This position is located in the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), Thematic Engagement, Special Procedures and Right to Development Division. The incumbent operates under the overall supervision of the Chief of Methodology, Education and Training Section (METS), and under the direct supervision of the Coordinator of the METS Human Rights Education and Training Unit.
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the Associate Human Rights Officer will be responsible for the following duties:
Assists in the development of methodological tools on human rights, including by conducting research, identifying best practices, compiling reference materials and drafting documents as required.
Researches and collects information pertaining to human rights matters, 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.
Participates in hearings and consultations; prepare summaries of results.
Participates in human rights training programmes for national law enforcement officials, representatives of the civil society and human rights non-governmental organizations (NGOs) 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.
Liaises with 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.
Assists in the coordination of human rights education and training activities designed and delivered by OHCHR, at HQ as well as field level.
Assist coordination of the World Programme for Human Rights Education (2005-ongoing).
Performs other related duties as required.
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 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.
Work Experience
A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, political affairs, international relations, law or related area is required. Experience in human rights education and training is desirable.
Languages
Fluency in one of the working languages of the UN Secretariat, English or French, (both oral and written) is required; knowledge of the other is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.
