Assistant 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 the rights of individuals are respected and upheld, providing support to various UN entities and member states in their efforts to implement human rights standards. The organization operates in multiple countries, focusing on various human rights issues, and aims to foster a culture of accountability and respect for human rights. The West Africa Regional Office (WARO) is one of its regional offices, specifically addressing human rights concerns in the West African region.

Job Overview:
The Assistant Human Rights Officer plays a crucial role in the OHCHR's efforts to monitor and promote human rights in West Africa. This position involves establishing and maintaining relationships with colleagues within the office and other UN entities to collect, verify, and clarify information related to human rights concerns. The officer engages with supervisors and peers to exchange updates on alleged violations and align on monitoring activities. The role also requires interaction with local authorities, community members, civil society organizations, and affected individuals to gather and verify information, explain human rights standards, and support awareness-raising efforts. The Assistant Human Rights Officer is expected to work under close supervision to ensure accuracy and adherence to established methodologies, contributing to the overall mission of the OHCHR in promoting and protecting human rights in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Assistant Human Rights Officer will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including assisting in the collection of data for human rights monitoring, providing technical support for tracking recommendations from human rights mechanisms, and documenting evidence-based information on various rights. The officer will assist in preparing and conducting human rights monitoring and field verification missions, drafting reports on findings, and delivering human rights capacity-building programs for state institutions and civil society. Additionally, the officer will maintain confidentiality and integrity while handling sensitive information, support training programs, and contribute to transitional justice processes. The role requires a proactive approach to human rights issues and the ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess 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. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Candidates should have a strong understanding of international human rights law, norms, and standards, and the ability to integrate a human rights-based approach into their work. Skills in legal analysis and knowledge of human rights monitoring methodologies are also required.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in a relevant field is required for this position. Candidates with a first-level university degree (Bachelor's degree or equivalent) may be considered if they have two additional years of qualifying experience in the human rights field. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively contribute to the OHCHR's mission.

Experience:
Candidates with a first-level university degree must have a minimum of two years of progressively responsible professional experience in the human rights field at national and/or international levels. For those holding an advanced university degree, no prior experience is required. However, the ability to mobilize support from a wide range of partners and stakeholders is essential, along with knowledge of international human rights law and the ability to conduct legal analysis. Experience in human rights monitoring, documentation, and reporting methodologies is desirable.

Languages:
English is required for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is also a working language of the United Nations Secretariat, and knowledge of French is considered desirable but not mandatory for this role. Proficiency in these languages is crucial for effective communication and collaboration within the UN system and with external stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The appointment for this position is limited to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and is classified as a fixed-term appointment limited (FTAlimited). The extension of the appointment is subject to the extension of the mandate and/or the availability of funds. Candidates for the National Professional Officer category must be of the nationality of the country where this position is located. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment, encouraging female candidates to apply and ensuring equal opportunities for all applicants. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities to support their participation in the recruitment process.