Human Rights Officer (Protection Cluster Coordinator)

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is a part of the United Nations and is dedicated to promoting and protecting human rights globally. Established in 1993, 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, including Haiti, where it focuses on addressing human rights violations and promoting justice and accountability. OHCHR employs a diverse workforce of professionals committed to human rights advocacy and operates in numerous countries to support local and international human rights initiatives.

Job Overview:
The Human Rights Officer (Protection Cluster Coordinator) position is crucial for coordinating human rights efforts in Haiti, particularly in the context of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH). The incumbent will lead the integration of human rights into the protection of civilians' planning and response, ensuring that the voices and needs of affected communities are prioritized. This role involves developing and implementing protection strategies, co-chairing protection coordination" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">cluster coordination, and facilitating information sharing among UN stakeholders. The officer will also provide legal and policy advice on international human rights law and humanitarian law, ensuring compliance with UN protection policies. The position requires strong leadership skills to manage a team effectively and ensure that all activities align with the mission's goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Human Rights Officer (Protection Cluster Coordinator) will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including:

• Leading coordination efforts among human rights components, UN agencies, NGOs, and civil society to integrate human rights into protection planning.
• Developing and implementing mission-wide protection strategies and action plans in consultation with affected communities.
• Co-chairing Protection Cluster Coordination and ensuring human rights are mainstreamed in protection efforts.
• Facilitating information sharing with relevant UN stakeholders to enhance response planning.
• Identifying and analyzing drivers of harm and emerging threats to civilians, integrating findings into early warning systems.
• Providing legal and policy advice on international human rights law and humanitarian law.
• Contributing to the formulation of mission and UN system protection policies and programs.
• Advising on best practices for victim-centered protection policies.
• Ensuring compliance with UN protection policies and coordinating improvement initiatives. 1
• Managing team activities, including hiring, training, and performance evaluation.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of human rights, humanitarian law, and protection frameworks. They should demonstrate knowledge of conflict-related sexual violence, child protection, and the application of human rights in humanitarian contexts. The ideal candidate will have skills in incorporating a survivor-centered approach into programs and projects. Professionalism, effective communication, and strong planning and organizing skills are essential for success in this role. The candidate should also show a commitment to gender equality and the equal participation of women and men 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. 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 seven years of experience in human rights or related areas is required. This experience should include knowledge of the application of human rights in humanitarian contexts, with at least five years focused on protection of civilians and related frameworks. Relevant experience may also include political affairs, public affairs, international relations, law, social sciences, economics, or humanitarian affairs. Skills in survivor-centered approaches and knowledge of frameworks related to conflict-related sexual violence and child protection are desirable.

Languages:
The working languages of the United Nations Secretariat are English and French. For this position, proficiency in both languages is required, with a minimum level of proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking at UN Level III for both languages.

Additional Notes:
The position is subject to the availability of funds and the extension of the mandate. The United Nations emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in its workforce and encourages female candidates to apply. The recruitment process adheres to strict standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity, and candidates with a history of human rights violations or other serious offenses will not be considered. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.