About this role

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Coordination, Information and Communications Unit in the Special Procedures Branch (SPB), Thematic Engagement and Right to Development Division (TED) in the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). The incumbent will operate under the overall guidance of the Chief of the Special Procedures Branch and direct supervision of the Unit Coordinator.

Responsibilities

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

Researches and collects information pertaining to human rights matters, including their gender dimensions from a variety of data sources to keep abreast of issues/events and provides up-to-date information; assists in the analysis of information, including the impact on country and thematic mandates on the human rights situation in assigned areas.
Drafts a variety of reports and correspondence relating to human rights matters.
Participates in sessions and consultations; prepares summaries of results.
Maintains awareness of current human rights issues, to include relevant political and legal developments in the country(ies) concerned.
Participates in human rights training programmes for national law enforcement officials, representatives of the civil society and human rights non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and other stakeholders.
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.
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 government, NGOs, Civil Society organizations, UN agencies and other partners to create baseline data on human rights situations, with special attention to vulnerable groups.
Assists the mandate holder in fact-finding missions, including preparation of the mission, drafting mission reports and follows-up on implementation of recommendations.
Contributes to the collection and analysis of data as well the as identification of trends or patterns and provides preliminary 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.

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, analyze information and draft human rights reports.
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 (Bachelor's degree or equivalent) in combination 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).

Work Experience

A minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, political affairs, international relations, law or related area is required. At least one year of experience in data analytics or a related area is desirable. Experience in drafting reports is desirable. Experience with UN Human Rights Mechanisms is desirable.

Languages

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