Human Rights Officer (Protection of Civilians Specialist)

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 the realization of human rights for all individuals, regardless of their background, and operates in various countries to address human rights violations. The organization is committed to upholding international human rights standards and providing support to governments and civil society in their efforts to promote human rights. The OHCHR has a diverse workforce and operates in numerous countries, focusing on various human rights issues, including the protection of civilians in conflict zones.

Job Overview:
The Human Rights Officer (Protection of Civilians Specialist) position is crucial for integrating human rights into the planning and response for the protection of civilians in conflict-affected areas. The incumbent will lead coordination efforts among various stakeholders, including UN agencies, NGOs, and civil society, to ensure that human rights considerations are embedded in protection strategies. This role involves developing and implementing mission-wide protection strategies, chairing Protection Working Groups, and facilitating information sharing to enhance response planning. The officer will also provide legal and policy advice on international human rights law and humanitarian law, ensuring compliance with UN protection policies and promoting best practices for victim-centered approaches. The position requires strong leadership and management skills to oversee a team and ensure effective implementation of protection initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead coordination efforts among human rights components, mission protection bodies, UN agencies, NGOs, and civil society to integrate human rights into civilian protection planning and response.
• Develop and implement comprehensive protection strategies and action plans in consultation with affected communities.
• Chair Protection Working Groups to ensure human rights mainstreaming in protection coordination.
• Facilitate information sharing among relevant UN stakeholders to enhance response planning and integrate findings into mission databases and reporting mechanisms.
• Identify and analyze drivers of harm and emerging threats to civilians, integrating findings into early warning systems and leadership decision-making.
• Provide legal and policy advice on international human rights law and humanitarian law relevant to civilian protection, developing analytical products and recommendations focused on accountability.
• Contribute to the formulation of mission and UN system protection policies and programs.
• Advise on best practices for victim-centered, gender-sensitive protection policies and programs.
• Ensure compliance with UN protection policies and coordinate continuous improvement initiatives. 1
• Manage and coordinate team activities, including hiring, training, task assignment, performance evaluation, and deadline management.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong background in human rights or related fields, with a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience. This experience should include knowledge of protection of civilians and frameworks related to human rights in humanitarian contexts. Candidates should demonstrate skills in survivor-centered approaches and have a solid understanding of conflict-related sexual violence and child protection frameworks. The ability to work effectively in high-pressure environments and manage multiple priorities is essential. Candidates should also exhibit strong communication skills, both written and verbal, and the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders.

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. This experience should encompass political affairs, public affairs, international relations, law, social sciences, economics, development, humanitarian affairs, or other related fields. At least 5 years of demonstrated knowledge of protection of civilians and related frameworks is essential, along with a similar duration of experience in applying human rights in humanitarian contexts. Knowledge of development or humanitarian frameworks and processes is desirable, as is experience in survivor-centered design" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">program design.

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 for this role.

Additional Notes:
The appointment for this position is limited to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and is subject to funding availability and the continuation of the mandate. The position may involve a fixed-term appointment, and the renewal of the appointment is contingent upon these factors. The United Nations is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from candidates of all backgrounds, including women and individuals with disabilities. The organization adheres to a non-smoking environment and provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities upon request.