Human Rights Officer

Org. Setting and Reporting

• This position is located in the Special Procedures Branch in the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Geneva. The incumbent reports to the Unit Coordinator/Chief of Section and the Chief of the Special Procedures Branch.

Responsibilities

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

• Assists the mandate-holder (Special Rapporteur/Independent Expert) in undertaking country visits, including preparation of the visit drafting of country visits reports and follow up to the implementation of the recommendations.
• Provides support to the mandate-holder in preparing thematic seminars and consultation, and drafting of the annual reports to the Human Rights Council and General Assembly, and related oral presentations, if applicable.
• Plans and coordinates activities related to thematic and country mandates on human rights, including from a gender perspective.
• Conducts substantive research and analysis of human rights issues/events and assesses their impact on the human rights situation.
• Collects and analyses human rights data and indicators in country/region of assignment, including gender-specific data and indicators.
• Provides support to sub-commissions, commissions and other bodies; follows-up on implementation of decisions rendered by policy-making bodies.
• Ensures human rights issues, including their gender equality dimensions considerations, are integrated into political, humanitarian and economic efforts and programme.
• Defines work plan for area assigned in accordance with established terms of reference.
• 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.
• Writes a variety of reports, communications, briefings, statements, etc., including to policy-making bodies.
• May provide guidance to new/junior staff.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) 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. A minimum of two (2) years of work experience with the human rights mechanisms is desirable. Experience in human rights monitoring, and/or investigating is desirable. Experience in drafting official reports, is desirable. Experience organizing visits, events, seminars or conferences is desirable.

Languages

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised fluency in English (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of French is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

Source: https://careers.un.org/jobSearchDescription/240673?language=en