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 Dakar, Senegal. 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. Established in 1993, OHCHR operates in multiple countries and employs a diverse workforce committed to advancing human rights standards and practices. The office in Dakar plays a crucial role in addressing human rights issues in the West African region, providing support and guidance to national governments and civil society organizations.

Job Overview:
The Human Rights Officer will have a regional responsibility and will be tasked with assisting the work of OHCHR at the regional level. This includes providing analysis and advice on policy, programming, and capacity development related to human rights-based economic and social policies. The incumbent will work on integrating human rights into State and UN development policies and practices, including the UN Common Country Analysis (CCA) and the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Frameworks (UNSDCF). The role requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including UN agencies, national governments, and international organizations, to ensure that human rights considerations are embedded in development strategies. The officer will also be responsible for monitoring and evaluating the implementation of international human rights instruments and preparing relevant reports for the General Assembly and Human Rights Council. Additionally, the position involves training and supervising junior staff and ensuring that the work undertaken by the Regional Office aligns with global human rights initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Human Rights Officer will perform a variety of duties, including: assisting in the work of OHCHR at the regional level; providing policy advice and technical assistance to strengthen national capacities; reviewing and evaluating activities related to international human rights instruments; preparing human rights reports for various UN bodies; coordinating with UN country teams and peace missions to develop training programs; ensuring up-to-date information on economic policy and human rights; and maintaining contact with other sectors of the UN and international organizations. The officer will also be responsible for designing and implementing human rights programs, integrating gender perspectives, and contributing to the evaluation of these initiatives. Regular meetings with relevant units and teams will be necessary to plan projects and review activities in the area of human rights integration.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong knowledge of human rights and economic policy issues, including the ability to address complex human rights problems. They should have a deep understanding of the institutional mandates of human rights organizations and prevailing policies. The ability to evaluate and integrate information from various sources is essential, as is the capacity to conduct in-depth studies and provide actionable recommendations. 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. Candidates should demonstrate professionalism, effective communication, and teamwork skills.

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 and programs 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 required.

Languages:
The working languages of the United Nations Secretariat are English and French, both of which are required for this position. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking in both languages at UN Level III. Proficiency in Portuguese is desirable but not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This position is available for an initial period of one year and is subject to the availability of funding. Applicants from unrepresented or under-represented Member States in the UN Secretariat are strongly encouraged to apply. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and encourages female candidates to apply. The position is subject to specific eligibility criteria regarding nationality and prior service in the UN system. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities.