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 guidance and support to governments and organizations in the implementation of human rights standards. The organization operates in various countries around the world, focusing on issues such as discrimination, violence, and the promotion of fundamental freedoms. The OHCHR is committed to fostering a culture of respect for human rights and aims to empower individuals and communities to claim their rights. It employs a diverse workforce of professionals dedicated to advancing human rights and operates in numerous regions, including Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas.

Job Overview:
The Human Rights Officer position is crucial for the OHCHR's mission in the Regional Office in Addis Ababa. The incumbent will be responsible for planning and coordinating activities related to thematic and country mandates on human rights, with a strong emphasis on integrating gender perspectives into all aspects of work. This role involves delivering and coordinating training programs for the judiciary, developing training materials on human rights topics, and conducting substantive research and analysis of human rights issues. The officer will assess the impact of these issues on the human rights situation in the assigned region or country, collect and analyze relevant data, and provide support to various commissions and bodies. The position also requires the officer to ensure that human rights considerations are integrated into political, humanitarian, and economic efforts, and to assist in capacity-building initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Human Rights Officer will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including: planning and coordinating human rights activities; delivering training programs and developing training materials; conducting research and analysis on human rights issues; collecting and analyzing human rights data; providing support to sub-commissions and other bodies; ensuring integration of human rights issues into broader efforts; defining work plans; assisting military and police in developing training programs; representing the UN human rights program at meetings; supporting capacity-building efforts; writing reports and communications; conducting monitoring and investigations of human rights violations; and providing guidance to junior staff. The officer may also perform other related duties as required, demonstrating flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic work environment.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of human rights issues and the ability to identify related problems across various dimensions, including political, ethnic, racial, and socio-economic factors. Knowledge of the institutional mandates of human rights organizations, prevailing policies, and procedures is essential. Candidates should have excellent research and analytical skills, with the ability to draft comprehensive human rights reports and evaluate information from diverse sources. Professionalism, teamwork, and effective planning and organizing skills are critical for success in this role. The ability to incorporate gender perspectives and ensure 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, which are critical to the role of a Human Rights Officer.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, political affairs, international relations, law, or a related area is required. Candidates should have experience in legal drafting and providing legal advice in the area of human rights. Experience working as a justice practitioner or government lawyer in a national, regional, or international context is desirable, as is experience in capacity building and implementing technical cooperation projects. This level of experience ensures that the officer is well-equipped to handle the complexities of human rights issues and to contribute effectively to the OHCHR's mission.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both oral and written, is required for this position, as English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of any local language spoken in Ethiopia is considered an advantage, as it may facilitate communication and engagement with local communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is subject to the availability of funds and the extension of the mandate. The United Nations emphasizes the importance of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity in its recruitment process. Candidates will be evaluated based on their qualifications and organizational needs, with a commitment to diversity and inclusion. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply, and reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.