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 all individuals are respected and upheld, regardless of their background. The organization operates in various countries, focusing on human rights issues, and aims to provide assistance and support to governments and civil society in their efforts to promote human rights. The OHCHR is committed to fostering a culture of respect for human rights and works collaboratively with various stakeholders to achieve its mission.

Job Overview:
The Associate Human Rights Officer position is crucial for the OHCHR's mission in Panama City, where the incumbent will be responsible for researching and collecting information on human rights matters, including their gender dimensions. The role involves analyzing information to assess its impact on countries and thematic areas, drafting reports and correspondence related to human rights issues, and participating in hearings and consultations. The Associate Human Rights Officer will also maintain awareness of current human rights issues and relevant political and legal developments in the region. This position requires active participation in human rights training programs aimed at building national capacities and integrating human rights issues into broader efforts and programs. The officer will liaise with various stakeholders, including authorities, NGOs, and civil society organizations, to promote the application of international human rights standards and support vulnerable groups. Additionally, the role involves contributing to data collection and analysis, identifying trends, and providing insights for data-driven decision-making.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Associate Human Rights Officer include researching and collecting information on human rights matters, drafting reports and correspondence, participating in hearings and consultations, maintaining awareness of current human rights issues, and participating in training programs for various stakeholders. The officer will also review human rights issues, engage in discussions with other Human Rights Officers, and support international human rights mechanisms. Responsibilities extend to liaising with authorities and NGOs, providing capacity building and technical assistance, and participating in field missions to follow up on cases. The officer will contribute to data collection and analysis, identify trends, and present findings through various data visualization methods. Other related duties may be assigned as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong knowledge of human rights issues, including their political, ethnic, racial, gender equality, and socio-economic dimensions. They should have research and analytical skills, the ability to identify sources for data collection, and the capability to draft human rights reports. Professionalism, effective communication, and teamwork are essential competencies for this role. The candidate should demonstrate a commitment to gender perspectives and the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. The ability to analyze and interpret data to support decision-making is also crucial.

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 work 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 (YPP), the United Nations National Competitive Recruitment Examination (NCRE), or the General Service to Professional Examination (G to P).

Experience:
A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, political affairs, international relations, law, or a related area is required. Experience working on human rights issues in the field is desirable, as is experience within the United Nations System or similar international organizations. Familiarity with human rights monitoring and reporting, particularly regarding economic, social, and cultural rights, is also advantageous.

Languages:
For this position, proficiency in English and Spanish is required. According to the UN Language Framework, candidates must demonstrate a minimum level of proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking in both languages. English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat, but for this role, Spanish is essential.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available for 364 days, subject to the availability of funds. It is important to note that current staff members holding a fixed-term, permanent, or continuing appointment may apply for temporary positions no more than one level above their current grade. The selection process may include an assessment exercise followed by a competency-based interview. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, and reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities.