Associate 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 all individuals are respected and upheld. The organization operates in various countries and has a mission to address human rights violations and promote sustainable development. It employs a diverse workforce dedicated to advancing human rights and fostering an inclusive environment.

Job Overview:
The Associate Human Rights Officer position is situated within the General Administrative Services Section of the OHCHR. This role involves supporting the Sustainable Environmental Management Group (SEM Group) and requires the incumbent to engage in research and analysis related to human rights and sustainable environmental management. The officer will be responsible for drafting reports, participating in consultations, and maintaining awareness of current issues in human rights and sustainability. The position emphasizes the integration of gender perspectives and the promotion of community mobilization efforts. The officer will also liaise with various stakeholders, including government entities, NGOs, and civil society organizations, to gather baseline data and track project progress. This role is crucial for enhancing the capacity of OHCHR staff and partners in addressing human rights issues within the context of environmental management.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Associate Human Rights Officer will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including researching and collecting information on human rights and sustainable environmental management, analyzing the impact of these issues on countries, and assisting in the drafting of reports and correspondence. The officer will participate in hearings and consultations, prepare summaries, and maintain awareness of relevant political and legal developments. Additionally, the officer will assist in training programs for OHCHR staff and partners, promote community mobilization, and liaise with various stakeholders to create baseline data. The role also involves designing and maintaining databases to track project progress and performing other related duties as required.

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. The role requires excellent research and analytical skills, as well as the ability to draft human rights reports and identify sources for data collection. Candidates should demonstrate professionalism, teamwork, and effective planning and organizing skills, with a commitment to gender equality and the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in law, political science, international relations, environmental management, social sciences, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (Bachelor's degree or equivalent) combined with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Candidates with a first-level university degree and no experience may be considered if they have passed the Young Professionals Programme Examination (YPP), the United Nations National Competitive Recruitment Examination (NCRE), or the General Service to Professional (G to P) examination.

Experience:
A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, political affairs, international relations, law, or a related area is required. Candidates who have passed a United Nations Competitive Recruitment Examination may not need prior experience. Experience related to sustainable environmental management and its intersection with human rights is desirable, as is familiarity with environmental management systems.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English 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 qualifications for the role.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available until December 2025, subject to the availability of funds. It is important to note that this temporary assignment does not guarantee future employment in the same role. The United Nations encourages applications from female candidates and is committed to achieving gender balance within its workforce. The organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and is dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive environment. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities to support their participation in the recruitment process.