Human Rights Officer/Deputy Head of Office

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 rights of individuals are respected and upheld, providing guidance and support to countries in implementing international human rights standards. The organization operates in various countries, including Honduras, where it focuses on monitoring human rights situations, providing technical assistance, and promoting human rights education. The OHCHR is committed to fostering a culture of respect for human rights and addressing violations through advocacy and policy development.

Job Overview:
The Human Rights Officer/Deputy Head of Office position is critical in supporting the OHCHR's mission in Honduras. The incumbent will work closely with the Representative of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and will be responsible for overseeing the implementation of international human rights instruments. This includes monitoring and evaluating activities related to human rights, preparing reports for the General Assembly and Human Rights Council, and coordinating with various stakeholders, including UN staff, national officials, and NGOs. The role requires a strong understanding of human rights issues and the ability to integrate these perspectives into broader political, social, and economic programs. The Deputy Head of Office will also manage project coordinators and thematic teams, ensuring effective implementation of human rights strategies and programs.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Human Rights Officer/Deputy Head of Office will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including: reviewing and evaluating activities related to international human rights instruments; supporting the Head of Office in coordinating OHCHR's work in Honduras; preparing and coordinating human rights reports; meeting with peacekeeping teams and other stakeholders to plan and review projects; integrating human rights into programs of UN and other organizations; ensuring up-to-date information on human rights matters; managing and supervising project coordinators and thematic teams; representing the Office on human rights matters in the absence of the Country Representative; training and supervising new staff; and performing other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a comprehensive understanding of human rights issues, including the ability to evaluate and integrate information from various sources. They should demonstrate knowledge of institutional mandates of human rights organizations and prevailing policies. The ideal candidate will have strong analytical skills to conduct in-depth studies and propose solutions to human rights challenges. Additionally, they should have experience in training civil authorities and advocacy groups, as well as the ability to relate human rights issues to broader political and social contexts. Professionalism, communication skills, teamwork, and leadership abilities are essential for this role.

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. At least two years of field experience in a human rights context is desirable, along with experience in leading and managing teams of professional and support staff. Experience in human rights monitoring and drafting public reports is also desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Spanish, both oral and written, is required for this position. Knowledge of French is an asset, as English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat.

Additional Notes:
The position is subject to the availability of funds and the extension of the mandate. The United Nations emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in its workforce and encourages female candidates to apply. The organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and may be assigned to various activities or offices as needed.