Human Rights Officer (Investigator)

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Iran, which operates under the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). The OHCHR is dedicated to promoting and protecting human rights globally, ensuring that international human rights standards are upheld. The organization was established in 1993 and has a mission to address human rights violations and promote accountability. It operates in various countries, focusing on issues such as discrimination, violence, and the rights of marginalized groups. The OHCHR employs a diverse workforce and collaborates with numerous stakeholders, including governments, civil society, and international organizations, to achieve its objectives.

Job Overview:
The Human Rights Officer (Investigator) will play a crucial role in the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Iran, tasked with investigating allegations of human rights violations. The incumbent will be responsible for researching, collecting, and analyzing information related to human rights, international law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">humanitarian law, and international criminal law. This position requires conducting interviews with victims and witnesses to gather corroborative evidence of violations, monitoring trends in human rights abuses, and employing various investigative methods and tools. The officer will also ensure the protection of victims and witnesses, maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information, and integrate gender perspectives into all aspects of the investigation. The role demands a high level of professionalism, analytical skills, and the ability to work collaboratively within a team to achieve the mission's goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Human Rights Officer (Investigator) will be responsible for the following duties:

• Researching, collecting, and analyzing information related to human rights violations and international law.
• Conducting investigations, including interviews with victims and witnesses, to gather evidence and corroborate allegations.
• Monitoring trends and patterns of human rights violations.
• Utilizing monitoring and mapping tools, including satellite imagery, to support investigations.
• Identifying alleged perpetrators based on gathered information.
• Participating in and organizing missions to sites of violations.
• Ensuring the protection of victims and witnesses in accordance with established methodologies.
• Safeguarding the information and documentation related to investigations.
• Drafting analytical documents, including gender analyses, and contributing to the Fact-Finding Mission's reports. 1
• Integrating gender-sensitive approaches throughout the investigation process. 1
• Performing other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong knowledge of international human rights law, international humanitarian law, and international criminal law. They should demonstrate the ability to identify and address human rights issues in various contexts, including political, ethnic, racial, and socio-economic dimensions. Strong research and analytical skills are essential, along with the ability to draft comprehensive human rights reports. Candidates should also exhibit professionalism, efficiency, and a commitment to gender equality in 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 experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible work experience in human rights is required, with at least two years specifically focused on investigating violations of international human rights law and/or international criminal law. Relevant experience in the Middle East region is considered desirable, as it provides context and understanding of the complexities involved in human rights investigations in that area.

Languages:
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat, with English being mandatory for this position. Proficiency in Persian is desirable, and knowledge of another UN language is considered an advantage. Candidates must demonstrate a high level of proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking in English, as per the UN Language Framework.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available until December 31, 2026, and is subject to the availability of funds and/or extension of the mandate. Candidates should be aware that current staff members holding fixed-term, permanent, or continuing appointments may apply for temporary positions under specific conditions. The position is open to both internal and external candidates, and the United Nations is committed to diversity and inclusion in its workforce. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. The recruitment process does not involve any fees, and the United Nations does not request information regarding applicants' bank accounts.