Assistant Human Rights Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within 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 the country. The organization operates in various regions of Afghanistan, focusing on human rights issues, governance, and development. UNAMA employs a diverse workforce, including international and national staff, and collaborates with various stakeholders, including local authorities, civil society, and other UN agencies.

Job Overview:
The Assistant Human Rights Officer plays a crucial role in supporting the UNAMA's human rights mandate. This position involves planning, coordinating, and implementing activities related to human rights, with a strong emphasis on gender perspectives and the protection of vulnerable groups. The officer will engage in research, data collection, and analysis to monitor the human rights situation in Afghanistan, ensuring that the rights of women, children, and other marginalized populations are prioritized. The role requires collaboration with local authorities and civil society to address human rights violations and promote awareness of international human rights standards. The Assistant Human Rights Officer will also participate in field missions and contribute to the development of strategies aimed at enhancing human rights protection in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Assistant Human Rights Officer will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including: assisting in the planning and implementation of human rights activities; contributing to the integration of gender perspectives in all work; researching and analyzing information relevant to human rights; liaising with local authorities and stakeholders; developing initiatives to address human rights violations; conducting monitoring visits to detention facilities; preparing reports and presentations on human rights issues; formulating recommendations for promoting human rights; collaborating with other UN components to integrate human rights considerations; supporting human rights discussions with various stakeholders; organizing awareness-raising seminars; and performing translation and interpretation tasks as needed.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strong knowledge of human rights issues, international human rights law, and the ability to analyze complex situations from various perspectives, including political, ethnic, and socio-economic dimensions. The role requires excellent research and analytical skills, as well as the ability to draft comprehensive reports. Candidates should demonstrate professionalism, effective communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment. A commitment to gender equality and the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work is essential.

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

Experience:
Candidates should have at least two years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, social work, legal affairs, or a closely related field. Experience working with national and international human rights standards and mechanisms is essential. Additionally, experience in human rights monitoring and reporting, as well as in raising awareness and building capacity for human rights promotion, is required. Previous project management experience is considered desirable.

Languages:
English is the required working language for this position, while knowledge of Dari and Pashto is desirable. Candidates should demonstrate proficiency in these languages according to the UN Language Framework, which outlines the minimum required levels for each skill in these languages.

Additional Notes:
The job is based in Kabul, Afghanistan, and may involve field missions to various locations within the country. The position is full-time, and while specific contract duration details are not provided, candidates should be prepared for the challenges of working in a complex and dynamic environment. Compensation and benefits will be in accordance with UN standards.