Human Rights Officer

Organizational Context

This position is within the United Nations Support Office for Haiti (UNSOH) in the Human Rights Due Diligence Policy (HRDDP) Unit, located in Port-au-Prince. The Human Rights Officer, under the direct supervision of the Head of the HRDDP Unit, plays a crucial role in supporting assigned human rights activities and ensuring the effective implementation of UNSOH’s mandate.

Job Purpose

The Human Rights Officer is responsible for conducting substantive research and analysis of human rights issues and events in Haiti, assessing their impact, and collecting/analyzing relevant data, including gender-specific indicators. The role ensures that human rights and gender equality considerations are integrated into political, humanitarian, and economic efforts. Key duties include developing work plans, supporting risk assessments and mitigation measures, supervising field verification, representing the UN human rights program, and contributing to capacity-building initiatives. The officer will also draft various reports and communications for policy-making bodies and may provide guidance to junior staff, all while ensuring the implementation of UNSOH’s mandate.

Responsibilities

Conduct substantive research and analysis of human rights issues and events, assessing their impact on the situation in Haiti. Collect and analyze human rights data and indicators, including gender-specific data. Ensure human rights and gender equality dimensions are integrated into political, humanitarian, and economic efforts. Develop work plans for assigned areas and support the drafting of HRDDP risk assessments and mitigation measures. Supervise field verification through periodic visits and follow up on cases. Represent the UN human rights program at working-level meetings and support capacity-building efforts. Write various reports, communications, and statements for policy-making bodies. May provide guidance to junior staff and perform other related duties as required.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, political affairs, international relations, law, or a related area is required. This includes at least two years of experience implementing the Human Rights Due Diligence Policy in peacekeeping operations. Experience in a UN field operation or similar international organization in a conflict setting, and experience in human rights protection work, are desirable.

Skills

Professionalism, research and analytical skills, ability to identify and resolve human rights issues, data collection and analysis, report writing, communication (written and verbal), teamwork, and incorporating gender perspectives.

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