HUMAN RIGHTS OFFICER

Organizational Context

This position is within the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), specifically in the Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ESCR) Section at the Regional Office. The incumbent will report to the Regional Director for East and Southern Africa and the Chief of the ESCR Section in Geneva, contributing to OHCHR's engagement on economic, social, and cultural rights.

Job Purpose

The Human Rights Officer serves as a regional lead for economic, social, and cultural rights (ESCR) within the OHCHR Regional Office. The role involves developing evidence-based work, policy papers, legal briefs, and advocacy messaging to address ESCR issues and propose concrete solutions. The incumbent will monitor the implementation of international human rights instruments and treaty body recommendations, prepare reports for UN bodies, and engage with diverse stakeholders including UN agencies, national officials, NHRIs, and civil society to plan and implement projects. This includes integrating human rights, particularly gender dimensions, into UN and non-governmental programs, advising senior leadership on ESCR matters, and coordinating policy with other international actors. The role also supports capacity-building initiatives for governments and civil society on ESCR.

Responsibilities

The Human Rights Officer will act as a regional focal point for economic, social, and cultural rights (ESCR), developing evidence-based work, policy papers, and advocacy materials. Responsibilities include monitoring the implementation of international human rights instruments and treaty body recommendations, and preparing relevant reports for the General Assembly and Human Rights Council. The role involves extensive engagement with stakeholders such as UN agencies, national officials, National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs), and civil society to plan projects, share information, conduct advocacy, and implement joint activities. The incumbent will integrate human rights, including gender dimensions, into UN and non-governmental programs, and advise OHCHR leadership on ESCR matters. Additionally, the role requires coordinating policy with other UN sectors, international organizations, and governments, and assisting stakeholders in developing training and education on ESCR. The officer will also serve as a team leader, managing staff, planning, and budget, and will train and supervise junior staff.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven years of progressive experience in human rights, political affairs, international relations, law, economics, or public policy is required. At least five years of experience specifically in the field of cultural rights is essential. Experience in managing multidisciplinary teams within the UN or a similar setting, and experience providing technical assistance and capacity-building to governments and national stakeholders, are desirable.

Skills

Professionalism, teamwork, planning and organizing, performance management, knowledge of economic, social, and cultural rights, ability to analyze human rights issues, reporting, stakeholder engagement, training, and supervision.

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