Human Rights Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located in the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, specifically within the Human Rights Inquiry Branch of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. The organization is dedicated to promoting and protecting human rights globally, ensuring accountability for violations, and supporting the implementation of international human rights standards. The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights was established in 1993 and operates in various countries, focusing on human rights issues and providing assistance to governments and civil society organizations. The organization employs a diverse workforce and aims to uphold the principles of equality and non-discrimination in its operations.

Job Overview:
The Human Rights Officer will play a crucial role in managing the day-to-day operations of the Secretariat investigations team within the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Venezuela. This position requires the incumbent to participate in and organize missions to sites of human rights violations, serve as the first reporting officer for a team of Human Rights Officers and investigators, and develop comprehensive investigation and operational plans in line with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) methodologies. The officer will also be responsible for ensuring the protection of victims and witnesses, coordinating the drafting of internal analyses and public reports, and overseeing the quality of investigations and recommendations. The role demands a strong commitment to integrating a gender perspective into all aspects of work, particularly in investigations and reporting.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Human Rights Officer will be responsible for managing the operations of the Secretariat investigations team, which includes organizing missions to sites of violations, conducting interviews, and gathering evidence. The officer will develop and oversee plans to protect victims and witnesses, ensuring that effective referral pathways for survivors are utilized. Additionally, the officer will coordinate the drafting of internal analyses and public reports, revising team inputs to maintain high-quality standards in investigations and recommendations. The role also involves adapting methodologies for data collection, overseeing the secure handling and storage of information, and incorporating gender perspectives into all areas of work. The officer will perform any other duties as assigned by the Coordinator of the Secretariat.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of human rights, international law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">humanitarian law, and international criminal law. The position requires the ability to identify and analyze complex issues, conduct independent research, and manage conflicting priorities effectively. The officer should demonstrate professionalism, communication skills, and the ability to plan and organize work efficiently. A commitment to gender equality and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams are essential qualifications for this role.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in law, political science, international relations, or a related discipline is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of human rights law and the international legal framework.

Experience:
A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible work experience in human rights, international humanitarian law, or international criminal law is required. Candidates must have at least two years of experience in conducting investigations of violations of international human rights law, preferably with the United Nations or other international organizations. Additionally, a minimum of two years of experience in a leadership role is necessary, along with experience working in or on Latin America, which is considered desirable for this position.

Languages:
Fluency in both Spanish and English, both oral and written, is required for this position. English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat, but proficiency in Spanish is essential due to the nature of the work and the region involved. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available until December 31, 2025, subject to funding. If the selected candidate is a current staff member of the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment. The position is limited to internal candidates who have been recruited through a competitive examination or selection process. The United Nations is committed to diversity and encourages female candidates to apply. Reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities may be provided upon request. The recruitment process does not involve any fees, and candidates are advised to provide complete and accurate information in their applications.