HUMAN RIGHTS OFFICER
Job Opening
Job Opening ID: 225166
Job Network : Political, Peace and Humanitarian
Job Family : Human Rights Affairs
Category and Level : Professional and Higher Categories, P-4
Duty Station : WASHINGTON
Department/Office : Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights
Date Posted : Jan 12, 2024
Deadline : Feb 10, 2024

Org. Setting and Reporting
This post is located in the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), Washington DC (liaison office). The Human Rights Officer will report to the Senior Human Rights Officer leading on development finance institutions (DFIs), under the overall supervision of the Director of the Thematic Engagement, Special Procedures and Right to Development Division.
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the Human Rights Officer will be responsible for the following duties:
• Provides analysis and guidance on the integration of human rights in the operational policies of bilateral and multilateral development finance institutions (DFIs).
• Reviews, monitors and evaluates activities relating to the implementation of international human rights instruments, including recommendations of treaty bodies and mechanisms of the Human Rights Council, relevant to DFIs.
• Supports the work of treaty-established bodies and extra-conventional mechanisms and special procedures, in their engagements with DFIs.
• Prepares relevant human rights parts of reports for the General Assembly, HRC, etc. pertaining to OHCHR’s engagement with DFIs.
• Works with DFIs in the country/region to integrate human rights, including their gender dimensions in their programs; helps design and implements the human rights program and designs the organization and focus of the evaluation.
• Ensures up-to-date information regarding substantive matters in the field of human rights and makes recommendations on actions to take.
• Makes contact with other sectors of the UN, other international organizations and governments on coordination and policy matters; brief representatives and provides, as appropriate suggestions and recommendations.
• Assists DFIs to develop and implement a training program in the field of human rights, international humanitarian law, democracy and the rule of law, with attention to gender perspectives.
• Serves as team leader with responsibility for carrying out, in consultation with the Chief of the Section, work coordination and administrative functions relating to the staff, planning and budget.
• Trains and supervises new/junior staff.
• Performs other related duties as required.
Competencies
Professionalism: Knowledge of business and human rights and the operational policies and environmental and social risk management frameworks and practices of DFIs. Knowledge of and exposure to a range of human rights issues including approaches and techniques to address sensitive and complex human rights problems in their political, ethnic, racial, gender
and socio-economic dimensions. Knowledge of institutional mandates of human rights organizations, prevailing policies and procedures. Ability to evaluate and integrate information from a variety of sources and assess impact on the human rights situation in the region or country of assignment, including the political environment and legal statutes as they pertain to human rights. Ability to complete in-depth studies and reach conclusions on possible causes and solutions to human rights problems in specific societies and systems. Demonstrated skills in training civil authorities and members of advocacy groups to recognize warning signs of civil unrest and take preventive action to avert hostilities. Ability to relate to human rights issues and perspectives, including their gender equality dimensions, to political, social, economic and humanitarian programmes in affected countries and areas. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
• Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
• Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.
Education
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law, political science, international relations, social sciences, development studies, 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.
Job – Specific Qualification
Not available.
Work Experience
A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, political affairs, international relations, law, or related area is required.

Experience working in a bilateral or multilateral development finance institution (DFI) is desirable.

Experience in the field of business and human rights is desirable.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, Fluency in English is required (both oral and written). Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.