Assistant Human Rights Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in Mexico (OHCHR-Mexico) is dedicated to promoting and protecting human rights through various means such as monitoring, technical cooperation, advocacy, and capacity-building. Established to strengthen the implementation of international human rights standards in Mexico, the office provides technical assistance to federal and state authorities, supports compliance with recommendations from international human rights mechanisms, and promotes accountability, access to justice, equality, non-discrimination, and the protection of civic space. The organization operates within the framework of the United Nations and aims to ensure that human rights are upheld and respected across the country.

Job Overview:
The Assistant Human Rights Officer will be an integral part of the Justice and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security Unit, working under the supervision of the Unit Coordinator. This role involves contributing to the Office's monitoring, reporting, and technical cooperation activities, particularly in relation to serious human rights violations such as disappearances, torture, and extrajudicial executions. The selected candidate will engage in human rights monitoring and field missions, conduct legal and policy analysis, and assist in drafting reports and analytical products. The position requires collaboration with victims, civil society organizations, United Nations partners, and relevant State institutions, adhering to established human rights monitoring methodologies. The role is crucial for ensuring that human rights standards are maintained and that violations are addressed effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Assistant Human Rights Officer will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including: assisting in the collection of data for human rights monitoring; providing technical support for tracking recommendations from human rights mechanisms; collecting, documenting, and managing evidence-based information on various rights; drafting human rights reports and briefings; conducting analytical and preparatory tasks related to justice and security issues; promoting transitional justice processes; delivering effective communication activities to amplify human rights messaging; and maintaining confidentiality and integrity while handling sensitive information. The role demands a proactive approach to identifying data gaps and trends, as well as the ability to present findings through data visualization methods.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of human rights issues, including their political, ethnic, racial, gender equality, and socio-economic dimensions. Knowledge of institutional mandates of human rights organizations, prevailing policies, and procedures is essential. The ability to conduct legal analysis, draft human rights reports, and communicate complex matters to diverse audiences is required. Candidates should demonstrate professionalism, effective communication skills, and the ability to plan and organize work efficiently. A commitment to incorporating gender perspectives in all areas of work is also necessary.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in fields such as 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:
Candidates should have the ability to work collaboratively and possess skills in communicating complex and technical matters effectively. Knowledge of international human rights law, norms, and standards is required, along with experience in human rights monitoring, documentation, analysis, and reporting methodologies. The ability to conduct legal analysis and draft relevant documents is essential, and familiarity with regional and international human rights mechanisms is desirable.

Languages:
English and Spanish are required for this position, with proficiency at UN Level III for reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Knowledge of French is also beneficial but not mandatory. The ability to communicate effectively in these languages is crucial for the role, as the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat include English and French.

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 the nationality of Mexico, and locally recruited General Service staff members must meet minimum requirements. The position is subject to specific eligibility criteria, including considerations for internal candidates and those reaching mandatory retirement age. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The organization emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in its workforce and provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities.