Senior 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 rights of individuals are respected and upheld, providing support to various countries and regions in their efforts to improve human rights conditions. The organization operates in multiple countries and has a mission to promote universal respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. The OHCHR is committed to addressing human rights violations and fostering a culture of accountability and justice. It employs a diverse workforce of professionals dedicated to advancing human rights standards and practices.

Job Overview:
The Senior Human Rights Officer position is a critical role within the OHCHR's Regional Hub for East and Southern Africa, located in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The incumbent will operate under the delegated authority of the Regional Director and will be responsible for providing strategic oversight and final clearance for the drafting and dissemination of human rights reports and communications. This role requires a deep understanding of human rights issues, legal analysis, and the ability to inform strategies and policies that address human rights challenges. The officer will also oversee the collection, verification, and analysis of multi-source information relevant to human rights situations, ensuring that gender perspectives and the principle of leaving no one behind are integrated into all outputs. The position demands a high level of strategic thinking, planning, and coordination skills, as well as the ability to provide authoritative guidance to national and regional counterparts in strengthening their human rights systems and frameworks.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Human Rights Officer will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including but not limited to: providing strategic oversight for human rights reports and communications; ensuring the integration of gender perspectives in all technical outputs; advising on the drafting of complex legislation and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security-sector reforms; guiding national counterparts in strengthening human rights systems; overseeing capacity-building programs for state institutions and civil society; ensuring human rights norms are integrated into various frameworks; representing the human rights function in senior management and UN coordination fora; developing strategies for the protection of civilians and addressing discrimination; managing resource mobilization strategies; and overseeing communication strategies to amplify human rights messaging. The officer will also be responsible for managing a team, ensuring professional development, and maintaining confidentiality and integrity in handling sensitive information.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law, political science, international relations, social sciences, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level or advanced degree in any field of studies, combined with two additional years of relevant work experience, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. The position requires a minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in human rights or related areas, including political affairs, public affairs, international relations, law, social sciences, economics, or humanitarian affairs. Candidates should demonstrate strategic thinking skills, planning and organizing abilities in a multi-stakeholder environment, and knowledge of regional and international human rights mechanisms.

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. A first-level or advanced degree in any field, combined with two additional years of relevant work experience, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree in the specified fields of studies.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in human rights or related areas. 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 strategic thinking skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a large multi-stakeholder environment.

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 and Arabic are desirable languages, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level I in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

Additional Notes:
This position is available for an initial period of one year and is subject to the availability of funding. Staff members of the United Nations Secretariat must fulfill the lateral move requirements to be eligible to apply for this vacancy. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and encourages female candidates to apply. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.