Human Rights Officer

Organizational Context

The Office of the Victims' Rights Advocate (OVRA) was established to ensure victims' rights and dignity are central to the UN's response to sexual exploitation and abuse. This role supports the Victims' Rights Advocate's mandate, focusing on allegations against UN personnel and non-UN troops. The position is based in New York and reports to a Human Rights Officer (P4) and the Victims' Rights Advocate/Assistant Secretary-General.

Job Purpose

This Human Rights Officer role is crucial for implementing the mandate of the Office of the Victims' Rights Advocate (OVRA). The purpose is to ensure that the rights and dignity of victims of sexual exploitation and abuse are prioritized within the UN system. The incumbent will plan and coordinate OVRA activities, conduct research and analysis for policy development, and advocate for victims' needs. This involves liaising across UN departments, other organizations, and governments to ensure victims receive appropriate care and follow-up on their complaints. The role integrates human rights and gender equality considerations into broader UN efforts and contributes to training programs on a victim-centered approach.

Responsibilities

The Human Rights Officer will plan and coordinate activities aligned with the Victims' Rights Advocate's mandate, incorporating a gender perspective. Key duties include conducting substantive research and analysis for policy and advocacy documents, and collecting/analyzing human rights matters related to the Office's mandate, providing recommendations. The role involves liaising with UN departments and offices, advocating for victim care, and ensuring follow-up on complaints. Integrating human rights and gender equality into political, humanitarian, and economic efforts is essential. Responsibilities also include defining work plans, supporting training programs on victim-centered approaches, maintaining contact with international organizations and governments, and representing the Victims' Rights Advocate at meetings. Writing reports, communications, and briefings for policymaking bodies, and potentially guiding junior staff, are also included.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, political affairs, international relations, law, or social sciences is required. Experience in drafting official reports and organizing events/seminars for stakeholders is also necessary. Experience in legal assistance, international human rights law, criminal justice, child protection, or victims' protection is desirable.

Skills

Professionalism, research and analytical skills, ability to identify and resolve human rights issues, report drafting, information evaluation, gender mainstreaming, effective communication (written and verbal), and planning and organizing abilities.

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