Human Rights Officer/SGBV Investigator

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), which is a part of the United Nations. The OHCHR was established to promote and protect human rights for all people. It works to ensure that international human rights standards are upheld and that violations are addressed. The organization operates globally, with a mission to promote universal respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. The OHCHR is involved in various initiatives and programs aimed at strengthening the protection of human rights, providing assistance to governments, and supporting civil society organizations. The OHCHR employs a diverse workforce of professionals dedicated to human rights advocacy and protection, and it operates in numerous countries around the world, engaging with various stakeholders to promote human rights and accountability.

Job Overview:
The Human Rights Officer/SGBV Investigator will play a crucial role in investigating cases of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in Belarus. This position requires the incumbent to lead research efforts, collect and analyze information related to SGBV, and provide expert advice on drafting information gathering plans. The officer will be responsible for proposing effective methods for conducting investigations, including interviewing victims and witnesses. The role involves monitoring trends and patterns of human rights violations, employing various tools for data collection, and ensuring the protection of victims and witnesses throughout the investigation process. The officer will also be tasked with drafting analytical reports and ensuring that gender perspectives are integrated into all aspects of the investigation and reporting process. This position demands a high level of professionalism, analytical skills, and the ability to work collaboratively within a team to achieve organizational goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Human Rights Officer/SGBV Investigator will be responsible for a comprehensive set of duties, including: leading investigations into sexual and gender-based violence; researching and analyzing information related to human rights violations; advising on the drafting of information gathering plans; proposing methods and tools for investigations; conducting interviews with victims and witnesses; monitoring trends in human rights violations; employing various data collection tools; identifying alleged perpetrators; organizing missions to sites of violations; developing analytical reports; ensuring the protection of victims and witnesses; drafting relevant sections for reports; and integrating gender perspectives into all stages of the investigation. The officer will also be expected to perform other related duties as required, demonstrating a commitment to the principles of human rights and gender equality.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of international human rights law, international humanitarian law, and international criminal law. They should have the ability to identify and analyze human rights issues from various dimensions, including political, ethnic, racial, and socio-economic factors. The role requires excellent research and analytical skills, the ability to draft human rights reports, and the capacity to evaluate information from diverse sources. Candidates should demonstrate professionalism, efficiency, and a commitment to gender equality in their work. The ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and to prioritize tasks effectively is essential.

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 in the mentioned fields, combined with two additional years of qualifying experience, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of human rights law and the socio-political context in which these issues arise.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible work experience in the field of human rights is required. This includes at least two years of experience specifically focused on carrying out human rights investigations. Additionally, experience in investigating cases of sexual and gender-based violence is highly desirable. Candidates should demonstrate a track record of effectively managing investigations and producing analytical reports based on their findings.

Languages:
English is the required working language for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level III in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Knowledge of Russian is desirable, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level II. Familiarity with another UN official language would be considered an advantage, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate in a multilingual environment.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available until the 31st of December 2026, subject to the availability of funds and/or extension of the mandate. It is important to note that current staff members holding a fixed-term, permanent, or continuing appointment may apply for temporary positions only if they meet specific eligibility criteria. The position is classified as a temporary assignment, and candidates should be aware that selection for this role does not guarantee future employment in the same capacity. The United Nations is committed to diversity and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including women and underrepresented groups. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities to support their participation in the recruitment process.