Human Rights Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA). Established in April 2014, MINUSCA was authorized by the UN security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security Council to address the security, humanitarian, human rights, and political crises in the Central African Republic (CAR). The mission's primary objective is to protect civilians and support the transition process in the country. MINUSCA operates with a significant presence of personnel, including 11,650 military personnel and 2,080 police personnel, and aims to create conditions conducive to reducing the threat posed by armed groups. The mission also focuses on promoting and protecting human rights, supporting justice and the rule of law, and facilitating humanitarian assistance. The organization is committed to addressing the complex challenges faced by the CAR and its regional implications, and it has subsumed the UN Integrated Peacebuilding Office in CAR (BINUCA).

Job Overview:
The Human Rights Officer position is a vital role within the UN system, specifically under the direct supervision of the Chief Human Rights Officer and designated officials. The officer will be responsible for researching and collecting information related to human rights issues, including their gender dimensions, from various data sources. This role involves analyzing information to assess its impact on the human rights situation in CAR. The officer will maintain a human rights database, ensuring that all cases are entered according to established standards and methodologies. Additionally, the officer will stay informed about current human rights issues in the assigned region, contributing to the identification of problems and preparing timely reports. The position requires liaising with government representatives, NGOs, civil society organizations, and UN agencies to create baseline data on human rights situations, particularly focusing on vulnerable groups. The Human Rights Officer will also participate in discussions with relevant authorities to prevent human rights violations and draft various reports related to human rights matters. Furthermore, the officer will engage in training programs for national law enforcement officials and civil society representatives to promote national capacity building in human rights.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Human Rights Officer will undertake a comprehensive set of duties and responsibilities, including:

• Researching and collecting information on human rights matters, including gender dimensions, from diverse data sources.
• Analyzing information to assess its impact on the human rights situation in CAR.
• Entering all human rights cases into the database according to established standards and methodologies.
• Maintaining awareness of current human rights issues in the assigned region, including relevant political and legal developments.
• Identifying human rights issues and problems through thorough research and analysis, preparing timely reports.
• Liaising with government representatives, NGOs, civil society organizations, and UN agencies to create baseline data on human rights situations, focusing on vulnerable groups.
• Participating in discussions with other Human Rights Officers and relevant authorities to prevent human rights violations and seek remedial actions.
• Drafting various reports related to human rights matters.
• Participating in human rights training programs for national law enforcement officials and civil society representatives to promote national capacity building. 1
• Reviewing human rights issues and participating in discussions on integrating these issues into political, humanitarian, and economic efforts and programs.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a set of qualifications that include strong research and analytical skills, particularly in the context of human rights issues. The candidate should possess excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, to effectively draft reports and engage with various stakeholders. A deep understanding of human rights standards and methodologies is essential, along with the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment. The candidate should demonstrate adaptability and flexibility in a challenging working environment, as well as a commitment to ethics and integrity. The ability to empower others and build trust within the community is also crucial for this role.

Educational Background:
Candidates for the Human Rights Officer position should have a relevant educational background, typically a degree in law, social sciences, international relations, or a related field. Advanced degrees or specialized training in human rights law or humanitarian law are highly desirable. The educational background should provide a solid foundation for understanding the complexities of human rights issues and the legal frameworks that govern them.

Experience:
The position requires a significant level of experience in human rights work, typically a minimum of 3-5 years in a similar role or related field. Experience working in challenging environments, particularly in conflict or post-conflict settings, is highly valued. Familiarity with UN human rights mechanisms and procedures, as well as experience in conducting research and analysis on human rights issues, is essential. The candidate should also have experience in engaging with various stakeholders, including government officials, NGOs, and civil society organizations.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the working language of the UN. Knowledge of French is highly desirable, given the context of the Central African Republic. Additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly those relevant to the local population or regional context.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Bangui, Central African Republic, which is classified as a non-family duty station due to the challenging security and living conditions. The security level in the country ranges from 3 to 5, with strict compliance required with UN security instructions. The living conditions are difficult, with limited medical infrastructure and high costs of living. The position may involve working in a high-stress environment, and candidates should be prepared for the unique challenges of living and working in CAR. The role is expected to be full-time, and the UN provides basic medical care through a dispensary and hospital services for personnel.