Human Rights Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The job is posted by the Regional Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), which is part of the United Nations system. The OHCHR was established to promote and protect human rights for all individuals, regardless of their background. The organization operates globally, with a mission to ensure that human rights are respected, protected, and fulfilled. The OHCHR works in various countries and regions, engaging with governments, civil society, and other stakeholders to address human rights issues and promote accountability. The office in Bangkok specifically focuses on human rights issues in the Asia-Pacific region, collaborating with local and regional partners to enhance human rights standards and practices.

Job Overview:
The Human Rights Officer position is crucial for monitoring and evaluating human rights activities, particularly concerning trafficked persons in the region. The officer will support the implementation of recommendations from treaty bodies and the Human Rights Council, contributing to the overall mission of the OHCHR. This role involves preparing human rights sections of regional reports, engaging with UN staff and national officials, and integrating human rights considerations into social inclusion programs. The officer will also conduct human rights monitoring, documentation, and analysis, ensuring that up-to-date information is available for decision-making. Additionally, the officer will assist in developing training programs focused on human rights, emphasizing gender perspectives, and will lead a team while managing administrative functions related to staff and budget.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Human Rights Officer will have a wide range of responsibilities, including: reviewing and evaluating activities related to the human rights of trafficked persons; supporting the Regional Office's work in relevant areas; preparing human rights sections of regional reports; meeting with UN staff and national officials to plan and review projects; integrating human rights into social inclusion programs; conducting monitoring and documentation of human rights issues; coordinating with other UN sectors and international organizations; assisting in training program development; leading a team and managing administrative functions; supervising junior staff and interns; collecting and analyzing data on social inclusion and trafficking; and performing other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of human rights issues, particularly those related to trafficking and social inclusion. They should have the ability to evaluate and integrate information from various sources, assess impacts on human rights situations, and conduct in-depth studies to identify solutions to human rights problems. Skills in training civil authorities and advocacy groups are essential, as well as the ability to relate human rights issues to broader political, social, and economic contexts. Candidates should demonstrate professionalism, effective communication, teamwork, and planning and organizing skills.

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.

Experience:
A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, political affairs, international relations, law, or a related area is required. Experience in human rights monitoring and documentation is desirable, as is experience working on trafficking and human rights issues, as well as social inclusion. Experience at the regional level is also considered an asset.

Languages:
Fluency in English (both oral and written) is required for this position. Knowledge of another UN official language, such as French, is considered an advantage.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available until April 30, 2026, with the possibility of extension, subject to the availability of funds. If the selected candidate is a current staff member of the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment. This temporary position does not guarantee future employment and is limited to candidates based at the duty station. The position may be limited to internal candidates who have been recruited through a competitive examination or selection process. The United Nations is committed to diversity and inclusion, and reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities. The organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.