Human Rights Officer

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Human Rights Officer
Location: Geneva
Country: Switzerland
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located in the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), specifically within the Human Rights Council and Treaty Mechanisms Division (CTMD), Human Rights Treaties Branch (HRTB), Petitions Section. The OHCHR was established to promote and protect human rights for all individuals, and it operates globally, engaging with various countries to uphold international human rights standards. The organization employs a diverse workforce and is committed to fostering an inclusive environment that respects the dignity and rights of all individuals, regardless of their background.

Job Overview:
The Human Rights Officer will play a crucial role in overseeing and coordinating the intake of treaty-based individual communications. This includes setting processing priorities and standardizing approaches to case processing. The officer will be responsible for reviewing and clearing first-level decisions, which involve analytical registration summaries and correspondence with authors and State Parties. The role also entails developing and updating guidelines and reference materials, contributing to the creation of methodological and digital tools, and ensuring meticulous record-keeping of all actions taken. The officer will monitor progress, report on backlogs and deliverables, and support the harmonization of methods of work among treaty bodies. Additionally, the officer will serve as a team leader, coordinating work and administrative functions, training new staff, and promoting mental health and well-being in the workplace. The position requires the collection and analysis of data to identify trends, enabling data-driven planning and decision-making, and the preparation of personal work plans aligned with the Section and Branch objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Human Rights Officer will be responsible for a variety of duties, including: overseeing the intake of treaty-based individual communications, setting processing priorities, and standardizing case processing approaches; reviewing and clearing first-level decisions and correspondence; developing guidelines and reference materials; ensuring record-keeping and monitoring progress against targets; supporting the harmonization of treaty body methods of work; serving as a team leader and coordinating administrative functions; training and supervising new staff; collecting and analyzing data to identify trends; preparing personal work plans; applying standard procedures in work plan implementation; monitoring progress and reporting to the Section Chief; identifying training needs; and performing additional duties as directed by the Chief of Branch.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong knowledge of jurisprudence and the workings of the UN human rights machinery, including procedural standards for accessing international human rights mechanisms. They should have a comprehensive understanding of human rights issues and the ability to evaluate and integrate information from various sources. The role requires the ability to conduct in-depth studies and reach conclusions on human rights problems, as well as the capacity to relate human rights issues to broader political, social, and economic contexts. Candidates should demonstrate professionalism, teamwork, planning and organizing skills, and sound judgment in decision-making.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law, political science, international relations, 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:
Candidates must have a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, political affairs, international relations, law, or a related area. At least two years of experience working with human rights mechanisms at the regional or international levels is required. Experience in providing legal advice, analysis, and drafting is essential, while experience in litigation or case management within the human rights system is desirable. Additionally, experience in managing a team is also considered an asset.

Languages:
Fluency in English or French, both oral and written, is required for this position. Knowledge of the other language is desirable, as English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat.

Additional Notes:
The position is subject to the availability of funds and the extension of the mandate. The United Nations emphasizes the importance of efficiency, competence, and integrity in its recruitment process, ensuring a diverse and inclusive environment. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply, and reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.