Human Rights Officer / Sustainable Development Advisor

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Regional Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. OHCHR is a part of the United Nations system and is dedicated to promoting and protecting human rights globally. The organization works to ensure that human rights are integrated into all aspects of development and governance. OHCHR has a mission to uphold the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international human rights instruments. The office in Addis Ababa plays a crucial role in the African region, engaging with various stakeholders including governments, civil society, and international organizations to advance human rights and sustainable development. The organization operates in multiple countries and employs a diverse workforce committed to human rights advocacy and implementation.

Job Overview:
The Human Rights Officer will be responsible for providing regional support to the OHCHR's initiatives, focusing on the integration of human rights into economic and social policies. The incumbent will analyze and advise on policy matters, ensuring that human rights considerations are embedded in national development strategies and UN frameworks. This role requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including UN agencies, governments, and civil society, to promote human rights and sustainable development goals. The officer will also be tasked with monitoring and evaluating the implementation of international human rights instruments and preparing reports for key UN bodies. The position demands a proactive approach to training and capacity building, particularly in relation to gender perspectives in human rights and development.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Human Rights Officer will undertake a variety of duties including: assisting in the work of OHCHR at the regional level; providing analysis and advice on human rights-based economic and social policies; advising on the integration of human rights into UN development policies; reviewing and evaluating activities related to international human rights instruments; preparing reports for the General Assembly and Human Rights Council; coordinating with UN country teams and peace missions; designing and implementing human rights programs; ensuring up-to-date information on economic policy and human rights; and training and supervising junior staff. The officer will also engage with various sectors of the UN and international organizations to promote human rights integration in development programs.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of human rights and economic policy issues, with the ability to address complex human rights challenges. They should have knowledge of institutional mandates of human rights organizations and prevailing policies. The ability to evaluate and integrate information from diverse sources is essential, as is the capacity to conduct in-depth studies and provide actionable recommendations. Strong skills in training civil authorities and advocacy groups are also required, along with the ability to relate human rights issues to broader political, social, and economic contexts.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law, political science, international relations, development economics, 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, political affairs, international relations, law, or development economics is required. At least three years of experience in integrating human rights into sustainable development policies at the regional or national level is essential. Experience in research, analysis, and drafting reports in the area of human rights and development financing is also necessary.

Languages:
English is required for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level III in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is also a working language of the United Nations, and proficiency in French is considered an asset but not mandatory.

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 recruitment process emphasizes the importance of geographic diversity and the commitment to creating an inclusive environment. The position may involve periodic relocation to different duty stations as per the organization's needs. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.