Human Rights Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is a United Nations entity established to promote and protect human rights globally. It was founded in 1993 and operates in various countries, including Ukraine, where it monitors human rights situations, especially in conflict zones. The organization aims to strengthen the protection of human rights and ensure accountability for violations. OHCHR employs a diverse workforce dedicated to upholding international human rights law and humanitarian law, with a mission to advocate for the rights of individuals and communities affected by conflict and injustice.

Job Overview:
The Human Rights Officer position within the OHCHR's UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU) is critical for monitoring and reporting on the human rights situation in Ukraine, particularly in the context of the ongoing armed conflict. The incumbent will be responsible for conducting thorough monitoring, documentation, verification, analysis, and reporting on alleged violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law. This role involves engaging with victims, witnesses, and other stakeholders to gather information and apply OHCHR's methodologies, ensuring that approaches are sensitive to gender, age, and trauma. The Human Rights Officer will also contribute to public reporting, identify trends and risks, and support advocacy efforts with various authorities and civil society organizations. Regular travel throughout Ukraine, including to conflict-affected areas, is a requirement of this position, subject to UN security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security protocols.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Human Rights Officer will undertake a range of responsibilities, including: conducting substantive monitoring of human rights and international humanitarian law implementation; following up on recommendations from human rights mechanisms; collecting and analyzing evidence-based information on various rights; conducting field verification missions and drafting comprehensive reports; documenting violations of international human rights and humanitarian law; preparing analytical papers to inform strategies and policies; providing technical assistance on justice and security issues; and maintaining confidentiality and integrity in handling sensitive information. The role requires a proactive approach to identifying trends and providing insights, as well as collaboration with colleagues and stakeholders to achieve organizational goals.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of international human rights law, norms, and standards, as well as international humanitarian law. Skills in conducting gender-, age-, and trauma-sensitive interviews are essential. The ability to plan, organize, and coordinate activities in a multi-stakeholder environment is also required. Candidates should demonstrate professionalism, teamwork, and effective planning and organizing skills, with a commitment to incorporating gender perspectives in all areas of work. Additionally, candidates should have the ability to draft human rights reports and policy documents effectively.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in human rights, law, political science, international relations, social sciences, economics, public policy, sustainable development, humanitarian affairs, 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 relevant experience in human rights or related fields is required. This experience may include work in political affairs, public affairs, international relations, law, social sciences, economics, development, or humanitarian affairs. Candidates should have demonstrated skills in conducting sensitive human rights interviews and knowledge of human rights monitoring and reporting methodologies.

Languages:
English and Russian are mandatory working languages for this position, with English required at UN Level III proficiency. Knowledge of Ukrainian is desirable but not mandatory. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking in the required languages according to the UN Language Framework.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available for six months, with the possibility of extension depending on funding availability. Applicants must note that individuals of the nationality of the country where the position is located (Ukraine) are not eligible to apply. The position is subject to various eligibility requirements, including restrictions on nationality for certain categories of applicants. The United Nations emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in its recruitment process and provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities.