ASSISTANT HUMAN RIGHTS OFFICER (TJO)

Organizational Context

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt) works to promote and protect human rights. This role supports the implementation of OHCHR's activities under the direct supervision of the Head of Capacity Building and overall guidance of the Head of Office.

Job Purpose

This role is responsible for assisting in the implementation of all activities related to human rights promotion and protection within OHCHR oPt, in line with UN resolutions. The incumbent will research and collect information on human rights violations, draft reports and correspondence, and support human rights training programs for various stakeholders. The position also involves participating in discussions on integrating human rights into development programs, liaising with government and civil society partners, and monitoring the human rights situation. The aim is to contribute to preventing and addressing human rights violations and building national capacity.

Responsibilities

Key duties include researching and collecting information on violations of international human rights and humanitarian law, including gender dimensions, from diverse sources. The role involves drafting reports and correspondence on human rights matters. It also includes assisting with human rights training programs for law enforcement, civil society, and NGOs to enhance national capacity. Furthermore, the incumbent will review human rights issues, participate in discussions on integrating these into political and development programs, and engage with authorities and influential actors to prevent or address violations. Liaising with government, NHRIs, NGOs, civil society, and UN agencies to exchange information, monitor developments, and refer cases, with a focus on vulnerable groups, is also a core responsibility. Performing other related duties as required is expected.

Work Experience

Applicants with an advanced university degree in a relevant field are not required to have professional work experience. Those with a first-level university degree need two additional years of qualifying work experience. Experience in conducting human rights law trainings and in international human rights and humanitarian law is desirable.

Skills

Professionalism, communication, and teamwork are essential. Specific competencies include knowledge of human rights issues, research and analytical skills, ability to draft human rights reports, effective verbal and written communication, and collaborative work practices. Incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring equal participation of women and men is also a key skill.

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