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 all countries, providing support to governments, civil society, and other stakeholders. The West Africa Regional Office (WARO) is one of the regional offices of OHCHR, focusing on human rights issues specific to the West African region. The organization aims to address human rights violations, promote accountability, and support the implementation of international human rights standards. The OHCHR operates in multiple countries and employs a diverse workforce dedicated to advancing human rights for all individuals, regardless of their background.

Job Overview:
The Associate Human Rights Officer position is critical for monitoring and promoting human rights within the West Africa region. The officer will be responsible for establishing and maintaining relationships with various stakeholders, including UN entities, national authorities, civil society organizations, and affected communities. The role involves gathering, verifying, and analyzing information on human rights issues, particularly focusing on their gender dimensions. The officer will collaborate with internal teams to prepare analytical products and contribute to coordinated monitoring and reporting activities. This position requires a proactive approach to addressing human rights concerns and supporting capacity-building initiatives in collaboration with external partners. The Associate Human Rights Officer will work under the supervision of the Deputy Regional Representative of WARO, with moderate independence in executing their responsibilities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Associate Human Rights Officer will have a wide range of responsibilities, including monitoring the implementation of international human rights law and humanitarian law, supporting follow-up on recommendations from human rights mechanisms, and collecting evidence-based information on various rights. The officer will conduct human rights monitoring and field verification missions, draft analytical reports, and support fact-finding missions documenting violations of international law. Additionally, the officer will provide technical research and support to national counterparts, contribute to human rights capacity-building activities, and promote transitional justice processes. The role also involves preparing training materials, supervising junior staff, and ensuring that all activities align with international human rights standards.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strong skills in mobilizing support from diverse partners, communicating complex matters to various audiences, and integrating a human rights-based approach into their work. Knowledge of international human rights law and norms is essential, along with the ability to draft human rights reports and policy documents. Skills in programme management and a survivor-centered approach are also required. The candidate should demonstrate professionalism, teamwork, and effective planning and organizing abilities.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in fields such as human rights, law, political science, international relations, social sciences, economics, public policy, sustainable development, or humanitarian affairs 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 2 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. The candidate should have a proven ability to mobilize support from a wide range of partners and stakeholders, as well as experience in communicating complex and technical matters effectively.

Languages:
English is the mandatory working language for this position, with a required proficiency level of UN Level III in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is considered a good-to-have language, enhancing communication within the UN Secretariat.

Additional Notes:
The position is a fixed-term appointment limited to the availability of funds and the extension of the mandate. Candidates selected for this role will be subject to a probationary period of one year. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment, encouraging applications from women and individuals from various backgrounds. The organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and is dedicated to ensuring equal opportunities for all candidates.