Position description
Org. Setting and Reporting
These positions are located in the Human Rights Treaties Branch (HRTB), Human Rights Council and Treaty Mechanisms Division (HRCTMD) of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Geneva, Switzerland. Under the overall guidance of the Chief of the Human Rights Treaties Branch, the incumbent will operate under the Chiefs of Section – Civil, Political, Economic, Social, Cultural Rights and Urgent Actions Section, the Groups in Focus Section, the Anti-Torture, Capacity building, Coordination and Funds Section and Petitions Section of the Human Rights Treaties Branch, and report to the Secretary of the corresponding Committee, Funds, or Programme.
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the Human Rights Officer will be responsible for the following duties:
- Provides Secretariat support to human rights treaty bodies, capacity building, Funds and human rights complaint procedures as required.
- Conducts substantive research and legal analysis of human rights issues and assesses their impact on the human rights situation in assigned region or country.
- Contributes to training activities on the work of treaty bodies. – Supports country visits upon request.
- Drafts lists of issues, concluding observations, summaries of incoming complaints, correspondence and urgent action requests, and provide support in the follow-up to the aforementioned.
- Drafts summaries of incoming complaints and inquiries, recommendations for decisions on interim measures of protection as well as final decisions on the admissibility and merits of complaints.
- Carries out research into and drafts reports on the jurisprudence of the treaty bodies and other mechanisms and prepares legal analyses.
- Helps to ensure the consistency and the coherence of the jurisprudence of the treaty bodies and contribute to the continuous strengthening of the treaty bodies.
- Contributes to the implementation of Treaty Bodies’ communication strategy.
- Contributes to the work of the Slavery and Torture Humanitarian Funds including managing a grants portfolio, evaluating civil society project applications, organizing Board of Trustees’ sessions and drafting communications materials.
- Defines work plan for area assigned in accordance with established terms of reference.
- Represents UN human rights programme at working level meetings.
- 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.
Competencies
- PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of human rights law, jurisprudence of treaty bodies and/or regional human rights courts. Ability to identify related problems in their political, ethnic, racial, gender quality and socio economic dimensions. Knowledge of institutional mandates of human rights organizations, prevailing policies and procedures. Research and analytical skills, including ability to identify and participate in the resolution of human rights issues. Ability to identify sources for data collection, research and analyze information and draft human rights reports. Ability to evaluate and integrate information from a variety of sources and assess impact on the human rights situation in the area of assignment. 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.
- 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.
- PLANNING & ORGANIZING: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjust plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.
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, law or related area is required. Experience with international and/or regional human rights mechanisms is desirable. Experience with legal drafting is desirable.
Languages
- English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the positions advertised, fluency in English or French and knowledge of the other are required. Knowledge of another United Nations official language is an advantage.
Application instructions
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