HUMAN RIGHTS OFFICER (Open-ended) (TJO)

These positions are located in the Human Rights Treaties Branch (HRTB), Human Rights Council and Treaty Mechanisms Division (HRCTMD) of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Geneva, Switzerland. Under the overall guidance of the Chief of the Human Rights Treaties Branch, the incumbent will operate under the Chiefs of Section - Civil, Political, Economic, Social, Cultural Rights and Urgent Actions Section, the Groups in Focus Section, the Anti-Torture, Capacity building, Coordination and Funds Section and Petitions Section of the Human Rights Treaties Branch, and report to the Secretary of the corresponding Committee, Funds, or Programme.

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

• Conduct substantive monitoring of the implementation of human rights and international humanitarian law and follow up on recommendations from human rights mechanisms, including treaty bodies, the UPR and special procedures, as well as investigative findings, to ensure compliance with human rights and advance accountability.
• Collect, document and analyse evidence-based information on civil, cultural, economic, social and/or political rights, including the right to development, to enable analysis, early warning and response, accountability and informed decision-making, identifying gaps and contribute to ensuring human rights data is discoverable, interoperable and appropriately shared, including from gender and leave no one behind perspectives.
• Collect, verify and analyse multi-source information relevant to the human rights thematic and/or country-specific situation, ensuring data quality and methodological compliance, including from a gender perspective and leaving no one behind.
• Provide advisory and substantive support to national and/or regional counterparts to strengthen their human rights systems, institutions and frameworks, including complaints mechanisms, victim and witness support services and engagement with human rights mechanisms, including reporting and implementation of recommendations.
• Provide substantive advisory support to civil society on the integration of human rights into protection, rule of law, the human rights economy, transitional justice and accountability exercising professional judgment under the guidance of senior staff.
• Provide substantive support treaty bodies, special procedures, the UPR and/or commissions of inquiry through research, coordination and follow-up exercising professional judgment under the guidance of senior staff.
• Engage youth networks to advocate for youth rights and meaningful participation in civic, political and other decision-making processes.
• Engage in the promotion of Human Rights through advocacy and impactful outreach activities.
• Engage substantively in the Office’s partnership‑building activities, including supporting the identification, development and maintenance of partnerships, under the guidance of senior staff.
• Implement effective communication activities to amplify human rights messaging and outreach contributing substantive content, coordination and outreach under the guidance of senior staff.

PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of international human rights law, norms, and standards. Skills to communicate complex and technical matters to diverse audiences. Skills to integrate a human rights-based approach, leave no one behind, gender equality and women's empowerment into all areas of work. Knowledge of human rights monitoring, documentation, analysis, research and reporting methodologies, including planning, coordinating and conducting field missions. Critical thinking skills. Knowledge of international humanitarian law and its application. Skills in drafting human rights reports, policy and other documents. Knowledge of regional and international human rights mechanisms. 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 human rights, law, political science, international relations, social sciences, economics, public policy, sustainable development, humanitarian affairs 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.

A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in human rights or related areas is required. Relevant experience may include, but is not limited to political affairs, public affairs, international relations, law, social sciences, economics, development, humanitarian affairs, or other related areas. Knowledge of international human rights law, norms, and standards is required. Skills in drafting human rights reports, policy and other documents is required. Knowledge of regional and international human rights mechanisms is desirable.

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, either English or French is required. Either Arabic or Chinese (Mandarin) or Spanish or Russian or Spanish is desirable.

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