Human Rights Officer

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Human Rights Officer
Location: Geneva
Country: Switzerland
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 the rights of individuals are respected and upheld, and it engages with various stakeholders, including governments, civil society, and international organizations. The organization operates in multiple countries and employs a diverse workforce dedicated to advancing human rights standards and addressing violations. The OHCHR's mission includes monitoring human rights situations, providing technical assistance, and promoting accountability for human rights violations.

Job Overview:
The Human Rights Officer position is critical in the OHCHR's efforts to address human rights issues, particularly focusing on child rights in the digital environment. The officer will be responsible for reviewing and evaluating the implementation of international human rights instruments, organizing consultations to assess risks to children's safety online, and preparing reports for various UN bodies. The role requires collaboration with UN entities, private sectors, and NGOs to gather data and insights on child safety in the digital space. The officer will also develop training programs and supervise junior staff, ensuring that human rights considerations are integrated into broader policy discussions and actions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Human Rights Officer will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including: reviewing and monitoring activities related to international human rights instruments; organizing regional consultations to assess risks to child safety in the digital environment; preparing human rights reports for the General Assembly and Human Rights Council; collaborating with UN and non-governmental organizations to evaluate risks; ensuring up-to-date information on child safety online; making recommendations for actions; coordinating with other UN sectors and international organizations; developing and implementing training programs; supervising new or junior staff; collecting and analyzing data to identify trends; and performing other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of human rights issues, including the ability to evaluate and integrate information from various sources. They should demonstrate skills in training and capacity building, particularly in recognizing civil unrest warning signs. The officer must be able to analyze and interpret data effectively, ensuring that gender perspectives are incorporated into all areas of work. Professionalism, teamwork, and planning skills are essential, as the officer will work collaboratively with colleagues and stakeholders to achieve organizational goals.

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:
A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, political affairs, international relations, law, or a related area is required. Additionally, at least three years of experience specifically in child rights is desirable, with a focus on child rights in the digital space being an added advantage.

Languages:
Fluency in English (both oral and written) is required for this position, as English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French is desirable, and proficiency in another UN official language is considered an advantage.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available for six months, with the possibility of extension subject to the availability of funds. Current staff members holding fixed-term, permanent, or continuing appointments may apply for temporary positions, but there are specific eligibility requirements based on their current grade. The selection process may include an assessment exercise followed by a competency-based interview. The United Nations is committed to diversity and inclusion, and reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities. The organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.