Human Rights Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is a part of the United Nations system, established in 199

• Its mission is to promote and protect human rights globally, ensuring that the fundamental freedoms and rights of individuals are upheld. The OHCHR operates in various countries, working with governments, civil society, and other stakeholders to address human rights violations and promote accountability. The organization employs a diverse workforce of professionals dedicated to advancing human rights standards and principles, with a focus on inclusivity and respect for all individuals, regardless of their background.

Job Overview:
The Human Rights Officer position within the Human Rights Inquiries Branch (HRIB) of the OHCHR is a critical role that involves providing legal analysis and advice on matters related to human rights investigations. The officer will be responsible for ensuring that investigations are conducted in accordance with international legal standards and the policies of the UN. This role requires a deep understanding of human rights issues, international law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">humanitarian law, and the ability to analyze complex legal matters. The officer will work closely with a team to assess human rights violations, provide legal qualifications of information, and draft legal opinions and reports. The position demands a commitment to integrating gender perspectives into legal analyses and ensuring that the findings reflect the gendered impact of violations. The Human Rights Officer will also engage in research and analysis of legal matters, contributing to the overall mission of the OHCHR to promote accountability and justice for human rights violations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Human Rights Officer will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including advising the team on accountability matters related to HRIB-supported investigative mandates, conducting thorough analysis and research on legal issues, and suggesting legal qualifications of information under review. The officer will assess potential uses for investigative material, provide legal advice, and assist in drafting legal documents for investigative bodies. Additionally, the officer will ensure the legal accuracy of all documents produced, identify trends in human rights violations, and conduct information reviews, including interviews and analysis of open-source materials. The role also involves integrating gender perspectives into legal analyses and advising on findings and recommendations related to accountability measures. The officer will perform other duties as required, contributing to the overall effectiveness of the HRIB.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong background in human rights, international humanitarian law, and international criminal law. The position requires advanced knowledge of human rights issues and the ability to evaluate and integrate information from various sources. Candidates should demonstrate skills in training and capacity building, particularly in recognizing warning signs of civil unrest. The ability to work collaboratively in a team environment, prioritize tasks, and manage time effectively is essential. Candidates should also exhibit professionalism, integrity, and a commitment to gender equality in their work.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in international law or a related discipline is required for this position. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. This educational background ensures that candidates have the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical understanding of human rights law and its application in various contexts.

Experience:
Candidates must have a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible work experience in human rights, international humanitarian law, or international criminal law. At least two years of this experience must involve providing legal analysis to human rights investigative bodies or tribunals. Additionally, experience in legal analysis related to international criminal law issues is desirable. This level of experience is crucial for the officer to effectively navigate the complexities of human rights investigations and provide sound legal advice.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the UN Secretariat. Fluency in French is also necessary, given the bilingual nature of the organization. Proficiency in another UN language is considered an advantage, as it enhances communication and collaboration within the diverse UN environment.

Additional Notes:
The position is available until 31 December 2025, subject to the availability of funds. If the selected candidate is a current staff member of the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment. This temporary assignment provides an opportunity for the successful applicant to gain new work experience, but it does not guarantee future employment in the same position. The eligibility for this temporary job opening may be limited to candidates based at the duty station, and it may be restricted to internal candidates who have been recruited through a competitive examination. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment, and reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities. The organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and emphasizes the importance of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity in its hiring practices.