HUMAN RIGHTS OFFICER (Programme Management Coordinator)

This position is found in the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), in the Thematic and Special Procedures Division (TSP). The incumbent reports to the Director of the Division.

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

• Provide direct and timely support to the Director, Chiefs/Coordinators of Branches/Sections/Units by ensuring coherent and coordinated planning, development, implementation and reporting on Strategic Management Plans, Divisional work-plans, decisions of the High Commissioner including in his capacity as the OHCHR governing bodies, and other programmatic areas pertaining to the responsibility of the Division.
• Reviews, monitors and evaluates activities relating to the implementation of international human rights projects, including recommendations of treaty bodies and mechanisms of the Human Rights Council.
• Advises the Director on strategic implementation of thematic human rights mandates.
• Meets regularly Sections and Branches to plan projects and review project activities.
• Works with programmes to integrate human rights, including their gender dimensions in their programs; helps design and implements the human rights program and designs the organization and focus of the evaluation.
• Ensures up-to-date information regarding programmatic matters and makes recommendations on actions to take to teams and Senior management.
• Makes contact with other sectors of the UN, other international organizations and governments on coordination and policy matters; brief representatives and provides, as appropriate suggestions and recommendations.
• Serves as team leader with responsibility for carrying out, in consultation with the Director and Branch Chiefs, work coordination and administrative functions relating to the staff, planning and budget.
• Trains and supervises new/junior staff.
• Collects and analyzes data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting.
• Performs other related duties as required.

PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of and exposure to a range of human rights issues including approaches and techniques to address sensitive and complex human rights problems in their political, ethnic, racial, gender and socio-economic dimensions. Knowledge of institutional mandates of human rights organizations, prevailing policies and procedures. Ability to evaluate and integrate information from a variety of sources and assess impact on the human rights situation in the region or country of assignment, including the political environment and legal statutes as they pertain to human rights. Ability to complete in-depth studies and reach conclusions on possible causes and solutions to human rights problems in specific societies and systems. Demonstrated skills in training civil authorities and members of advocacy groups to recognize warning signs of civil unrest and take preventive action to avert hostilities. Ability to relate to human rights issues and perspectives, including their gender equality dimensions, to political, social, economic and humanitarian programmes in affected countries and areas. 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. Able to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management.

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.

CLIENT ORIENTATION: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

EMPOWERING OTHERS: Delegates responsibility, clarifies expectations, and gives staff autonomy in important areas of their work; encourages others to set challenging goals; holds others accountable for achieving results related to their area of responsibility; genuinely values all staff members’ input and expertise; shows appreciation and rewards achievement and effort; involves others when making decisions that affect them.

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 work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, political affairs, international relations, law or related area is required. Experience in the implementation of thematic human rights programmes, including coordinating and administering resources and budget allocations of human rights mandates and mechanisms, is required. Experience in strategic planning, results-based programming, budget and staffing, including experience analyzing of budgets and their implications on workforce planning, is required. Experience in advising senior leadership on strategic implementation of thematic human rights mandates, is required. Experience in supervising/managing a team is required.

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

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