Human Rights Officer

Job Posting Organization:
UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, is the lead UN agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and has a mission to ensure that every individual has the right to make informed choices about their reproductive health. The organization focuses on four interconnected outcomes: ending unmet needs for family planning, preventing maternal deaths, eliminating gender-based violence, and adapting to demographic changes through evidence-based policies. UNFPA is committed to promoting human rights and gender equality, and it seeks to empower individuals and communities to achieve sustainable development goals by 2030.

Job Overview:
The Human Rights Officer will play a crucial role in managing the scale-up project and contributing to the overall achievement of UNFPA's Gender and Human Rights programme. This position requires close collaboration with the Programme Analyst for Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment (GEWE) in the UNFPA Country Office. The officer will analyze and provide critical input into the human rights workstream, ensuring that issues affecting vulnerable populations, particularly women, young people, and key populations, are adequately addressed. The role involves maintaining collaborative relationships with government counterparts, multi-lateral and bi-lateral agencies, and civil society to facilitate program delivery and influence policy decisions. The Human Rights Officer will also ensure coherence with national and international planning frameworks, including the UNFPA Strategic Plan and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Human Rights Officer will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including planning and coordinating activities related to human rights mandates, conducting substantive research and analysis on accountability and human rights issues, and providing specialized advice to relevant actors. The officer will follow up on the implementation of decisions made by policy-making bodies and ensure that human rights issues are integrated into the Country Office's programs. Additionally, the officer will define work plans, contribute to training programs for government and civil society partners, represent UNFPA at relevant meetings, assist in capacity-building efforts, and write reports and communications for policy-making bodies. The role requires a proactive approach to addressing emerging human rights issues and facilitating knowledge sharing within the country and region.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in law, human rights, international relations, gender studies, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree in Law (LLB) along with a Qualifying Certificate in Law (QLC) is acceptable. A minimum of three years of responsible experience in sexual and reproductive health (SRH), national/international human rights law, or international humanitarian law is required. Candidates should also have experience in program/project management, particularly at the national level, and familiarity with human rights obligations related to sexuality education and key populations. Knowledge of national frameworks and policies on reproductive health and their linkages to global issues is essential.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in relevant fields such as law, human rights, international relations, or gender studies. A first-level university degree in Law (LLB) and a Qualifying Certificate in Law (QLC) are also acceptable qualifications. Candidates should have a strong understanding of human rights law and its application in various contexts, particularly in relation to gender and reproductive health.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least three years of professional experience in areas related to sexual and reproductive health, human rights law, or international humanitarian law. Experience in program/project management, particularly in the public or private sector, is preferred. Familiarity with the United Nations system and its program development mechanisms is also advantageous, as is experience working with government institutions, NGOs, and donor organizations.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if they are relevant to the local context or the populations served by UNFPA.

Additional Notes:
This position offers an attractive remuneration package, including a competitive net salary, health insurance, and other benefits. UNFPA promotes a work environment that reflects values of gender equality, diversity, and integrity, and encourages applications from women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, and persons with disabilities. The organization is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities to support their participation in the recruitment process. Selection and appointment may be subject to background checks, medical clearance, and other administrative requirements. UNFPA does not charge any fees in connection with the application or recruitment process.