Human Rights Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located in the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), specifically within the Regional Office for Central Asia (ROCA) in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The OHCHR was established to promote and protect human rights globally, and it operates in various countries, including Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. The organization collaborates with state institutions, national human rights institutions, civil society, and United Nations Country Teams to advance the implementation of international human rights norms and standards. The Regional Office focuses on civic space, freedom of expression, and the protection of civil society in the region, particularly in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. The office is funded under a UK-funded project, emphasizing its commitment to enhancing human rights in Central Asia.

Job Overview:
The Human Rights Officer position entails leading the Regional Office’s team in Kyrgyzstan and serving as the regional focal point on civic space. The incumbent will report to the Regional Representative for Central Asia and work closely with the Deputy Regional Representative. The role involves monitoring and analyzing the human rights situation, drafting evidence-based reports, and providing strategic advice. The officer will support national counterparts and civil society through advisory and capacity-building activities, contribute to advocacy and resource mobilization efforts, and coordinate the work of the country team. The position requires a proactive approach to human rights issues, with a focus on ensuring compliance with international human rights standards and advancing accountability.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Human Rights Officer will be responsible for conducting substantive monitoring of human rights and international law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">humanitarian law implementation, following up on recommendations from various human rights mechanisms. This includes collecting, documenting, and analyzing evidence-based information on various rights, conducting human rights monitoring and field verification missions, and drafting comprehensive reports on findings and recommendations. The officer will provide advisory support to strengthen national and regional human rights systems, engage in fundraising and resource mobilization activities, and promote human rights through advocacy and outreach. Additionally, the officer will supervise daily team activities, organize work assignments, and ensure timely delivery of outputs.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong knowledge of human rights monitoring, documentation, analysis, research, and reporting methodologies. Skills in drafting human rights reports and policy documents are essential, along with program management capabilities. The ability to design, deliver, and evaluate capacity-building and training programs is desirable. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to mobilize support from a diverse range of partners and stakeholders and possess knowledge of regional and international human rights mechanisms. Professionalism, effective communication, and strong planning and organizing skills are critical for success in this role.

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 five years of experience in human rights or related areas is required. Relevant experience may include political affairs, public affairs, international relations, law, social sciences, economics, development, humanitarian affairs, or other related fields. Candidates should have a solid understanding of human rights monitoring, documentation, analysis, and reporting methodologies, as well as experience in planning and conducting field missions.

Languages:
English and Russian are required for this position. The working languages of the United Nations Secretariat are English and French, but for this specific job opening, proficiency in English and Russian is mandatory. Candidates must demonstrate a minimum level of proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking in both languages according to the UN Language Framework.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available for six months, with the possibility of extension subject to the availability of funds. Applicants must note that individuals of the nationality of the country where the position is located cannot apply for positions in the Field Service category. The recruitment process is designed to ensure the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity, and the United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities upon request.