Human Rights Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the United Nations Support Office for Haiti (UNSOH), which is part of the broader United Nations system. The UNSOH is dedicated to supporting the stabilization and development of Haiti, particularly in the context of human rights and governance. The organization aims to promote and protect human rights in Haiti, ensuring that the principles of equality, justice, and dignity are upheld. The UNSOH operates in a challenging environment, focusing on various human rights activities and initiatives to address the needs of the Haitian population. The UN has a long-standing commitment to human rights and works collaboratively with local and international partners to achieve its objectives. The UNSOH is staffed by a diverse team of professionals who are dedicated to the mission of promoting human rights and supporting the Haitian government and civil society in their efforts to improve the human rights situation in the country.

Job Overview:
The Human Rights Officer will play a crucial role in supporting the implementation of the United Nations Human Rights Due Diligence Policy (HRDDP) in Haiti. This position involves conducting substantive research and analysis of human rights issues/events and assessing their impact on the human rights situation in the country. The officer will collect and analyze human rights data, including gender-specific indicators, to ensure that human rights considerations are integrated into political, humanitarian, and economic efforts. The role requires the officer to define work plans in accordance with established terms of reference and support the drafting of HRDDP risk assessments while implementing necessary mitigation measures. The Human Rights Officer will also supervise field verification work, represent the UN human rights program at meetings, and support capacity-building efforts on human rights in Haiti. The position demands strong analytical skills, the ability to draft reports and communications, and the capacity to engage with various stakeholders to promote human rights effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Human Rights Officer will be responsible for a range of duties, including: conducting substantive research and analysis of human rights issues/events; assessing the impact of these issues on the human rights situation in Haiti; collecting and analyzing human rights data and indicators, including gender-specific data; ensuring the integration of human rights issues into political, humanitarian, and economic efforts; defining work plans for assigned areas; supporting the drafting of HRDDP risk assessments and implementing mitigation measures; supervising field verification work through periodic visits; following up on various cases and situations; representing the UN human rights program at working-level meetings; supporting capacity-building efforts on human rights in Haiti; writing reports, communications, briefings, and statements for policy-making bodies; providing guidance to new or junior staff; and performing other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of human rights issues, including the ability to identify related problems in their political, ethnic, racial, gender equality, and socio-economic dimensions. Knowledge of the institutional mandates of human rights organizations, prevailing policies, and procedures is essential. Candidates should demonstrate research and analytical skills, including the ability to identify sources for data collection, analyze information, and draft human rights reports. The ability to evaluate and integrate information from various sources and assess its impact on the human rights situation is crucial. Candidates should also show professionalism, including pride in their work, commitment to deadlines, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. A strong commitment to gender perspectives and ensuring equal participation of women and men in all areas of work is required.

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 combined with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. This educational background is essential for understanding the complex legal and social frameworks that govern human rights.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, political affairs, international relations, law, or a related area is required. Additionally, candidates must have at least two years of experience working in a United Nations common system field operation, including peacekeeping, political missions, or UN agencies, in a conflict setting. Experience in implementing the Human Rights Due Diligence Policy in peacekeeping operations and in human rights protection work, particularly through engagement with military and police for civilian protection, is also required.

Languages:
The working languages of the United Nations Secretariat are English and French. For this position, proficiency in French and Creole Haiti is required, with English being desirable. Candidates must demonstrate a minimum level of proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking in these languages according to the UN Language Framework.

Additional Notes:
The appointment against this position is limited to the UN Support Office in Haiti, and candidates for the National Professional Officer category must be nationals of Haiti. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and encourages female candidates to apply. The recruitment process will adhere to the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity, with a focus on geographic diversity. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities. The position may involve periodic relocation to different duty stations as per the UN's mobility policy. The UN does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.