HUMAN RIGHTS OFFICER (Special Assistant) (2 positions)

These positions are located in the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), Thematic and Special Procedures (TSP) Division. The incumbent reports to the Director of the Division.

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

• Provides direct and timely support to the Director, including with regard to strategic planning, reporting, advocacy and guidance on thematic human rights issues.
• Reviews, monitors and evaluates activities relating to the implementation of international human rights instruments, including recommendations of treaty bodies and mechanisms of the Human Rights Council.
• Supports the work of treaty-established bodies and extra-conventional mechanisms and special procedures.
• Prepares relevant human rights parts of reports for the General Assembly, HRC, etc. notes on the status of ratification of human rights instruments, etc.
• Works with UN and non-governmental programmes in the country/region 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 substantive matters in the field of human rights and makes recommendations on actions to take.
• 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.
• Collects and analyzes data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting.
• Trains and supervises new/junior staff.
• 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.

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.

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 working within the human rights system on a range of rights and regions is required. Experience in UN system-wide processes or inter-agency collaboration on human rights is required. Experience with human rights activities and operations in the field is required. Experience in advising senior leadership on strategic implementation of thematic human rights mandates, is required. Experience in strategic planning and/or results-based programming is desirable.

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.