Who are we?

The United Kingdom Mission to the UN & WTO in Geneva (UKMis) represents the interests and policies of the UK at many international organisations and is now recruiting for Human Rights Officer role. 

The UK Mission in Geneva prioritises dignity and respect at work. We value respect, inclusiveness, empowerment, teamwork and kindness.

Main purpose of job:

The Human Rights Officer will lead for the human rights team on selected geographic and thematic issues at intergovernmental negotiations, especially the Human Rights Council and related working groups:

• Geographic leads include Afghanistan and Pakistan;
• Thematic leads include rights of women and girls, sexual orientation and gender identity, modern slavery and trafficking.

The Human Rights Officer will also provide support to other teams in the mission related to gender issues.

Please note that portfolio areas may change depending on team priorities and need.  

The role requires a team player, with excellent oral and written communication and influencing skills, sound policy judgement and attention to detail who can deal confidently with senior staff and contacts. They should be able to multi-task and deliver to a high standard, often under time pressure.

Roles and responsibilities: 

Human Rights Portfolio: Take the lead in the Political and Human Rights Team on a portfolio of geographic and thematic human rights issues, including Afghanistan and Pakistan; women and girls’ rights; sexual orientation and gender identity issues; modern slavery and trafficking issues. 

UN Human Rights Council (HRC): Attend and report sessions of the HRC and its subsidiary bodies as a member of the UK delegation; take a lead on and negotiate resolutions in a multilateral setting; build and maintain network across diplomatic missions, UN and NGOs; and attend HRC plenary sessions and other human rights events at the UN. Provide support in planning HRC sessions, human rights side events and official visits.

Universal Periodic Review (UPR): Assist in drafting UK statements, attend and report sessions of the UPR Working Group.

UN working groups: Attend and report back to London on UN meetings on human rights held outside the HRC sessions including information from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR);

Cross-mission support: Provide advice and support to colleagues across the Mission in issues related to human rights and gender language. Help with cross-Mission activities (e.g. VIP visits). Some administrative, logistical and policy support, including on organising side events, visits and delegations to meetings in Geneva may be required.

Our ideal candidate shows: 

• Full professional proficiency in English (written and spoken, minimum of C1 level for CEFR framework*);
• At least 3 – 7 years of professional experience of the UN/multilateral system, preferably on human rights;
• Previous professional experience in drafting and reporting;
• Experience in multilateral negotiations and influencing;
• Knowledge of, and a keen interest in, the UN human rights system;
• Strong spoken and written communication skills, including the ability to produce written reports in a timely manner and in a clear and concise style;
• Excellent interpersonal and team-working skills. Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment with respect for diversity;
• Ability to work flexibly to manage competing priorities and work under pressure to tight deadlines;
• Good IT skills.