Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Human Rights Officer will be responsible for the following duties: • Plans and coordinates activities related to thematic and country mandates on human rights, including from a gender perspective. • Conducts substantive research and analysis of human rights and international humanitarian law issues focusing on civilian casualties, including through interviews with victims and witnesses, to gather information and corroborate allegations of violations of international human rights, humanitarian law, and assesses their impact in documenting and reporting on the human rights situation in Ukraine. • Collects and analyses human rights trends and patterns, data, and indicators in Ukraine, including gender-specific data and indicators. • Provides support to UN human rights mechanisms and other bodies; follows-up on implementation of decisions rendered by policy-making bodies.

• 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. • Supervises field verification work through periodic visits, including in and across Ukraine; follows up on different cases and situations. • Represents UN human rights programme at working level meetings. • Directs capacity-building efforts on human rights in Ukraine. • Writes a variety of reports, communications, briefings, statements, etc., including to policy-making bodies. • May provide guidance to new/junior staff. • 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. 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. 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. 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 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, a minimum of two (2) years of experience carrying out human rights investigations is desirable. Experience conducting face to face and/or remote interviews with victims and witnesses of human rights violations is desirable. Experience working in conflict setting, involving 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 and Russian (both oral and written) is required; knowledge of Ukrainian is desirable.