Human Rights Officer (Economist)

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 works to ensure that the rights of individuals are respected and upheld, providing guidance and support to governments and civil society organizations. The organization is committed to addressing human rights violations and promoting social justice, equality, and dignity for all. It operates in various countries around the world, engaging with diverse stakeholders to foster a culture of human rights and accountability. The OHCHR employs a diverse workforce of professionals dedicated to advancing human rights and operates in multiple regions, focusing on various thematic areas including economic, social, and cultural rights.

Job Overview:
The Human Rights Officer (Economist) position is integral to the OHCHR's mission of promoting economic, social, and cultural rights (ESCR). The incumbent will provide policy, strategy, and substantive advice on economic policies and finance-related matters that impact the implementation of ESCR, particularly in the context of fighting poverty and addressing inequalities. This role involves reviewing and evaluating activities related to international human rights instruments and supporting treaty bodies and mechanisms of the Human Rights Council. The officer will prepare reports for the General Assembly and Human Rights Council, ensuring that human rights considerations are integrated into economic policies. The position requires collaboration with various UN entities, regional human rights bodies, and civil society organizations to design and implement human rights programs that address economic and gender dimensions. The officer will also be responsible for training and supervising junior staff, contributing to the development of training programs in economic policies and human rights, and ensuring that gender perspectives are incorporated into all aspects of work.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Human Rights Officer will undertake a range of responsibilities, including:

• Providing policy and substantive advice on economic policies related to ESCR.
• Reviewing and evaluating the implementation of international human rights instruments.
• Supporting treaty bodies and mechanisms of the Human Rights Council.
• Preparing human rights reports for various UN bodies.
• Collaborating with UN and non-governmental programs to integrate human rights into economic policies.
• Ensuring up-to-date information on human rights matters and making recommendations.
• Coordinating with other UN sectors and international organizations on policy matters.
• Assisting in the development of training programs on economic policies and human rights.
• Leading a team and managing administrative functions related to staff and budget. 1
• Training and supervising new and junior staff. 1
• Performing other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of economic policy issues related to human rights, particularly in the context of economic, social, and cultural rights. They should have the ability to evaluate and integrate information from various sources and assess the impact of economic situations on human rights. The role requires skills in designing methodologies and tools for stakeholders in economic policies and human rights. Candidates should demonstrate professionalism, teamwork, and effective planning and organizing skills. They must also show a commitment to gender perspectives and the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in economics, development economics, economic policy, finance, international development, social sciences, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, economic affairs, international relations, or a related area is required. At least five years of experience as an economist engaged in economic policy and human rights issues is essential. Experience with the United Nations or similar international settings is desirable, as is experience in managing technical cooperation and capacity-building programs. Familiarity with sustainable development goals and team management is also beneficial.

Languages:
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, proficiency in English is required, while knowledge of French is desirable. Candidates should meet the minimum required level for reading, writing, listening, and speaking in these languages according to the UN Language Framework.

Additional Notes:
This position is available for an initial period of one year and is subject to the availability of funding. The United Nations encourages applications from candidates from unrepresented or under-represented Member States. The organization is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and strongly encourages female candidates to apply. The recruitment process does not involve any fees, and reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities.