Associate 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 in 199

• Its mission is to promote and protect human rights globally. The organization operates in various countries, working to ensure that human rights are respected and upheld. OHCHR employs a diverse workforce and engages with national institutions and regional mechanisms to enhance human rights standards worldwide.

Job Overview:
The Associate Human Rights Officer position is situated within the National Institutions, Regional Mechanisms Unit (NIRMU) of the Global Operations Division (GLO) at OHCHR in Geneva, Switzerland. The incumbent will be responsible for researching and collecting information on human rights issues related to national human rights institutions (NHRIs), including their gender dimensions. This role involves analyzing information to assess its impact on human rights situations in various countries and drafting reports and correspondence on these matters. The officer will maintain awareness of current human rights issues and engage with various stakeholders, including NHRIs, governments, NGOs, and civil society organizations, to promote national capacity building and community mobilization. The position requires participation in discussions aimed at preventing human rights violations and ensuring the effective dissemination of the 'Paris Principles' and OHCHR guidelines. The role also includes designing databases to track project progress and contributing to data analysis for informed decision-making.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Associate Human Rights Officer will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including researching and collecting data on human rights issues, drafting reports and correspondence, maintaining awareness of current developments in human rights, and liaising with various stakeholders. The officer will participate in human rights training programs, review human rights issues, and assist in promoting community mobilization efforts. Additionally, the officer will organize seminars and workshops, ensure the effective dissemination of guidelines, and contribute to data collection and analysis. The role requires collaboration with other Human Rights Officers and participation in discussions with relevant authorities to address human rights violations. The officer will also be responsible for maintaining a database to track project progress and providing insights through data visualization methods.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong knowledge of human rights issues, including their political, ethnic, racial, gender equality, and socio-economic dimensions. They should have research and analytical skills, the ability to identify data sources, and the capability to draft human rights reports. Professionalism, teamwork, and planning and organizing skills are essential. The candidate should demonstrate a commitment to gender perspectives and the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. The ability to work collaboratively and support organizational goals is crucial.

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 (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in the specified fields, along with two additional years of qualifying work experience, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Candidates with a first-level university degree and no experience may be considered if they have passed the Young Professionals Programme Examination (YPP) or other relevant examinations.

Experience:
A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, political affairs, international relations, law, or a related area is required. Candidates who have passed a United Nations Competitive Recruitment Examination may not need prior experience. Experience with national human rights institutions is desirable, indicating a familiarity with the workings and challenges of such organizations.

Languages:
English is required for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level III in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French or Spanish is desirable, also at UN Level III, indicating a strong command of these languages would be beneficial for the role.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available for six months, subject to the availability of funds. It is important to note that current staff members holding a fixed-term, permanent, or continuing appointment may apply for temporary positions no more than one level above their current grade. The position is subject to various eligibility requirements, and candidates must adhere to the United Nations' commitment to diversity and inclusion. The recruitment process does not involve any fees, and reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities.