Associate Human Rights Officer

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 that human rights are respected and upheld in various countries, including Ukraine, where it operates through the Human Rights Monitoring Mission. The organization focuses on addressing human rights violations, promoting accountability, and fostering a culture of respect for human rights. The OHCHR is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and employs staff from various backgrounds to reflect the global nature of its mission.

Job Overview:
The Associate Human Rights Officer position is crucial for the OHCHR's efforts in monitoring and reporting on human rights issues in Ukraine. The incumbent will be responsible for researching and collecting information on human rights concerns, analyzing data, and drafting reports that inform stakeholders about the current human rights situation. This role requires a proactive approach to understanding emerging trends and the capacity to engage with various actors, including government bodies, NGOs, and civil society organizations. The Associate Human Rights Officer will also participate in training programs aimed at enhancing the capacity of national law enforcement and civil society in human rights matters, thereby contributing to the overall goal of promoting and protecting human rights in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Associate Human Rights Officer include conducting thorough research on human rights issues, drafting reports and correspondence related to human rights matters, participating in hearings and consultations, and maintaining awareness of current human rights issues. The officer will ensure compliance with relevant standards and methods of work, assist in training programs for law enforcement and civil society, and engage in advocacy efforts to prevent human rights violations. Additionally, the officer will liaise with various stakeholders to gather baseline data on human rights situations, design and maintain databases to track project progress, and contribute to data analysis and visualization for effective reporting and decision-making.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of human rights issues, including their political, ethnic, racial, gender equality, and socio-economic dimensions. They should have excellent research and analytical skills, the ability to identify data sources, and the capability to draft comprehensive human rights reports. Professionalism, effective communication skills, and the ability to work under pressure are essential. The candidate should also demonstrate a commitment to gender perspectives and the equal participation of all individuals in their work.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law, political science, international relations, social sciences, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree in the aforementioned fields combined with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, political affairs, international relations, law, or a related area is required. Experience in human rights data analytics or related fields is desirable, as is experience conducting interviews with victims and witnesses of human rights violations. Familiarity with the United Nations system or similar international organizations is also advantageous.

Languages:
The working languages of the United Nations Secretariat are English and French. For this position, proficiency in English is required, along with fluency in Ukrainian and Russian. Candidates must demonstrate a high level of proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking in these languages, as per the UN Language Framework.

Additional Notes:
The position is subject to the availability of funds and the extension of the mandate. Candidates must be nationals of Ukraine, as this is a National Professional Officer category position. The United Nations emphasizes the importance of diversity and encourages female candidates to apply. The recruitment process is free of charge, and the UN does not request any fees from applicants at any stage.