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 fundamental freedoms and rights of individuals are upheld, and it operates in various regions, including the occupied Palestinian territory. The organization is committed to addressing human rights violations and promoting accountability, justice, and the rule of law. It employs a diverse workforce and collaborates with various stakeholders, including governments, civil society, and international organizations, to achieve its mission.

Job Overview:
The Human Rights Officer position is crucial for the OHCHR's efforts in the occupied Palestinian territory, particularly in Gaza. The incumbent will be responsible for planning and coordinating activities related to human rights mandates, conducting substantive research and analysis on human rights issues, and assessing their impact on the local situation. This role requires a strong understanding of human rights and international humanitarian law, with a focus on integrating gender perspectives into all activities. The officer will also engage in capacity-building efforts, support various commissions, and represent the UN human rights program in meetings. The position demands a proactive approach to addressing human rights challenges and a commitment to promoting gender equality in all aspects of work.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Human Rights Officer will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including: planning and coordinating thematic and country-specific human rights activities; conducting research and analysis on human rights and humanitarian law issues; collecting and analyzing human rights data, including gender-specific indicators; providing support to sub-commissions and following up on policy decisions; ensuring integration of human rights issues into political and humanitarian efforts; defining work plans in accordance with established terms of reference; assisting military and police in developing human rights training programs; conducting field verification work; representing the UN human rights program at meetings; contributing to capacity-building initiatives; writing reports and communications; and providing guidance to junior staff as needed. The officer may also perform other related duties 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. Strong research and analytical skills are essential, along with the ability to identify sources for data collection and draft comprehensive human rights reports. Candidates should demonstrate professionalism, effective communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment. 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 area 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 five years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, political affairs, international relations, law, or a related area is required. At least two years of experience in a conflict or post-conflict setting is desirable, as is experience in human rights monitoring and the application of international humanitarian law. Candidates should also have experience in drafting official reports and communications, which is crucial for the role.

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 another UN official language is considered an advantage, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in a multilingual environment.

Additional Notes:
The position is part of the United Nations' commitment to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from underrepresented Member States. The recruitment process emphasizes the importance of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will be subject to reference checks, and the UN does not charge any fees during the recruitment process. The organization is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment, and reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities. The UN Secretariat is a non-smoking environment, and staff members may be assigned to different duty stations as needed.