Human Rights Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is a United Nations entity established to promote and protect human rights globally. The OHCHR operates in various countries, including Bosnia and Herzegovina, where it monitors human rights situations and engages with local authorities and stakeholders to advance human rights. The organization aims to integrate human rights into the work of the United Nations and supports the country team in this mission. The OHCHR is committed to ensuring accountability and compliance with international human rights standards.

Job Overview:
The Human Rights Officer position is located in the OHCHR office in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The incumbent will be responsible for implementing activities related to transitional justice and countering hate speech. This role involves monitoring and analyzing developments in human rights, engaging with authorities and stakeholders, contributing to reporting, and providing technical advice. The Human Rights Officer will play a crucial role in promoting human rights through advocacy and outreach, ensuring that human rights considerations are integrated into various aspects of governance and policy-making. The position requires a strategic thinker who can work collaboratively in a multi-stakeholder environment, demonstrating professionalism and a commitment to human rights principles.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Human Rights Officer will conduct substantive monitoring of human rights and international law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">humanitarian law, ensuring compliance with recommendations from human rights mechanisms. Responsibilities include collecting and analyzing evidence-based information on various rights, drafting and disseminating reports and briefings, providing advisory support to civil society, and promoting transitional justice processes. The officer will also engage in advocacy and outreach activities, maintain confidentiality and integrity, and handle sensitive information in compliance with UN standards. The role requires effective communication skills to convey complex issues to diverse audiences and the ability to work under pressure while meeting deadlines.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strategic thinking skills, the ability to work collaboratively, and strong planning and organizing capabilities. Knowledge of international human rights law and regional mechanisms is essential. The role requires skills in human rights monitoring, documentation, analysis, and reporting methodologies. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to draft human rights reports and policy documents effectively. A commitment to gender perspectives and the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work is also required.

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. 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 five years of progressively responsible 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 demonstrate strategic thinking skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a multi-stakeholder environment. Knowledge of international human rights law and mechanisms is crucial, along with skills in communication and human rights monitoring methodologies.

Languages:
English is required at UN Level III for reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Additionally, proficiency in either Bosnian, Croatian, or Serbian is required at UN Level III for all language skills. This multilingual requirement reflects the linguistic diversity of the region and the need for effective communication with local stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available for 26 weeks, subject to the availability of funds. Candidates must be nationals of Bosnia and Herzegovina to apply for this National Professional Officer category position. The role is temporary and does not guarantee future employment. The United Nations emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in its recruitment process and provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. The organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and is committed to maintaining the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity in its hiring practices.