Human Rights Officer

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Position Title: Human Rights Officer
Location: Kinshasa
Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo
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 organization aims to ensure that human rights are respected, protected, and fulfilled for all individuals, regardless of their background. OHCHR works in various countries, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, to provide technical assistance and support to governments and civil society in the promotion of human rights. The organization employs a diverse workforce and operates in numerous countries, focusing on issues such as gender equality, social justice, and the rule of law.

Job Overview:
The Human Rights Officer position is critical in the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. The incumbent will be responsible for planning and coordinating activities related to human rights mandates, ensuring that gender perspectives are integrated into all efforts. This role involves conducting substantive research and analysis of human rights issues, collecting and analyzing data, and providing support to various bodies within the UN framework. The officer will also assist in developing training programs for military and police forces, supervise field verification work, and represent the UN human rights program in meetings. The position requires a proactive approach to addressing human rights challenges and a commitment to promoting gender equality in all aspects of work.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Human Rights Officer will undertake a variety of duties, including:

• Planning and coordinating activities related to thematic and country mandates on human rights, with a focus on gender perspectives.
• Conducting substantive research and analysis of human rights issues/events and assessing their impact on the human rights situation in the assigned region or country.
• Collecting and analyzing human rights data and indicators, including gender-specific data.
• Providing support to sub-commissions, commissions, and other bodies, and following up on the implementation of decisions made by policy-making bodies.
• Ensuring that human rights issues are integrated into political, humanitarian, and economic efforts.
• Defining work plans in accordance with established terms of reference.
• Assisting military and police in developing training programs on human rights and international humanitarian law.
• Supervising field verification work and following up on cases verified by regional offices.
• Writing reports, communications, briefings, and statements for policy-making bodies. 1
• Providing guidance to new or junior staff as needed. 1
• Performing other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of human rights issues, including their political, ethnic, racial, gender equality, and socio-economic dimensions. 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 human rights reports. The ability to evaluate and integrate information from various sources and assess its impact on the human rights situation is crucial. Candidates should also show professionalism, teamwork, and planning and organizing skills, with a commitment to gender perspectives 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 area 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 working on human rights issues in the African region or similar contexts is desirable. Additionally, experience in planning, implementing, and monitoring policies and programs using results-based management is preferred, along with experience in project or program management.

Languages:
Fluency in one of the working languages of the UN Secretariat, either English or French, is required, with knowledge of the other language being desirable. This fluency must encompass both oral and written communication skills.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available for three months, with the possibility of extension 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 diversity and encourages applications from women and underrepresented groups. The organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities upon request.