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 located in the Groups and Accountability Section (GAS), Special Procedures Branch (SPB) in the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Geneva. The incumbent will be under the direct supervision of the Chief of the Groups and Accountability Section and the general supervision of the Chief of Branch.

Responsibilities

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

• Supports and coordinates activities of one or several Special Procedures thematic mandates on human rights.
• Conducts substantive research and analysis of human rights issues/events related to the mandate(s).
• Collects and analyses human rights data and indicators worldwide, including gender-specific data and indicators relevant to the mandate(s).
• Ensures that the relevant thematic human rights issues of the mandate(s), are integrated into political, humanitarian and economic efforts and programme of the office.
• Defines work plan for area assigned in accordance with established priorities and objectives.
• 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.
• Directs capacity-building efforts on human rights in region/country of assignment.
• 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 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 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.
• 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 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. Out of the five years (5) years, a minimum of one (1) year of experience with human rights mechanisms is desirable. Experience in drafting official reports is desirable. Experience in organizing field visits 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.

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