Consultant for Human Rights Assessment

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is a part of the United Nations system and was established in 199

• Its mission is to promote and protect human rights globally. The organization operates in various countries around the world, working to ensure that human rights are respected and upheld. OHCHR engages in a wide range of activities, including monitoring human rights situations, providing technical assistance, and supporting the implementation of international human rights standards. The organization employs a diverse workforce of professionals dedicated to advancing human rights and operates in numerous countries, collaborating with local governments and civil society organizations.

Job Overview:
The Consultant for Human Rights Assessment will play a crucial role in supporting OHCHR Mozambique in evaluating the compliance of the Mozambican Armed Forces (FADM) with international human rights standards. This position involves a combination of home-based work and in-country collaboration, particularly in Maputo. The consultant will be responsible for developing a standard operating procedure (SOP) that aligns with international human rights standards, facilitating a consultation workshop with the Ministry of Defense, and integrating feedback from this workshop into the draft SOP. The role requires a strong understanding of human rights issues, particularly as they pertain to armed forces, and the ability to ensure that gender perspectives are incorporated into all aspects of the work. The consultant will also liaise with various stakeholders, including OHCHR staff and the Regional Office in Southern Africa, to ensure effective communication and collaboration throughout the assessment process.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Consultant will undertake several key responsibilities, including:

• Supporting OHCHR Mozambique in assessing the institutional framework of the Mozambican Armed Forces (FADM) for compliance with international human rights standards.
• Developing a standard operating procedure (SOP) on a specific human rights thematic area that aligns with international standards, primarily through home-based work.
• Organizing a consultation workshop in collaboration with OHCHR and the Ministry of Defense of Mozambique (MoD) to discuss the SOP and gather input from relevant stakeholders.
• Integrating feedback and inputs from the validation workshop into the draft SOP, ensuring that it reflects the perspectives of all involved parties.
• Liaising with OHCHR staff in Mozambique, the Regional Office in Southern Africa, and OHCHR Headquarters as necessary to facilitate the assessment process.
• Ensuring that a gender perspective is integrated into all areas of work, promoting inclusivity and equality in the assessment process.
• Performing any other related duties as required to support the overall objectives of the OHCHR in Mozambique.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires an advanced degree in law, political science, international relations, social sciences, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Additionally, candidates must possess a minimum of ten years of relevant work experience, demonstrating a strong background in human rights issues, particularly those related to armed forces. Knowledge of human rights standards and the ability to develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) are essential qualifications for this role. Experience working directly with armed forces is considered desirable, as it will enhance the consultant's ability to navigate the complexities of the assessment process.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold an advanced degree in a relevant field such as law, political science, international relations, or social sciences. In cases where candidates possess a first-level university degree, they must also have two additional years of qualifying work experience to meet the educational requirements. This educational background is crucial for understanding the legal and political frameworks that govern human rights and the operations of armed forces.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of ten years of relevant work experience in the field of human rights, with a specific focus on issues related to armed forces. Candidates should have a proven track record of working on human rights assessments, developing standard operating procedures, and engaging with governmental and non-governmental organizations. Experience in implementing human rights standards within military contexts is highly valued, as it will contribute to the effectiveness of the consultant's work in assessing the Mozambican Armed Forces.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within the United Nations system. Knowledge of Portuguese is considered desirable, as it will facilitate communication with local stakeholders and enhance the consultant's ability to engage effectively in the Mozambican context. Proficiency in both languages will be an asset in ensuring comprehensive understanding and collaboration throughout the assessment process.

Additional Notes:
The position is home-based with specific responsibilities requiring in-country collaboration in Maputo. The expected duration of the consultancy is from July 1, 2026, to August 31, 202

• It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. The organization is committed to maintaining the integrity of its recruitment practices and does not request information regarding applicants' bank accounts.