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 works to ensure that human rights are respected and upheld in all countries, providing support to various human rights mechanisms and promoting accountability for violations. The organization operates in numerous countries around the world, engaging with governments, civil society, and other stakeholders to advance human rights standards and practices. The OHCHR is committed to fostering a culture of respect for human rights and aims to empower individuals and communities to claim their rights and hold duty bearers accountable.

Job Overview:
The Human Rights Officer position is critical within the OHCHR, specifically in the Rule of Law, Accountability and Civic Space (RACS 1) section. The incumbent will serve as the Secretary of the Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances, playing a pivotal role in monitoring and implementing human rights laws and international humanitarian law. The officer will be responsible for coordinating the collection and documentation of evidence-based information on various rights, including civil, cultural, economic, social, and political rights. This role requires leading human rights monitoring missions, conducting field verification, and ensuring comprehensive reporting on findings. The officer will also provide substantive advice to national and regional counterparts to strengthen their human rights systems and frameworks, ensuring compliance with international standards. The position demands a strong commitment to gender integration and the principle of leaving no one behind in all aspects of work.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Human Rights Officer will have a wide range of responsibilities, including: leading the monitoring of human rights implementation and ensuring follow-up on recommendations from various human rights mechanisms; coordinating the collection and quality control of evidence-based information; conducting human rights monitoring and field verification missions; leading fact-finding missions to document violations of human rights; producing and reviewing human rights reports and analytical papers; providing technical support to strengthen human rights systems; advising UN leadership on integrating human rights into various policies; managing fundraising and resource mobilization activities; analyzing data to identify trends; maintaining confidentiality and integrity in handling sensitive information; managing team activities and promoting professional development; and planning resources for project implementation.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a deep understanding of international human rights law, norms, and standards. They should have experience in human rights monitoring, documentation, analysis, and reporting methodologies. Skills in drafting human rights reports and policy documents are essential. Knowledge of regional and international human rights mechanisms is required, along with the ability to conduct legal analysis. Candidates should also demonstrate proficiency in collecting and analyzing large volumes of data, as well as project management skills. A commitment to gender perspectives and the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work is crucial.

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 7 years of 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 strong background in human rights law and monitoring, as well as experience in conducting field missions and drafting reports.

Languages:
English is required for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level III in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French or Spanish is desirable, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level I in these languages. Proficiency in multiple languages is advantageous and may enhance a candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
The position is subject to the availability of funds and the extension of the mandate. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, particularly women. The recruitment process will adhere to the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity, with a focus on geographic diversity. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.