Associate 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 to promote and protect human rights globally. The OHCHR works to ensure that the rights of individuals are respected and upheld, providing support to various countries in their efforts to improve human rights conditions. The organization operates in multiple countries, focusing on various human rights issues, and employs a diverse workforce dedicated to the mission of promoting human dignity and justice.

Job Overview:
The Associate Human Rights Officer position is crucial for the OHCHR's mission in Ukraine, particularly within the Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU). The incumbent will engage in extensive research and data collection on human rights issues, analyzing trends and violations while considering their gender dimensions. The role involves drafting reports and correspondence, participating in hearings, and maintaining awareness of current human rights issues. The officer will also be responsible for conducting training programs for national law enforcement and civil society representatives, promoting national capacity building, and advocating for the rights of vulnerable populations. This position requires a proactive approach to community mobilization and collaboration with various stakeholders to address human rights violations effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Associate Human Rights Officer will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including researching and collecting information on human rights issues, drafting reports and analytical documents, participating in hearings and consultations, and maintaining awareness of current human rights developments. The officer will ensure compliance with relevant standards and methods of work, participate in training programs for law enforcement and civil society, and engage in discussions with other Human Rights Officers to integrate gender dimensions into broader efforts. Additionally, the officer will liaise with government bodies, NGOs, and UN agencies to create baseline data on human rights situations, design databases to track project progress, and contribute to data analysis and visualization for informed decision-making. Other duties may be assigned 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. They should have knowledge of the institutional mandates of human rights organizations and prevailing policies and procedures. The ability to conduct research, analyze information, and draft comprehensive human rights reports is essential. Candidates should demonstrate professionalism, effective communication skills, and the ability to plan and organize work efficiently. A commitment to gender perspectives and the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work is also required.

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. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of human rights law and international relations.

Experience:
A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, political affairs, international relations, law, or a related area is required. Candidates with at least one year of experience in human rights and/or International Humanitarian Law data analytics or related fields are preferred. Experience conducting interviews with victims and witnesses of human rights violations is also desirable, as is experience within the United Nations common system or similar international organizations.

Languages:
Fluency in English, Ukrainian, and Russian (both oral and written) is required for this position. Knowledge of another UN official language is considered an advantage, as the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat include English and French. Proficiency in multiple languages enhances communication and collaboration in a diverse work environment.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available for six months, with the possibility of extension subject to the availability of funds. Candidates must be of the nationality of Ukraine, where this position is located. Current staff members holding fixed-term, permanent, or continuing appointments may apply for temporary positions, but there are specific eligibility criteria 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, ensuring that all employment decisions are made based on qualifications and organizational needs. Reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities may be provided upon request.