Human Rights Officer

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Human Rights Officer
Location: Geneva
Country: Switzerland
Deadline Date: 5 January 2026

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, focusing on various issues including disability rights, gender equality, and the overall promotion of human dignity. The organization operates in multiple countries and employs a diverse workforce dedicated to advancing human rights standards and addressing violations. The OHCHR engages with governments, civil society, and other stakeholders to foster dialogue and implement human rights initiatives.

Job Overview:
The Human Rights Officer position is integral to the OHCHR's Thematic Engagement, Special Procedures and Right to Development Division (TESPRDD). The incumbent will be responsible for planning and coordinating activities related to human rights and disability, ensuring that these issues are addressed from a gender perspective. This role involves conducting substantive research and analysis of human rights and disability issues, assessing their impact on the human rights situation in assigned regions or countries. The officer will collect and analyze data and indicators related to human rights and disability, ensuring that gender-specific considerations are included. The position also requires the integration of human rights issues into political, humanitarian, and economic efforts, as well as assisting governments in developing and implementing disability policies and training programs. The Human Rights Officer will supervise field verification work, represent the UN at meetings, and direct capacity-building efforts, all while producing various reports and communications for policy-making bodies.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Human Rights Officer will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including: planning and coordinating activities related to human rights and disability; conducting research and analysis on relevant issues; collecting and analyzing data and indicators; ensuring integration of human rights considerations into various efforts; defining work plans in accordance with established terms of reference; assisting governments in developing disability policies; supervising field verification work; representing the UN at meetings; directing capacity-building efforts; writing reports and communications; providing guidance to junior staff; and performing other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of human rights and disability issues, with the ability to identify related problems across various dimensions such as political, ethnic, racial, and socio-economic factors. Knowledge of the institutional mandates of human rights organizations, prevailing policies, and procedures is essential. Candidates should demonstrate research and analytical skills, including the ability to identify sources for data collection and draft comprehensive human rights reports. The ability to evaluate and integrate information from diverse sources and assess its impact on human rights situations is crucial. Candidates should also show a commitment to gender perspectives 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 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 five years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, political affairs, international relations, law, or a related area is required. Experience specifically in disability and human rights is desirable, as is experience working on the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities within governmental institutions.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is required for this position, as English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another UN official language is considered an advantage, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in a multilingual environment.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available until 5 January 2026, subject to the availability of funds. It is important to note that this temporary assignment does not guarantee future employment in the same position. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment, encouraging applications from female candidates and individuals from diverse backgrounds. The recruitment process is free of charge, and the United Nations does not request any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.