Position description
Org. Setting and Reporting
This post is in the Office of the Director of the Thematic Engagement, Special Procedures and Right to Development Division (TESPRDD), Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), Geneva. The Human Rights Officer reports to the Senior Human Rights Officer.
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the Human Rights Officer will be responsible for the following duties:
- Develops, coordinates and implements policies and programs on human rights and digital technology.
- 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, treaty-established bodies and extra-conventional mechanisms and special procedures.
- Prepares relevant human rights parts of reports for the General Assembly, HRC, etc. notes on human rights and digital technology etc.
- Works with UN and non-governmental programmes to integrate human rights and digital technology, including their gender dimensions, in their programs.
- Ensures up-to-date information regarding substantive matters in the field of human rights and digital technology, and makes recommendations on actions to take.
- Represents the Office on matters of human rights and digital technology. Makes contact with other sectors of the UN, other international organizations and governments on coordination and engages in policy matters and plans of action on human rights and technology; brief representatives and provides, as appropriate suggestions and recommendations.
- Develops and implements training programs in the field of human rights and digital technology, 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 relevant Sections, 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 and exposure to a range of human rights issues related to digital technology, 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 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 years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, political affairs, international relations, law or related area is required. A minimum of 4 years of experience working on issues at the intersection of human rights and digital technology is required. Experience working in the digital tech industry or with civil society organizations focusing on digital technology and human rights is desirable. Experience working with government regulation and policy relating to digital technology is desirable. Experience in human rights advocacy and partnership development is desirable.
Languages
- English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.
Application instructions
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