HUMAN RIGHTS OFFICER / VICTIM SUPPORT OFFICER (Temporary Job Opening)

Organizational Context

This position is within the Sri Lanka accountability project, based in Geneva. The role reports to the Senior Legal Officer of the Project and the Chief of Investigations Support Section of the Human Rights Inquiries Branch, under the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

Job Purpose

The Human Rights Officer/Victims Protection Support Officer will maintain direct contact with victims and their representatives, advising on protection and support strategies, with a focus on gender-sensitive, victim-centred approaches. The role involves developing advocacy strategies, building capacity among civil society organizations, and coordinating project activities. Responsibilities include formulating support strategies for witnesses and victims, establishing referral pathways for medical and psycho-social support, conducting information gathering, and performing substantive research and analysis of human rights issues. The incumbent will also collect and analyze human rights data, including gender-specific indicators, to assess the impact on the human rights situation in assigned regions or countries.

Responsibilities

Maintain direct contact with victims, their representatives, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), and human rights defenders, advising on protection and support strategies with a gender-sensitive, victim-centred approach. Develop victim-centred advocacy strategies and build capacity among CSOs and victims' organizations for accountability. Plan and coordinate project activities, including from a gender perspective. Formulate short- and long-term support strategies for witnesses and victims. Establish and maintain referral pathways for medical and psycho-social support, advising victims and witnesses. Conduct information gathering, including interviews, and collect, analyze, and verify human rights violations. Perform substantive research and analysis of human rights issues and their impact. Collect and analyze human rights data and gender-specific indicators. Perform other related duties as required.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, political affairs, international relations, or law is required. Experience in managing victim/witness support programs and working on human rights issues in the Asia Pacific region is desirable.

Skills

Professionalism, teamwork, planning and organizing, research and analytical skills, knowledge of human rights issues, ability to identify and resolve human rights problems, data collection and analysis, report drafting, gender mainstreaming, and effective communication.

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