HUMAN RIGHTS OFFICER (TJO)

Organizational Context

This position is within the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), specifically in the Thematic and Special Procedures Division, Rule of Law, Accountability and Civic Space Branch, and the Digital Tech and Human Rights Section in Geneva, Switzerland. The role reports to the Chief of the Digital Tech and Human Rights Section.

Job Purpose

The Human Rights Officer will research and analyze human rights issues in the digital age, including technological standards, and monitor global developments. The role involves providing expertise and advice to headquarters and field presences, supporting advocacy efforts by senior leadership, and designing/implementing programs to promote and protect human rights online. Responsibilities include coordinating thematic and country mandates, collecting and analyzing human rights data (including gender-specific data), ensuring human rights integration into broader efforts, defining work plans, supervising field verification, representing the UN human rights program, directing capacity-building, and writing reports. The incumbent may also guide junior staff.

Responsibilities

Conduct research and analysis on human rights in the digital age, including technological standards, and monitor global developments. Provide expertise and advice to headquarters and field presences. Support advocacy and public engagement on digital human rights. Design, develop, and implement programs for the promotion and protection of human rights in the digital age. Plan and coordinate thematic and country mandates, integrating gender perspectives. Collect and analyze human rights data, including gender-specific indicators. Ensure human rights and gender equality are integrated into political, humanitarian, and economic efforts. Define work plans, supervise field verification, and follow up on cases. Represent the UN human rights program in meetings. Direct capacity-building initiatives. Draft reports, communications, and statements. Provide guidance to junior staff as needed. Perform other related duties.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, political affairs, international relations, law, or digital technology is required. Experience in promoting and protecting human rights in the digital sphere is desirable, as is experience with technical standard-setting organizations and processes.

Skills

Professionalism, communication, and teamwork. In-depth knowledge of international human rights law and online human rights issues. Understanding of ICTs and digital policies. Knowledge of new technologies (AI, ML, Big Data, Blockchain, facial recognition). Research, analytical, and reporting skills. Ability to integrate information and assess impact. Gender mainstreaming. Effective written and verbal communication. Collaborative work approach.

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