Human Rights Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is a leading global organization dedicated to promoting and protecting human rights worldwide. Established in 1993, OHCHR operates in various countries and regions, focusing on ensuring that human rights are upheld and respected. The organization works with governments, civil society, and other stakeholders to address human rights violations and promote accountability. With a mission to promote universal respect for human rights, OHCHR engages in advocacy, capacity building, and monitoring to support the implementation of international human rights standards.

Job Overview:
The Human Rights Officer position is integral to the Regional Liaison Team for Europe and Central Asia within the Global Operations Division of OHCHR. The incumbent will report directly to the Chief of the Regional Liaison Team and will be responsible for a range of functions aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of human rights initiatives in the region. This role involves attending and reporting on OHCHR meetings, facilitating coordination between regional hubs and Geneva-based entities, and engaging with civil society representatives during critical sessions such as the Human Rights Council. The officer will also be tasked with planning and coordinating activities related to thematic and country mandates on human rights, ensuring that gender perspectives are integrated into all efforts. The position requires the collection and analysis of human rights data, providing support to various commissions and bodies, and ensuring that human rights considerations are embedded in political, humanitarian, and economic efforts. The officer will also supervise field verification work and represent the UN human rights program at meetings, directing capacity-building efforts in the assigned region or country.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Human Rights Officer will undertake a variety of duties, including but not limited to: attending and reporting on OHCHR meetings and engagements with Permanent Missions and stakeholders; facilitating coordination between the Regional Hub for Europe and Central Asia and Geneva-based OHCHR entities; interacting with civil society representatives during Human Rights Council sessions; planning and coordinating activities related to thematic and country mandates on human rights; collecting and analyzing human rights data and indicators; providing support to sub-commissions and commissions; ensuring integration of human rights issues into political and humanitarian efforts; defining work plans in accordance with established terms of reference; assisting military and police in developing training programs on human rights; supervising field verification work; representing the UN human rights program at meetings; and directing capacity-building efforts in the region.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of human rights issues, including their political, ethnic, racial, gender equality, and socio-economic dimensions. They should have knowledge of the institutional mandates of human rights organizations, prevailing policies, and procedures. Research and analytical skills are essential, as is the ability to identify sources for data collection and draft comprehensive human rights reports. Candidates should demonstrate professionalism, teamwork, and effective planning and organizing skills, with a commitment to incorporating gender perspectives into their work.

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 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, political affairs, international relations, law, or a related area is required. This experience should demonstrate the candidate's ability to handle complex human rights issues and engage with various stakeholders effectively.

Languages:
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, proficiency in English is required, while knowledge of Russian is desirable. Candidates should meet the UN Language Framework standards for reading, writing, listening, and speaking in these languages.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available for three months, with the possibility of extension subject to the availability of funds. Current staff members holding a fixed-term, permanent, or continuing appointment may apply for temporary positions no more than one level above their current grade. The position is subject to various eligibility requirements, including considerations for internal candidates and those who have reached the mandatory age of separation. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, and reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities.