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 human rights are respected and upheld in all countries, providing support to governments, civil society, and other stakeholders. The organization operates in various countries, focusing on monitoring human rights situations, providing technical assistance, and promoting accountability for human rights violations. The OHCHR is committed to the principles of equality, non-discrimination, and the rule of law, and it engages in advocacy and capacity-building efforts to strengthen human rights frameworks worldwide.

Job Overview:
The Associate Human Rights Officer position is integral to the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU), focusing on conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV). The incumbent will be responsible for researching and collecting information on human rights issues, particularly those related to CRSV, and analyzing emerging trends and violations. This role requires drafting reports and correspondence, participating in hearings and consultations, and maintaining awareness of current human rights issues in Ukraine. The Associate Human Rights Officer will also engage in training programs for national law enforcement and civil society representatives, promoting national capacity building. The position demands a proactive approach to community mobilization and advocacy efforts aimed at preventing human rights violations. The incumbent will work closely with various stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and UN partners, to create baseline data on human rights situations, particularly for vulnerable groups. Additionally, the role involves designing and maintaining databases to track project progress and utilizing data visualization methods for effective reporting and decision-making.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Associate Human Rights Officer will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including: researching and collecting information on human rights issues, particularly CRSV; drafting reports and correspondence related to human rights matters; participating in hearings and consultations and preparing summaries; maintaining awareness of current human rights issues and relevant political and legal developments; ensuring compliance with standards and methods of work; participating in human rights training programs; reviewing human rights issues and integrating them into broader political, humanitarian, and economic efforts; promoting community mobilization and the exercise of rights; engaging in advocacy with authorities to prevent human rights violations; liaising with government, NGOs, and civil society organizations to create baseline data; designing and maintaining databases for project tracking; analyzing data to identify trends and providing insights through reports and visualizations; and performing other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of human rights issues, including their political, ethnic, racial, gender equality, and socio-economic dimensions. They should have knowledge of the institutional mandates of human rights organizations and prevailing policies and procedures. Research and analytical skills are essential, along with the ability to identify sources for data collection, analyze information, and draft human rights reports. The ideal candidate will demonstrate professionalism, efficiency, and a commitment to gender perspectives in their work. Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, are necessary, as well as the ability to plan and organize 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 in the aforementioned fields, combined with two additional years of qualifying work experience, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, political affairs, international relations, law, or a related area is required. At least one year of experience in human rights and/or International Humanitarian Law data analytics is desirable. Experience conducting interviews with victims and witnesses of human rights violations is also desirable, as is experience within the United Nations common system or a similar international organization.

Languages:
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, proficiency in English is required, as well as fluency in Ukrainian and Russian. Candidates must demonstrate a minimum level of proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking for each of these languages, as per the UN Language Framework.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available for six months, with the possibility of extension subject to the availability of funds. Candidates for the National Professional Officer category must be nationals of Ukraine. 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 position is subject to the eligibility requirements outlined in the UN's staff regulations and rules. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.