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 the rights of individuals are upheld and that governments are held accountable for their actions. The organization operates in various countries around the world, engaging with national governments, civil society, and other stakeholders to advance human rights standards and practices. The OHCHR is committed to promoting the universal respect for human rights as enshrined in law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law and aims to address human rights violations through monitoring, reporting, and advocacy efforts.

Job Overview:
The Associate Human Rights Officer position is situated within the Rule of Law, Accountability and Civic Space (RACS 1) division of the OHCHR. The incumbent will play a crucial role in monitoring the implementation of international human rights law and humanitarian law, supporting follow-up on recommendations from various human rights mechanisms. This includes treaty bodies, the Universal Periodic Review, and special procedures. The role requires the collection, documentation, and analysis of evidence-based information on a range of rights, including civil, cultural, economic, social, and political rights. The officer will be expected to draft reports, briefings, and policy analyses that inform strategies and decision-making processes, ensuring that gender perspectives are integrated into all outputs. The position also involves providing professional support to national and regional counterparts in strengthening human rights systems and frameworks, contributing to the integration of human rights norms into various political and economic processes, and engaging with UN entities and civil society actors to promote human rights initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Associate Human Rights Officer include monitoring the implementation of international human rights law, collecting and analyzing evidence-based information on human rights situations, drafting and reviewing human rights reports and policy analyses, providing substantive support to national and regional counterparts, and engaging with various stakeholders to promote human rights. The officer will also be responsible for ensuring data quality and methodological compliance in their analyses, contributing to the integration of human rights into broader frameworks, and supporting civil society actors in their human rights initiatives. Additionally, the role involves maintaining confidentiality and integrity while handling sensitive information, contributing to gender-focused sections of reports, and supporting the analytical and planning work related to the protection of civilians and other critical issues.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong knowledge of international human rights law, norms, and standards, as well as experience in human rights monitoring, documentation, and analysis. Skills in drafting human rights reports and policy documents are essential. Knowledge of regional and international human rights mechanisms is required, along with the ability to conduct legal analysis. Candidates should also have experience in collecting and analyzing large volumes of data, and familiarity with gender equality frameworks is desirable. The position requires a commitment to professionalism, teamwork, and effective planning and organizing skills.

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. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Candidates with a first-level university degree and no experience may be considered if they have passed the Young Professionals Programme Examination or other relevant competitive examinations.

Experience:
A minimum of 2 years of experience in human rights or related fields is required. Relevant experience may include political affairs, public affairs, international relations, law, social sciences, economics, development, or humanitarian affairs. Candidates who have passed a United Nations Competitive Recruitment Examination may not require prior experience. Knowledge of international human rights law and the ability to conduct legal analysis are essential, along with skills in drafting reports and policy documents.

Languages:
English is required for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level III in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is desirable, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level II. Proficiency in both languages is beneficial for effective communication within the UN Secretariat and with various stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available until 31 December 2026, with the possibility of extension or lateral transfer, subject to the availability of funds. The role is classified as a temporary appointment, and candidates must meet specific eligibility requirements. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and does not charge any fees during the recruitment process. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities upon request.