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, ensuring that international human rights standards are upheld. The OHCHR operates in various countries, working with governments, civil society, and other stakeholders to advance human rights. The organization employs a diverse workforce and engages in numerous initiatives to address human rights violations and promote accountability.

Job Overview:
The Human Rights Officer position is situated within the Human Rights Treaties Branch (HRTB) of the OHCHR in Geneva, Switzerland. The incumbent will work under the guidance of the Chief of the Human Rights Treaties Branch and collaborate with various sections focused on civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights. The role involves monitoring the implementation of human rights laws and international law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">humanitarian law, ensuring compliance with recommendations from human rights mechanisms, and advancing accountability. The officer will collect and analyze evidence-based information on various rights, provide advisory support to national and regional counterparts, and engage with civil society to integrate human rights into broader frameworks. The position also emphasizes the importance of youth engagement and effective communication to promote human rights advocacy.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Human Rights Officer will be responsible for a range of duties, including: conducting substantive monitoring of human rights implementation, following up on recommendations from human rights mechanisms, and ensuring compliance with international standards. The officer will collect, document, and analyze evidence-based information on civil, cultural, economic, social, and political rights, facilitating informed decision-making and accountability. Responsibilities also include providing advisory support to strengthen human rights systems and frameworks, engaging with civil society, and supporting treaty bodies and special procedures through research and coordination. The officer will promote youth rights and participation, engage in partnership-building activities, and implement effective communication strategies to amplify human rights messaging.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of international human rights law, norms, and standards. They should have excellent communication skills to convey complex information to diverse audiences and integrate a human rights-based approach into their work. The role requires critical thinking skills, knowledge of human rights monitoring and reporting methodologies, and the ability to draft human rights reports and policy documents. Candidates should demonstrate professionalism, teamwork, and effective planning and organizing skills.

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 5 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, development, or humanitarian affairs. Candidates should have a solid understanding of international human rights law and experience in drafting reports and policies.

Languages:
The working languages of the United Nations Secretariat are English and French. For this position, proficiency in either English or French is required. Additionally, knowledge of Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), Spanish, or Russian is desirable, with specific proficiency levels outlined according to the UN Language Framework.

Additional Notes:
This position is a temporary appointment of up to 364 days. Candidates may be contacted on a needs basis to support the mandates of the human rights treaty bodies serviced by the Branch. Current staff members holding fixed-term, permanent, or continuing appointments may apply for temporary positions, subject to certain eligibility criteria. The United Nations is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring equal opportunities for all candidates regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, or other backgrounds. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities.