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 operates in various regions, including East and Southern Africa, and is dedicated to ensuring that human rights are upheld in accordance with international standards. The organization works with governments, civil society, and other stakeholders to address human rights violations and promote accountability. The OHCHR is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment, emphasizing the importance of gender balance and the participation of marginalized groups in its operations.

Job Overview:
The Senior Human Rights Officer position is a senior-level role within the OHCHR's Regional Hub for East and Southern Africa, located in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The incumbent will be responsible for providing strategic oversight and guidance on human rights issues, ensuring that human rights considerations are integrated into various policies and programs. This role involves drafting and disseminating human rights reports, conducting legal analyses, and preparing analytical papers to inform strategies and decision-making processes. The Senior Human Rights Officer will also oversee the collection and analysis of multi-source information relevant to human rights situations, ensuring data quality and compliance with methodological standards. The position requires a strong focus on gender integration and the principle of leaving no one behind in all technical outputs and initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Human Rights Officer will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Providing strategic oversight for the drafting and dissemination of human rights reports and communications.
• Ensuring the preparation of analytical papers to inform strategies and policies.
• Overseeing the collection, verification, and analysis of information relevant to human rights situations.
• Advising national counterparts on drafting legislation and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security-sector reforms that align with international human rights norms.
• Strengthening human rights systems and frameworks at national and regional levels.
• Directing human rights capacity-building programs for various stakeholders.
• Ensuring the integration of human rights norms into political, peace, and security frameworks.
• Representing the human rights function in senior management and UN coordination fora.
• Developing strategies for the protection of civilians and addressing issues like conflict-related sexual violence. 1
• Overseeing research and policy advice on human rights issues in the context of economic policy and sustainable development. 1
• Managing and coordinating team activities, including hiring and training staff. 1
• Ensuring compliance with UN data privacy and security standards.

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 with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of an 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, 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 with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university 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 in a large multi-stakeholder environment, integrating a human rights-based approach into all areas of work.

Languages:
English is required for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level III in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French and Arabic are desirable, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level I in these languages. Proficiency in multiple languages is beneficial for effective communication within the UN system and with various stakeholders.

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.