Human Rights Officer (Statistical Data)

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is a part of the United Nations system, established in 199

• Its mission is to promote and protect human rights for all people, ensuring that international human rights standards are upheld. The OHCHR operates globally, with a focus on supporting the implementation of human rights obligations and addressing human rights violations. The organization employs a diverse workforce and collaborates with various stakeholders, including governments, civil society, and international organizations, to advance human rights initiatives.

Job Overview:
The Human Rights Officer (Statistical Data) position is situated within the Innovation & Analytics Hub (IAH) of the OHCHR in Geneva, Switzerland. This role is pivotal in leading the office's digital transformation strategy and enhancing the organization's capabilities in data and analytics, human rights statistics, and innovative technology applications. The incumbent will work closely with the Coordinator of the Human Rights Statistics Unit and the Chief of IAH to develop methodologies and tools for data collection and disaggregation, ensuring alignment with international human rights standards and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The position requires a proactive approach to organizing training activities and collaborating with various stakeholders, including human rights and statistical experts, to foster a comprehensive understanding of human rights measurement and implementation.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Human Rights Officer will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including but not limited to: developing and applying guidance on definitional and methodological frameworks for data collection related to human rights indicators; organizing and delivering training sessions and technical assistance to partners; reviewing literature and practices in human rights and statistics; designing and executing data collection and analysis processes; and disseminating statistical data through global and country-level reporting. The role also involves evaluating and integrating information from diverse sources to assess the impact on human rights situations, ensuring that gender perspectives are incorporated into all work.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of human rights issues, statistical principles, and the institutional mandates of human rights organizations. They should demonstrate research and analytical skills, with the ability to conduct independent research and draft clear reports. The role requires a commitment to professionalism, including the ability to manage stress and maintain efficiency in meeting deadlines. Candidates should also exhibit strong communication skills, both written and verbal, and be adept at planning and organizing their work effectively.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Statistics, Economics, Development Studies, Law, 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.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in conducting analytical work or policy-oriented research in human rights or a related area is required. This experience should be gained in a governmental, non-governmental, or academic environment. Candidates must have at least two years of experience using statistical or econometric software (e.g., R, Python, STATA) for data analysis and aggregation. Experience working with national and international human rights institutions and statistical organizations is desirable.

Languages:
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, proficiency in English is required, with a minimum level of proficiency at UN Level III for reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Knowledge of French is an asset but not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The position may involve an initial probationary period of one year under a fixed-term appointment. The United Nations emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in its workforce and encourages female candidates to apply. The organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and is committed to maintaining a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities will be provided upon request.