Senior Human Rights Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is dedicated to promoting and protecting human rights globally. Established in 1993, OHCHR operates in various countries, including Ukraine, where it monitors human rights situations, especially in conflict zones. The organization aims to ensure accountability and respect for international human rights law and humanitarian law, engaging with national authorities and stakeholders to strengthen protection mechanisms. OHCHR employs a diverse workforce committed to upholding human rights standards and operates in numerous countries worldwide, focusing on various human rights issues.

Job Overview:
The Senior Human Rights Officer position is a critical role within the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU), based in Kyiv. The incumbent will serve as the Deputy Head of Mission, reporting directly to the Head of Mission. This role involves providing strategic, substantive, and managerial leadership to the HRMMU, overseeing monitoring, verification, analysis, reporting, and advocacy efforts. The officer will be responsible for ensuring the effective delivery of the mission's mandate and resources, advising on strategic positioning, and representing OHCHR at high-level engagements with national authorities, UN leadership, and other stakeholders. The position requires regular travel within Ukraine, including to conflict-affected areas, and demands a high level of professionalism and expertise in human rights.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Human Rights Officer will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including:

• Providing strategic oversight for monitoring the implementation of human rights and international humanitarian law, ensuring compliance with recommendations from human rights mechanisms.
• Directing the collection, documentation, and management of evidence-based information on various rights, enabling thorough analysis and informed decision-making.
• Overseeing human rights monitoring and field verification missions, ensuring adherence to UN methodologies and victim/witness protection standards.
• Coordinating fact-finding missions to document violations of human rights and humanitarian law, ensuring effective collaboration across components.
• Drafting and disseminating human rights reports and communications, ensuring legal analysis and gender integration.
• Guiding UN leadership on integrating human rights into various frameworks, including protection and transitional justice.
• Representing human rights functions in senior-management fora and ensuring timely integration of human rights analysis into UN responses.
• Developing strategies for the protection of civilians and child protection, ensuring coordinated responses to early warnings.
• Managing team activities, including hiring and training, and promoting a positive team culture. 1
• Planning and managing resources for project implementation and ensuring deadlines are met.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong background in human rights, law, political science, or related fields. Required qualifications include:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in human rights, law, political science, international relations, social sciences, economics, public policy, sustainable development, or humanitarian affairs.
• A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.
• Extensive knowledge of human rights monitoring, documentation, analysis, and reporting methodologies.
• Familiarity with international humanitarian law and its application in humanitarian contexts.
• Proven ability to manage programs and coordinate in multi-stakeholder environments.
• Strong strategic thinking and partnership-building skills are essential.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as human rights, law, political science, international relations, social sciences, economics, public policy, sustainable development, or humanitarian affairs. A first-level university degree may be accepted if accompanied by two additional years of qualifying experience, demonstrating the candidate's capability in the field.

Experience:
A minimum of ten 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 relevant fields. Candidates should demonstrate strategic thinking skills, the ability to build and maintain partnerships, and possess planning, organizing, and coordination skills in a large multi-stakeholder environment. Knowledge of human rights monitoring and reporting methodologies is essential, along with familiarity with international human rights law and humanitarian law.

Languages:
The mandatory languages for this position are English and Russian, both required at UN Level III proficiency. Additionally, Ukrainian is desirable at UN Level II proficiency. Candidates must demonstrate strong communication skills in these languages, including reading, writing, listening, and speaking, as effective communication is crucial for the role.

Additional Notes:
This position is subject to the availability of funds and the extension of the mandate. It is important to note that staff members of the United Nations Secretariat must meet geographical or lateral move requirements to be eligible for this vacancy. The United Nations is committed to diversity and encourages female candidates to apply. The organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities upon request.