Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Human Rights Officer will be responsible for the following duties: • Oversees the coordination of the sub-office and collaborates with the thematic teams in Bogotá, including the elaboration, monitoring and updating of the sub-office regional strategy and supervising/guiding the work of the national staff. • Plans and coordinates activities related to thematic and OHCHR Colombia mandate on human rights, including from a gender perspective.

• Conducts substantive research and analysis of human rights issues/events and assesses their impact on the human rights situation in Colombia and in the area under the jurisdiction of the sub office. • Collects and analyses human rights data and indicators in country/region of assignment, including gender-specific data and indicators. • Ensures human rights issues, including their gender equality dimensions considerations, are integrated into political, humanitarian and economic efforts and programme.

• Defines work plan for area assigned in accordance with established terms of reference. • Assists country military and police 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. • Supervises field verification work through periodic visits; follows up on different cases and situations verified by the regional offices. • Represents UN human rights programme at working level meetings. • Directs capacity-building efforts on human rights in the region of assignment. • Writes a variety of reports, communications, briefings, statements, etc., including to policy-making bodies. • Performs other related duties as required.

Competencies

• Professionalism: Knowledge of human rights issues and ability to identify related problems in their political, ethnic, racial, gender equality and socio-economic dimensions. Knowledge of institutional mandates of human rights organizations, prevailing policies and procedures. Research and analytical skills, including ability to identify and participate in the resolution of human rights issues. Ability to identify sources for data collection, research and analyze information and draft human rights reports. Ability to evaluate and integrate information from a variety of sources and assess impact on the human rights situation in the area of assignment. Able to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. 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. • 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.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law, political science, international relations, social sciences or related area. 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 five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, political affairs, international relations, law or related area is required. Out of the five years, at least two (2) years of field experience is desirable. Experience in human rights monitoring and reporting is desirable.

Languages

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