Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Human Rights Officer will be responsible for the following duties: • Reviews, monitors and evaluates activities relating to the implementation of international human rights instruments. • Develops, coordinates and, contributes to the production of policies, methodological tools, guidelines and reference materials to further human rights integration into the work of United Nations peace operations. • Identifies, documents and validates best practices, in close cooperation with human rights components of peace operations and relevant OHCHR Sections, and ensures dissemination and updating of guidance based on those practices. • Prepares relevant human rights parts of reports for the General Assembly, Security Council, Human Rights Council (HRC), etc. notes on the status of ratification of human rights instruments, etc.

• Meets regularly with the peacekeeping team including UN staff, national officials as well as Military and Police officers to plan projects and review project activities. • Works with UN and non-governmental 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 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. • Assists the UN military and police at regional and national levels to develop and implement a training program in the field of human rights, international humanitarian law, democracy and the rule of law, with attention to gender perspectives. • Trains and supervises new/junior staff. • Performs other related duties as required.

Competencies

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. 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. 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.

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.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, political affairs, international relations, law or related area is required. Experience working in a UN field presence in a conflict or post-conflict context is desirable. Experience engaging with intergovernmental processes or interdepartmental policy processes is desirable. Experience conducting research and analysing information related to violations of human rights and/or international humanitarian law, is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French is desirable.