Human Rights Officer, P-3

Human Rights Officer, P-3

UN OHCHR - United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights

Geneva, Switzerland

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is found in the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) Thematic Engagement, Special Procedures and Right to Development Division (TESPRDD), Development and Economic and Social Issues Branch (DESIB), Human Rights and Disability Unit, in Geneva. The incumbent reports to the Human Rights and Disability Adviser/Unit Coordinator, in the Human Rights and Disability Unit.

Responsibilities

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

• Plans and coordinates activities related to human rights and disability, including from a gender perspective.
• Conducts substantive research and analysis of human rights and disability issues/events and assesses their impact on the human rights situation in assigned region or country.
• Collects and analyses human rights and disability data and indicators globally, including gender-specific data and indicators.
• Ensures human rights issues, including their disability and 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.
• Assists goverments to develop and implement disability policies and training programs in the field of human rights and disability, international humanitarian law, democracy and the rule of law, with attention to gender perspectives.
• Supervises field verification work through periodic visits; follows up on different cases and situations verified by the regional offices.
• Represents UN human rights and disability programme at working level meetings.
• Directs capacity-building efforts on human rights and disability.
• 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.

Competencies

• PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of human rights and disability issues and ability to identify related problems in their political, ethnic, racial, gender equality 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 and disability 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. Able to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management.
• 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 AND 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 adjusts 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 years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, political affairs, international relations, law or related area is required. Experience in disability and human rights is desirable. Experience working on the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, in local and national governmental institutions, is desirable.

Languages

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

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