Human Rights Officer

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Human Rights Officer
Location: Monrovia
Country: Liberia
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

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 human rights are respected and upheld in all countries, providing support to governments, civil society, and other stakeholders. The organization operates in various countries, focusing on issues such as transitional justice, accountability, and the promotion of sustainable peace. The OHCHR is committed to integrating human rights into all aspects of development and governance, and it employs a diverse team of professionals dedicated to these goals.

Job Overview:
The Human Rights Officer position is critical for the implementation of the project aimed at strengthening the capacity of the government and national stakeholders in Liberia for credible transitional justice processes. The incumbent will adopt a Human Rights Based Approach (HRBA) across all project activities, providing technical support and strategic advice to various entities, including the War and Economic Crimes Court for Liberia and civil society organizations. The role involves monitoring and evaluating the implementation of international human rights instruments and supporting treaty-established bodies. The officer will also prepare reports for the General Assembly and Human Rights Council, ensuring that human rights considerations are integrated into UN and non-governmental programs in the region. The position requires a proactive approach to data collection and analysis to inform decision-making and policy recommendations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Human Rights Officer will be responsible for coordinating the implementation of the transitional justice project, ensuring that HRBA is adopted in all activities. Key responsibilities include:

• Providing technical support to government entities and civil society organizations in establishing mechanisms for accountability and reconciliation.
• Monitoring and evaluating activities related to international human rights instruments and treaty body recommendations.
• Preparing human rights reports for various UN bodies, including the General Assembly and Human Rights Council.
• Collaborating with UN and non-governmental programs to integrate human rights into their initiatives.
• Analyzing data to identify trends and provide insights for decision-making.
• Training and supervising new staff members.
• Engaging with other sectors of the UN and international organizations on policy matters.
• Performing other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of human rights issues, particularly in transitional justice. They should have the ability to evaluate and integrate information from various sources and assess its impact on human rights situations. Skills in training civil authorities and advocacy groups on human rights issues are essential. The candidate should demonstrate professionalism, effective communication skills, and the ability to plan and organize work efficiently. A commitment to gender equality and the ability to analyze and interpret data are also required.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in law, human rights, 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:
A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, political affairs, international relations, law, or a related area is required. Candidates should have experience in integrating a human rights-based approach into development programs, and experience in human rights training and project management is desirable. Familiarity with transitional justice and accountability mechanisms is also preferred.

Languages:
Fluency in English (both oral and written) is required, as English is one of the working languages of the UN Secretariat. Knowledge of French is desirable, and knowledge of another UN official language is considered an advantage.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available with the possibility of extension, subject to the availability of funds. The role may be limited to internal candidates and is subject to various eligibility requirements. 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. The position emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in the recruitment process.