HUMAN RIGHTS OFFICER (Special Assistant) (2 positions)

Organizational Context

These positions are within the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), Thematic and Special Procedures (TSP) Division, located in Geneva. The incumbent reports directly to the Director of the Division, playing a key role in supporting the Division's strategic objectives and operational activities.

Job Purpose

The Human Rights Officer provides direct and timely support to the Director of the Thematic and Special Procedures Division. This involves strategic planning, reporting, advocacy, and offering guidance on complex thematic human rights issues. The role requires reviewing and monitoring the implementation of international human rights instruments and recommendations from treaty bodies and Human Rights Council mechanisms. It also entails supporting various human rights bodies and special procedures, preparing reports for UN bodies, and integrating human rights, including gender dimensions, into UN and non-governmental programs. The officer will analyze data to inform planning and decision-making, and supervise junior staff, contributing significantly to OHCHR's mandate.

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities include providing direct support to the Director on strategic planning, reporting, and advocacy for thematic human rights issues. The role involves reviewing and evaluating the implementation of international human rights instruments and recommendations from treaty bodies and the Human Rights Council. Support is provided to treaty-established bodies, extra-conventional mechanisms, and special procedures. The officer will prepare human rights reports for the General Assembly and HRC, and notes on treaty ratification status. Integration of human rights, including gender dimensions, into UN and NGO programs is crucial, alongside designing and implementing human rights programs and evaluations. The role requires staying updated on human rights matters, making recommendations, liaising with other UN sectors, international organizations, and governments for coordination, and briefing representatives. Data analysis to identify trends and inform planning, decision-making, and reporting is essential. Additionally, the officer will train and supervise junior staff and perform other related duties.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, political affairs, international relations, or law is required. Essential experience includes working within the human rights system across various rights and regions, engaging in UN system-wide processes or inter-agency collaboration, and conducting human rights field operations. Experience advising senior leadership on thematic mandate implementation is also required.

Skills

Proficiency in human rights issues, understanding institutional mandates, policies, and procedures. Ability to evaluate and integrate information from diverse sources. Skills in analyzing human rights situations and proposing solutions. Competence in training and capacity building. Ability to integrate gender perspectives into work. Strong planning, organizing, and time management skills. Client-oriented approach with effective partnership building. Data analysis for planning and reporting. Supervision and training of junior staff.

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