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 to promote and protect human rights globally. The OHCHR operates in various countries, including Bosnia and Herzegovina, where it monitors the human rights situation and engages with relevant authorities and stakeholders to advance human rights. The organization aims to integrate human rights into the work of the United Nations and supports the country team in this effort. The OHCHR is committed to ensuring that human rights are respected and upheld in all aspects of governance and development.

Job Overview:
The Associate Human Rights Officer position is crucial for implementing the OHCHR's activities in the area of anti-discrimination in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The incumbent will be responsible for monitoring and analyzing developments in human rights, engaging with authorities and stakeholders, and providing technical advice. This role involves conducting field missions, drafting reports, and contributing to the integration of human rights into various frameworks and processes. The officer will also support capacity-building activities and engage with youth networks to advocate for youth rights, ensuring that human rights considerations are integrated into all relevant policies and programs.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Associate Human Rights Officer will have a wide range of responsibilities, including monitoring the implementation of international human rights law, collecting and analyzing evidence-based information on various rights, conducting field verification missions, drafting analytical reports, and providing technical support to national counterparts. The officer will also engage with UN entities and other stakeholders to integrate human rights into development and economic policies, support the delivery of training programs, and contribute to effective communication and public information efforts. Additionally, the officer will be involved in research and analysis related to economic policy and sustainable development, ensuring that human rights are at the forefront of decision-making processes.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of international human rights law, norms, and standards, as well as knowledge of regional and international human rights mechanisms. They should demonstrate analytical thinking skills and the ability to mobilize support from various partners. Skills in designing and delivering capacity-building programs are desirable, along with knowledge of sustainable development and its intersection with human rights. The ability to conduct human rights monitoring and documentation is essential, as is a commitment to gender equality and the integration of gender perspectives in all areas of work.

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, or humanitarian affairs 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 two years of progressively responsible experience in human rights or related areas is required. Relevant experience may include political affairs, public affairs, international relations, law, social sciences, economics, or humanitarian affairs. Candidates should have a solid understanding of international human rights law and mechanisms, as well as experience in conducting research and analysis in these fields.

Languages:
English is required for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level III in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Additionally, proficiency in either Bosnian, Croatian, or Serbian at UN Level III is required, ensuring effective communication in the local context.

Additional Notes:
The position is subject to the availability of funds and the extension of the mandate. Candidates must be nationals of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The United Nations is committed to diversity and encourages applications from women and underrepresented groups. The recruitment process will not involve any fees, and reasonable accommodations will be provided for applicants with disabilities. The position may require periodic relocation to different duty stations as per the organization's mobility policy.