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 issues such as transitional justice, accountability, and the protection of civilians. The OHCHR aims to integrate human rights into peace, humanitarian, and development planning, fostering partnerships and capacity-building initiatives to advance equality and accountability.

Job Overview:
The Human Rights Officer position is crucial for managing the programmatic support provided by the OHCHR Country Office to the national transitional justice process in Liberia. The incumbent will oversee the implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of multiple projects, offering technical support and strategic advice to the national government, civil society organizations (CSOs), victims' groups, academia, and the media. This role requires a deep understanding of victim-centered and participatory judicial and non-judicial transitional justice mechanisms. The Human Rights Officer will also provide authoritative legal advice, monitor compliance with international human rights and law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">humanitarian law, analyze data for early-warning and accountability, draft evidence-based reports, and integrate human rights perspectives into various planning processes. The position demands a proactive approach to fostering partnerships and advocacy initiatives that promote equality and ensure that no one is left behind.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Human Rights Officer will be responsible for leading and coordinating the monitoring of human rights and international humanitarian law implementation, ensuring follow-up on recommendations from various human rights mechanisms. The officer will manage the collection and documentation of evidence-based information on civil, cultural, economic, social, and political rights, supporting informed decision-making and identifying gaps in data handling. The role includes conducting analysis and preparing analytical papers to inform human rights strategies and policies, designing and delivering capacity-building programs for state institutions and civil society, and ensuring human rights mainstreaming in political, peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, humanitarian, and development frameworks. The officer will also provide technical assistance on justice administration and security-sector issues, advise UN leadership on human rights integration, promote transitional justice processes, manage fundraising activities, and coordinate training programs for UN staff and partners. Additionally, the officer will oversee team activities, including hiring and training staff, and ensuring deadlines are met.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess advanced skills in designing, delivering, and evaluating capacity-building and training programs. A strong understanding of integrating a human rights-based approach, gender equality, and women's empowerment into all areas of work is essential. Knowledge of international criminal law and its application is required, along with experience in program management. The ideal candidate should demonstrate professionalism, effective communication skills, and accountability in their work, showing a commitment to high standards of efficiency and integrity.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in human rights, law, political science, international relations, social sciences, economics, public policy, sustainable development, humanitarian affairs, 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 7 years of progressively responsible experience in human rights or related areas is required. Relevant experience may include political affairs, public affairs, international relations, law, social sciences, economics, development, humanitarian affairs, or other related fields. Candidates should have demonstrated skills in capacity-building and training design" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">program design and delivery, as well as knowledge of international criminal law and its application.

Languages:
English is the required working language 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 Secretariat, and proficiency in French is considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
The position is subject to a fixed-term appointment limited to the availability of funds and the extension of the mandate. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment, encouraging female candidates to apply. The recruitment process will adhere to the principles of geographic diversity and equality, with reasonable accommodations provided for applicants with disabilities upon request. The position may involve periodic relocation to different duty stations as per organizational needs.