Regional Representative

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Africa Branch of the Global Operations Division (GLO) of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). The OHCHR is dedicated to promoting and protecting human rights globally, ensuring that the fundamental freedoms and rights of individuals are upheld. The organization operates in various countries, focusing on human rights issues and providing support to national authorities and civil society. The OHCHR aims to foster a culture of human rights and accountability, working towards the realization of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international human rights instruments.

Job Overview:
The Regional Representative plays a crucial role in monitoring and advising on human rights developments within the country. This position requires the incumbent to provide strategic advice to the High Commissioner regarding the human rights situation, particularly in identifying early-warning signs of potential crises. The representative is expected to develop and maintain strategic relationships with the UN Country Team and other stakeholders, ensuring that human rights considerations are integrated into planning and programming. The role also involves managing the Country Office, overseeing staff performance, and ensuring the effective delivery of human rights programs. The representative will engage with various partners, including national authorities, NGOs, and civil society, to promote human rights and support the implementation of international human rights mechanisms.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties of the Regional Representative include monitoring human rights developments, advising the High Commissioner, and alerting the Africa Branch to potential crises. The representative will develop strategic relationships with the UN Country Team and other partners, formulate work programs and budgets, and supervise the delivery of outputs. Responsibilities also include advising on strategic interventions, managing the Country Office, representing OHCHR in meetings, designing policies and programs, promoting international human rights mechanisms, and engaging with regional organizations and civil society. The representative will also perform other related duties as required, ensuring that human rights issues are addressed effectively.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of human rights issues, including the ability to analyze complex situations and provide strategic advice. Knowledge of institutional mandates and policies related to human rights is essential. The representative should demonstrate professionalism, accountability, planning and organizing skills, leadership, and sound judgment in decision-making. The ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders and to advocate for human rights is crucial for this role.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in law, political science, international relations, or a related field is required. 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 legal and political frameworks surrounding human rights.

Experience:
A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, political affairs, international relations, or law is required. Candidates should have experience in developing and implementing human rights strategies, with at least five years of experience managing teams of five or more people. Experience in fundraising and interaction with donors is desirable, as is field experience in implementing human rights strategies at the national level. Experience with regional or international organizations is also preferred.

Languages:
Fluency in English and French, both oral and written, is required for this position, as these are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of Arabic is considered desirable, as it may enhance communication and engagement with local stakeholders and partners.

Additional Notes:
The position is subject to the availability of funds and the extension of the mandate. Staff members are expected to adhere to the authority of the Secretary-General and may be assigned to different functions as needed. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The organization provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities to support their participation in the recruitment process. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and is committed to maintaining a diverse and inclusive work environment.