Assistant 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 works to ensure that human rights are respected and upheld in all countries, providing support to governments, civil society, and other stakeholders. The organization operates in various countries, including Ukraine, where it has established a Human Rights Monitoring Mission to address ongoing human rights issues. The OHCHR is committed to promoting equality, justice, and dignity for all individuals, regardless of their background or circumstances. The organization employs a diverse workforce and is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment that respects the rights of all individuals.

Job Overview:
The Assistant Human Rights Officer position is crucial for the OHCHR's efforts in monitoring and reporting on human rights issues in Ukraine. The incumbent will be responsible for researching and collecting information on human rights violations, analyzing trends, and drafting reports that inform the organization's response to these issues. This role requires a deep understanding of human rights frameworks and the ability to engage with various stakeholders, including government officials, NGOs, and community members. The Assistant Human Rights Officer will also support advocacy efforts and community mobilization initiatives, ensuring that the rights of vulnerable populations are prioritized. The position demands a proactive approach to identifying human rights concerns and a commitment to upholding the principles of equality and justice.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Assistant Human Rights Officer will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including: researching and collecting data on human rights issues, analyzing information to identify trends and patterns, drafting reports and correspondence related to human rights matters, assisting in hearings and consultations, maintaining awareness of current human rights issues and relevant political developments, supporting the implementation of activities in compliance with established standards, collecting and compiling information on human rights issues with a focus on gender aspects, promoting community mobilization efforts, assisting in advocacy initiatives, coordinating with government and NGO partners, maintaining project tracking tools, and contributing to data analysis and visualization for reporting purposes. The role requires a strong commitment to human rights principles and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of human rights issues and the ability to identify related problems across various dimensions, including political, ethnic, racial, and socio-economic factors. The position requires excellent research and analytical skills, as well as the ability to draft comprehensive human rights reports. Candidates should demonstrate professionalism, effective communication skills, and the ability to plan and organize work efficiently. A commitment to gender equality and the ability to analyze and interpret data to support decision-making are also essential qualifications for this role.

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 for this position. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (Bachelor's degree or equivalent) combined with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. This educational background ensures that candidates have the necessary theoretical knowledge and analytical skills to address complex human rights issues effectively.

Experience:
Candidates must have a minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, political affairs, international relations, law, or a related area. This experience is essential for understanding the complexities of human rights work and for effectively engaging with various stakeholders. While no experience is required for candidates with an advanced university degree, experience conducting interviews with victims and witnesses of human rights violations is desirable. Additionally, experience within the United Nations system or similar international organizations is considered an asset, as it provides valuable insights into the workings of international human rights mechanisms.

Languages:
For this position, proficiency in English is required, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations. Candidates must also be proficient in Ukrainian and Russian, as these languages are essential for effective communication within the context of human rights monitoring in Ukraine. The required language proficiency levels are aligned with the UN Language Framework, ensuring that candidates can effectively engage with diverse stakeholders and contribute to the organization's objectives.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available for six months, with the possibility of extension subject to the availability of funds. Candidates must be of Ukrainian nationality to apply for this National Professional Officer category position. The role is classified as temporary, and while it may provide valuable work experience, it does not guarantee future employment within the organization. The United Nations is committed to diversity and inclusion, and reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities. The organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and emphasizes the importance of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity in its hiring practices.