Human Rights Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The position is within the Office of the Human Rights Service of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). UNAMA was established to support the Afghan government and people in their efforts to promote peace, stability, and human rights in Afghanistan. The mission focuses on various aspects of human rights, including the protection of civilians, and operates in a challenging environment marked by ongoing conflict and humanitarian crises. UNAMA employs a diverse workforce and collaborates with various stakeholders, including local authorities, civil society, and international organizations, to address human rights issues in the country.

Job Overview:
The Human Rights Officer will be stationed in Kabul, which is classified as an 'E' hardship and non-family duty station. This role involves significant responsibilities in managing and implementing human rights initiatives in accordance with the UNAMA Human Rights Service workplan. The officer will support the Human Rights Officer/Team Leader in planning and coordinating activities related to the thematic mandates of the UNAMA Human Rights Service, focusing on the protection of civilians, women's rights, children's rights, and the rights of other vulnerable groups. The position requires conducting substantive research and analysis of human rights issues, integrating UN-developed methodologies into monitoring and reporting activities, and contributing to initiatives aimed at addressing human rights violations. The officer will also engage with de facto authorities to advocate for human rights and ensure that human rights considerations are integrated into the work of UNAMA and its partners.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Human Rights Officer will undertake a variety of duties, including supporting the management and implementation of human rights work, conducting research and analysis on human rights issues, collecting and analyzing human rights data, and developing initiatives to address systematic patterns of human rights violations. The officer will ensure timely entry of verified cases of human rights violations into established databases, plan and coordinate the collection of monitoring data, and prepare reports for information-sharing and decision-making. The role also involves organizing meetings with de facto authorities, conducting human rights awareness discussions, drafting reports and communications, and representing the UNAMA Human Rights Service at relevant meetings and events. Additionally, the officer may serve as Officer-in-Charge in the absence of the Human Rights Officer/Team Leader and perform other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong knowledge of human rights issues, international human rights law, and the human rights-based approach to fieldwork. They should demonstrate good research and analytical skills, the ability to evaluate information from various sources, and the capacity to identify and resolve human rights issues. The role requires a commitment to gender perspectives and the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Candidates should also exhibit professionalism, accountability, teamwork, and performance management skills, ensuring that they meet organizational goals and support the development of their colleagues.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in law, political science, international relations, social sciences, humanities, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in human rights issues is required, particularly concerning the protection of civilians and related rights. Candidates should have at least two years of experience in a UN peace operation or international organization, focusing on human rights fact-finding and reporting in conflict settings. Additionally, two years of experience in leading and managing multicultural teams is required, along with experience in coordinating inter-thematic collaborations and workflows. Desirable experience includes human rights case management, data analytics, and knowledge of the UNAMA Human Rights mandate, especially with prior experience in Afghanistan.

Languages:
English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Proficiency in either Dari or Pashto is desirable, as these languages are relevant to the local context and may enhance communication with local stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Kabul, which is classified as a hardship and non-family duty station. The job may involve significant challenges due to the security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security situation in Afghanistan. The role is full-time, and candidates should be prepared for the complexities of working in a conflict-affected environment. Specific details regarding contract duration, compensation, and benefits were not provided in the job description.