Human Rights Officer

Organizational Context

This position is within the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Regional Office for the Middle East and North Africa (ROMENA), based in Beirut, Lebanon. The Human Rights Officer will report to the Regional Representative and receive direct supervision from a senior Human Rights Officer within the office.

Job Purpose

The Human Rights Officer will be responsible for planning and coordinating human rights activities, including thematic and country-specific mandates, with a focus on gender perspectives. This involves conducting substantive legal research and analysis of human rights issues, assessing their impact, and collecting/analyzing relevant data, including gender-specific indicators. The role ensures human rights considerations are integrated into political, humanitarian, and economic efforts. The officer will assist stakeholders in developing human rights programs, conduct field verification when possible, represent the UN human rights program in meetings, and draft various reports and communications. Data analysis and visualization skills are essential for informed planning and decision-making.

Responsibilities

Key duties include planning and coordinating human rights activities, encompassing thematic and country mandates with a gender perspective. The role requires conducting in-depth legal research and analysis of human rights issues and events, assessing their impact on the regional or country situation. Responsibilities also involve collecting and analyzing human rights data and indicators, ensuring gender-specific data is included. The officer will integrate human rights and gender equality considerations into broader political, humanitarian, and economic initiatives. Developing work plans, assisting partners in implementing human rights programs, and conducting field verification are crucial. Representing the UN human rights program in meetings, writing reports, communications, and briefings, and potentially guiding junior staff are also key functions. Utilizing data visualization for analysis and reporting to support planning and decision-making is expected.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, political affairs, international relations, law, or a related field is required. Experience in a transitional, developmental, conflict, or post-conflict setting is essential. Experience in drafting analytical papers, monitoring/evaluating human rights instruments, supporting international human rights mechanisms, and working with UN or similar international organizations are desirable.

Skills

Professionalism, including knowledge of human rights issues and analytical skills; ability to research, analyze data, and draft reports; understanding of institutional mandates and procedures; effective communication; ability to integrate gender perspectives; data analysis and visualization; Teamwork and collaboration; Planning and organizing, including setting goals, prioritizing tasks, and managing resources efficiently.

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