of experience at the international level in human rights is necessary, along with two years of direct experience engaging with intergovernmental bodies in this field. Additionally, candidates should have two years of experience in strategic outreach to national authorities or civil society in intergovernmental processes.

Languages:
English is required for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level III in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is also a working language of the United Nations, and proficiency in French is considered an asset, although not mandatory for this position.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available until December 31, 2026, with the possibility of extension subject to the availability of funds. The role is a temporary assignment and does not guarantee future employment in the same position. Candidates must adhere to the eligibility requirements outlined by the United Nations, including considerations for current staff members and retirees. The United Nations is committed to diversity and encourages female candidates to apply. Reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities may be provided upon request.