Human Rights Officer

Org. Setting and Reporting

• This position is located in the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), Thematic Engagement, Special Procedures and Right to Development Division, Methodology, Education and Training Section (METS), in Geneva, Switzerland. The incumbent reports to the Chief of Section (METS).

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Human Rights Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

• Develops and updates methodologies, and contributes substantive advice and guidance, to advance the implementation of United Nations screening policies and related policy frameworks on the integration of human rights in force and police generation processes for United Nations peacekeeping operations and other similar deployments.
• Coordinates and conducts substantive research and analysis of human rights issues and events and assesses them based on international human rights and humanitarian law; consolidates and analyzes information on security forces, drafts/contributes to drafting human rights assessments, mapping, notes, and other documents and tools to implement human rights screening and related policies and supports the Department of Peace Operations in the integration of human rights in force and police generation.
• Researches the human rights record and performance of individuals and units considered for recruitment and deployment to UN peacekeeping operations, consistent with the Policy on Human Rights Screening of UN Personnel and related policy frameworks.
• Seeks, reviews, and takes into consideration information provided by States, the United Nations, and other organizations, individual self-attestations, State certifications, and other relevant sources.
• Designs or advise in designing and implementing mitigation measures to address human rights and other risks in the context of implementing screening and related policies.
• Ensures accuracy of content and consistency with United Nations methodology, and applies standardized research and analysis methods.
• Represents OHCHR and maintains close collaboration with the Department of Peace Operations and other UN entities on screening-related issues.
• Leads the writing of a variety of reports, communications, briefings, statements, etc., including the systematic archiving of information consolidated in a searchable format in approved databases.
• Ensures the confidential handling and protection of sensitive information in line with UN policy and OHCHR methodology and procedures; and
• Performs other related duties as required.

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law, political science, international relations, social sciences or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree

Work Experience

• A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, peace and security, or related area, is required. Experience in the development of methodological tools, guidelines, and training materials is required. Experience in conducting research and analyzing information related to human rights violations, international humanitarian law, or individual perpetrators, is required. Experience in screening or vetting processes is desirable. Field experience with the United Nations common system, a peacekeeping operation, or a similar international organization is desirable.

Languages

• Fluency in one of the working languages of the UN Secretariat, English or French, (both oral and written) is required; knowledge of the other is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

Source: https://careers.un.org/jobSearchDescription/241382?language=en