Application Dealine: 30th January, 2021
Posting Title: Human Rights Officer, P4
Job Code Title: HUMAN RIGHTS OFFICER
Department/Office: Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights
Duty Station: GENEVA
Job Opening Number: 20-Human Rights Affairs-OHCHR-146642-R-Geneva (G)
Staffing Exercise N/A
United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity
This position is in the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Section of the Field Operations and Technical Cooperation Division (FOTCD). The Human Rights Officer reports to the Chief of the Middle East and North Africa Section.
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the Human Rights Officer will be responsible for the following duties:
• Assists the Chief of the Middle East and North Africa Section to oversee the execution of the Section work plan ensuring optimal use of resources allocated; the necessary coordination and organisation among all programme areas; and supervises the daily activities of the Office;
• Reviews, monitors and evaluates activities related to the implementation of international human rights instruments, including recommendations of treaty bodies and mechanisms of the Human Rights Council;
• Prepares reports, documents, briefing notes, talking points and other written materials.
• Supports the work of Special Rapporteurs / Representatives / Experts / Working Groups and Treaty-Bodies, including in the preparation and conduct of field missions and the drafting of timely reports.
• Processes individual cases of alleged violations under existing thematic procedures.
• Evaluates the requirements for, plan and support long-term human rights presences in the country or region concerned.
• Works with UN and non-governmental programmes in the country to integrate human rights perspective, helps design and implements the human rights programme of the Office and organization and focus of the evaluation.
• Ensures up-to-date information regarding substantive matters in the field of human rights and makes recommendations on actions to take;
• Maintains contact with other sectors of the UN, other international organizations and government counterparts on coordination and policy matters; briefs representatives and provides, as appropriate suggestions and recommendations;
• Assists in the development and implementation of a training program in the field of human rights, international humanitarian law, democracy and the rule of law, with attention to gender perspectives;
• Is responsible for carrying out, in consultation with the Chief of Section, coordination work and administrative functions related 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 including, monitoring human rights in the Middle East and North Africa region; approaches and techniques to identify and address legislative and institutional gaps with respect to human rights protection and promotion; assess and address the Government’s needs for technical assistance and capacity building; develop effective mechanisms for monitoring and reporting on human rights violations; support the development of transitional justice processes and mechanisms; integrate human rights into humanitarian responses and UN development plans and processes. Knowledge of and exposure to institutional mandates and the work of UN human rights mechanisms. Ability to evaluate and integrate information from a variety of sources and assess impact on the human rights situation in the country, including the political environment and legal statutes as they pertain to human rights. 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.
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 adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.
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.
Education
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in law, human rights, political science or 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, international relations, law or related area is required.
Experience in human rights monitoring is desirable.
Experience working with the United Nations Common System on human rights policies and programmes at regional and national levels, preferably in the Middle East and North Africa region is desirable.
Experience in supporting and backstopping a UN field presence is desirable.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English is required. Fluency in Arabic is desirable.
Assessment
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which will be followed by competency-based interview.
The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.
For application details: https://careers.un.org/lbw/jobdetail.aspx?id=146642&Lang=en-US
