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, and it plays a crucial role in addressing human rights violations. The organization operates in various countries, engaging with governments, civil society, and other stakeholders to foster a culture of human rights. The OHCHR is committed to the principles of equality, justice, and dignity for all, and it aims to empower individuals and communities to claim their rights. The organization employs a diverse workforce of professionals dedicated to advancing human rights and operates in multiple countries around the world, contributing to international human rights mechanisms and treaties.

Job Overview:
The Human Rights Officer position is a critical role within the OHCHR, specifically in the Human Rights Council and Treaty Mechanisms Division. The incumbent will serve as the Secretary of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, overseeing research and analysis support for the secretariat. This role involves preparing documentation for Committee sessions, including the annual report to the Economic and Social Council, and reviewing activities related to the implementation of international human rights instruments. The Human Rights Officer will support treaty-established bodies and facilitate the adoption of measures to enhance the functioning of the treaty body system. The position requires regular interaction with UN staff and national officials, as well as collaboration with UN and non-governmental programs to integrate human rights into their initiatives. The officer will also be responsible for training and supervising junior staff, collecting and analyzing data to identify trends, and ensuring that human rights issues are addressed in a comprehensive manner.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Human Rights Officer will have a wide range of responsibilities, including: serving as Secretary of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights; overseeing research and analysis support for the Committee's secretariat; preparing documentation for Committee sessions; reviewing and evaluating activities related to international human rights instruments; supporting treaty-established bodies; preparing human rights reports for the General Assembly and Human Rights Council; meeting regularly with UN staff and national officials; working with UN and non-governmental programs to integrate human rights; ensuring up-to-date information on human rights matters; communicating with other sectors of the UN and international organizations; leading a team and managing administrative functions; training and supervising new staff; collecting and analyzing data to identify trends; and performing other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of human rights issues, including the treaty body system and economic, social, and cultural rights. They should have the ability to evaluate and integrate information from various sources and assess its impact on human rights situations. Skills in training civil authorities and advocacy groups are essential, as well as the ability to relate human rights issues to broader political, social, and economic contexts. Candidates should demonstrate professionalism, planning and organizing skills, client orientation, and performance management capabilities.

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.

Experience:
A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, political affairs, international relations, law, or a related area is required. Additionally, a minimum of four years of experience working in the United Nations Common System or a similar international organization is desirable. Experience in servicing international or regional human rights mechanisms is also preferred.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both oral and written, is required for this position. Knowledge of French is also required, and knowledge of another UN official language is considered an advantage.

Additional Notes:
The position is subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and may require staff to move periodically to new functions in accordance with established rules. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment, and female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided upon request. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.