Human Rights Officer (Legal Advisor)

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, and it engages with various stakeholders, including governments, civil society, and international organizations. The organization aims to address human rights violations and promote accountability, justice, and the rule of law. The OHCHR operates in numerous countries, providing support and guidance on human rights issues, and it employs a diverse workforce committed to the principles of equality and non-discrimination.

Job Overview:
The Human Rights Officer (Legal Advisor) position is crucial for providing expert legal advice on human rights, international humanitarian law, and international criminal law. The incumbent will lead legal research and analysis to identify patterns of human rights violations and ensure that findings are integrated into strategic frameworks. This role involves managing investigation planning, overseeing the formulation of legal opinions, and ensuring the quality of legal outputs. The officer will also provide strategic advice on evidence preservation and engage with external actors to advance the office's priorities. The position requires strong analytical skills, legal expertise, and the ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders to achieve organizational goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Human Rights Officer (Legal Advisor) will be responsible for leading and providing expert legal advice on applicable human rights frameworks, conducting substantive legal research, managing investigation planning, overseeing the quality assurance of legal documents, defining legal frameworks for public reports, providing strategic advice on evidence preservation, and managing engagement with external actors. The officer will also coordinate team activities, including hiring, training, and evaluating performance, ensuring that deadlines are met and that the team operates effectively.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong knowledge of international legal procedures and instruments, particularly in criminal law. They should have the ability to analyze complex legal issues and develop innovative solutions. Proficiency in legal writing and expression is essential, as is the ability to lead and cross-examine witnesses. Strong negotiating skills and the ability to work under tight deadlines are also required. Candidates should demonstrate professionalism, effective communication, and teamwork skills, as well as a commitment to gender equality in all areas of work.

Educational Background:
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 is required. 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 seven years of 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. Candidates should have at least five years of demonstrated knowledge in human rights monitoring, documentation, analysis, research, and reporting methodologies, including field missions. The ability to conduct legal analysis and draft human rights reports is essential.

Languages:
English is required for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level III in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is also a working language of the United Nations, and knowledge of French is considered an asset, although not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The position is subject to the availability of funds and the extension of the mandate. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and encourages female candidates to apply. The recruitment process will include an assessment exercise followed by a competency-based interview. Candidates must adhere to the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity, and any violations of international human rights law or other serious misconduct will disqualify candidates from consideration. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.