Human Rights Officer

This position is located in the Groups and Accountability Section (GAS), Special Procedures Branch (SPB), in the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), Geneva. The incumbent reports to the Chief of GAS and to the Chief of SPB.

Responsibilities

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

• Supports and coordinates activities of one or several Special Procedures thematic mandates on human rights.
• Conducts substantive research and analysis of human rights issues/events related to the mandate(s).
• Collects and analyses human rights data and indicators worldwide, including gender-specific data and indicators relevant to the mandate(s).
• Ensures that the relevant thematic human rights issues of the mandate(s), are integrated into political, humanitarian and economic efforts and programme of the office.
• Defines work plan for area assigned in accordance with established priorities and objectives.
• Supervises field verification work through periodic visits; follows up on different cases and situations verified by the regional offices.
• Represents UN human rights programme at working level meetings.
• Directs capacity-building efforts on human rights in region/country of assignment.
• Writes a variety of reports, communications, briefings, statements, etc., including to policymaking bodies.
• May provide guidance to new/junior staff.
• 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 five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, political affairs, international relations, law or related area is required Out of the five (5) years, at least one (1) year of experience with the United Nations human rights mechanisms is desirable. Experience in drafting official reports is desirable. Experience in organizing field visits is desirable.

Languages

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the positions advertised, fluency in 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/234602?language=en