ASSOCIATE HUMAN RIGHTS OFFICER (TJO)

This post is located in the National Institutions, Regional Mechanisms Unit (NIRMU), Global Operations Division (GLO), of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), Geneva, Switzerland. The incumbent reports to the Coordinator of the Unit.

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

• Researches and collects information pertaining to human rights matters related to national human rights institutions (NHRIs), including their gender dimensions from a variety of data sources (e.g. communications, publications, the press) to keep abreast of issues/events and provide up-to-date information; assists in the analysis of information, to include the impact on the countries and thematic mandates on the human rights situation in assigned area.
• Drafts a variety of reports and correspondence relating to human rights matters.
• Maintains awareness of current human rights issues, to include relevant political and legal developments in the country(ies) concerned.
• Maintains contacts with and participates in the servicing of the Global Alliance of NHRIs and its bodies.
• Participates in human rights training programmes for representatives of the NHRIs in order to promote national capacity building.
• Reviews human rights issues, including their gender dimensions, and participates in discussions with other Human Rights Officers (HROs) on the integration of these issues into political, humanitarian and economic efforts and programmes.
• Assists in promoting efforts for community mobilisation and those that focus on exercise of rights of population.
• Participates with other HROs in discussions with relevant authorities and other influential actors with the aim of stopping or preventing human rights violations or seeks other remedial action by the authorities to prevent similar violations occurring in the future.
• Liaises with NHRIs, government, NGOs, Civil Society organizations, UN agencies and other partners to create baseline data on the human rights situation, with special attention to vulnerable groups.
• Organizes and implements seminars, workshops and/or training activities on NHRIs at the national, regional and global level, as required.
• Ensures effective dissemination of the "Paris Principles" and OHCHR NHRIs guidelines and other related materials and assesses their accuracy and relevance.
• Designs and maintains database to track project progress.
• Contributes to the collection and analysis of data as well as identification of trends or patterns and provides draft insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods for data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting.
• Performs other related duties as required.

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 relating to national human rights institutions. Research and analytical skills, including ability to identify and participate in the resolution of human rights issues. Ability to identify sources for data collection, analyze information and draft human rights reports. 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.

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 & 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.

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law, political science, international relations, social sciences or related field. A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in the specified fields of studies, with two additional years of qualifying work experience, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. A first-level university degree and no experience will be accepted for candidates who have passed the Young Professionals Programme Examination (YPP), the United Nations National Competitive Recruitment Examination (NCRE) or the General Service to Professional Examination (G to P).

A minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, political affairs, international relations, law or related area is required. (No experience is needed for candidates who have passed a United Nations Competitive Recruitment Examination.) Experience with national human rights institution/s is desirable.

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. Either French or Spanish is desirable.

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.