National 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 human rights are respected and upheld in various regions, including Southern Africa. The organization focuses on supporting countries in implementing international human rights standards and addressing human rights violations. The OHCHR operates in multiple countries and has a mission to promote universal respect for human rights, enhance the capacity of national institutions, and provide technical assistance to governments and civil society organizations. The organization is committed to fostering a culture of human rights and ensuring that all individuals can enjoy their rights without discrimination. The OHCHR has a diverse workforce and aims to create an inclusive environment that reflects the diversity of the populations it serves.

Job Overview:
The National Human Rights Officer position is crucial for the implementation of the OHCHR's initiatives in Lesotho, particularly in supporting community-driven violence reduction and sustainable peace. The officer will engage in results-based program management, which includes designing, planning, implementing, and reporting on human rights programs. The role requires providing technical support and capacity building to various stakeholders, including government entities, civil society, and the United Nations Country Team (UNCT). The officer will conduct substantive research and analysis on human rights issues, assess their impact, and ensure that human rights considerations are integrated into political, humanitarian, and economic efforts. The position also involves representing the UN human rights program in meetings and directing capacity-building efforts in the region. The National Human Rights Officer will be expected to write reports, communications, and briefings for policy-making bodies, and may provide guidance to junior staff members. This role is essential for promoting human rights and ensuring compliance with international standards in Lesotho.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Human Rights Officer will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Supporting the implementation of the OHCHR component of a joint UN program focused on community-driven violence reduction and sustainable peace in Lesotho.
• Providing technical and capacity-building support to government, civil society, and other stakeholders on human rights issues, including the development of national laws and policies.
• Conducting substantive research and analysis of human rights issues and assessing their impact on the human rights situation in Lesotho.
• Collecting and analyzing human rights data, including gender-specific indicators, to inform programming and policy decisions.
• Supporting sub-commissions and other bodies, ensuring follow-up on the implementation of decisions made by policy-making entities.
• Integrating human rights issues into various efforts and programs, ensuring gender equality considerations are included.
• Defining work plans in accordance with established terms of reference and representing the UN human rights program at meetings.
• Directing capacity-building efforts on human rights in the assigned region.
• Writing reports, communications, and briefings for policy-making bodies. 1
• Providing guidance to new or junior staff members as needed. 1
• 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. They should have knowledge of the institutional mandates of human rights organizations and prevailing policies and procedures. Strong research and analytical skills are essential, as well as the ability to draft human rights reports and evaluate information from diverse sources. Candidates should demonstrate professionalism, efficiency, and a commitment to gender perspectives in their work. They must also be capable of developing clear goals, prioritizing activities, and managing time effectively. Accountability is crucial, as candidates will be responsible for delivering outputs within prescribed standards and timelines.

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. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of human rights law and international relations, which are critical for the role.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, political affairs, international relations, law, or a related area is required. Candidates must have experience in human rights capacity building and technical assistance, as well as in results-based program management, which includes planning, budgeting, implementation, and reporting. Experience working with national human rights institutions or establishing national human rights protection systems is desirable, as it demonstrates the candidate's ability to navigate the complexities of human rights frameworks and institutional dynamics.

Languages:
Fluency in English (both oral and written) is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Additionally, fluency in Sesotho is required to effectively communicate with local stakeholders. Knowledge of French is considered desirable, as it may enhance communication within the UN system and with French-speaking partners.

Additional Notes:
The position is subject to the extension of the mandate and/or availability of funds. Candidates for the National Professional Officer category must be nationals of Lesotho. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance in its staff and encourages female candidates to apply. The organization emphasizes the importance of efficiency, competence, and integrity in its recruitment process, ensuring that all employment decisions are based on qualifications and organizational needs. The UN Secretariat is a non-smoking environment, and reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities upon request. Candidates should carefully follow application instructions and provide complete and accurate information to be considered for the position.