Assistant Human Rights Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is a United Nations entity established to promote and protect human rights globally. It was founded in 1993 and operates in various countries, including Syria, where it focuses on addressing human rights violations and promoting accountability. The organization aims to ensure that human rights are respected and upheld, and it works with governments, civil society, and other stakeholders to achieve its mission. The OHCHR employs a diverse workforce dedicated to advancing human rights standards and addressing urgent human rights issues worldwide.

Job Overview:
The Assistant Human Rights Officer position is crucial for the implementation of the OHCHR's program in Syria. The role involves conducting research and analysis on human rights issues, particularly with a gender perspective, and participating in the preparation and execution of various programming activities such as meetings, workshops, and consultations. The incumbent will draft and translate reports and correspondence, undertake missions as required, and engage with relevant program partners, including UN actors and civil society representatives. The position also supports the OHCHR's mission and program strategy in Syria by participating in the annual office workplan process, identifying areas for intervention, monitoring trials, and assisting in human rights training programs for national law enforcement and civil society representatives. The Assistant Human Rights Officer will maintain awareness of current human rights issues and contribute to creating baseline data on the human rights situation in Syria, particularly focusing on vulnerable groups.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Assistant Human Rights Officer will be responsible for a variety of duties, including:

• Implementing OHCHR Syria program unit activities, which involve conducting research and analysis on relevant programming areas, including gender perspectives.
• Participating in the preparation and implementation of meetings, workshops, consultations, and other programming activities.
• Drafting and translating reports, briefings, and correspondence as needed.
• Undertaking missions as required to gather information and support program activities.
• Participating in meetings with relevant program partners, including UN actors, civil society representatives, and diplomatic representatives.
• Facilitating contacts with potential program partners to enhance collaboration.
• Supporting the OHCHR's mission and program strategy in Syria by participating in the annual office workplan process and identifying areas for office interventions.
• Monitoring and observing trials, preparing summaries of results, and maintaining awareness of current human rights issues, including political and legal developments in Syria.
• Assisting with human rights training programs for national law enforcement officials and civil society representatives to promote national capacity building. 1
• Liaising with government, NGOs, civil society organizations, UN agencies, and other partners to create baseline data on the human rights situation, with special attention to vulnerable groups. 1
• Performing other duties as required by the Representative within the context of OHCHR's mission and work plan in Syria.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of human rights issues and the ability to identify related problems in their political, ethnic, racial, gender equality, and socio-economic dimensions. Knowledge of the institutional mandates of human rights organizations, prevailing policies, and procedures is essential. Candidates should demonstrate research and analytical skills, including the ability to identify sources for data collection, analyze information, and draft human rights reports. Relevant IT skills, including familiarity with Microsoft Office and web-based applications, are also required. Candidates should show professionalism, effective communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

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 (Bachelor's degree or equivalent) combined with two years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:
For candidates holding a first-level university degree (Bachelor's degree or equivalent), a minimum of two years of experience in human rights, political affairs, international relations, law, or a related area is required. Candidates with an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) do not require prior work experience. Experience working on human rights-related issues within the United Nations Common System or other national or international organizations is desirable.

Languages:
English and Arabic are mandatory for this position, with English being required at UN Level II proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Arabic is also required at UN Level II proficiency. Knowledge of French is considered an asset but is not mandatory for this role.

Additional Notes:
The selected candidates will be granted a fixed-term appointment limited to the entity, and the renewal of the appointment is contingent upon the continued existence of the mandate and availability of funding. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment, and female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. The organization does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, and reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request.