HUMAN RIGHTS OFFICER

Organizational Context

This position is within the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), specifically in the Business and Human Rights Section (BHRS), which is part of the Rule of Law, Accountability and Civic Space Branch (RACS) within the Thematic and Special Procedures Division (TSP) in Geneva. The role operates under the supervision of the Chief of the Business and Human Rights Section.

Job Purpose

The Human Rights Officer will conduct in-depth research and analysis on business and human rights issues, assessing their impact on human rights situations. A key responsibility is ensuring that business and human rights considerations, including gender equality, are integrated into political, humanitarian, and economic initiatives. The role involves developing work plans, representing OHCHR at meetings and events, and coordinating capacity-building efforts. The officer will draft various reports, communications, and statements for high-level officials and policy-making bodies, and contribute to publications. They will also respond to technical queries, manage public information activities, and engage with diverse stakeholders to promote business and human rights at all levels, while also providing guidance to junior staff.

Responsibilities

Conduct substantive research and analysis on business and human rights issues, assessing their impact on human rights situations. Integrate business and human rights considerations, including gender equality, into political, humanitarian, and economic efforts. Develop and define work plans for assigned areas. Represent OHCHR at relevant events and meetings. Coordinate capacity-building initiatives on business and human rights. Author diverse reports, communications, briefings, and statements for bodies like the Human Rights Council and General Assembly, focusing on business and human rights and the UN Guiding Principles. Draft statements, speech input, and briefing notes for senior OHCHR officials. Initiate and contribute to the issuance of publications on business and human rights themes. Respond to information requests, including technical queries via the BHR Helpdesk. Participate in and coordinate organizational and substantive aspects of meetings, seminars, and symposia. Undertake and coordinate public information and awareness-raising activities. Develop and implement strategies to foster business and human rights nationally, regionally, and internationally. 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, or law is required. Specific experience in business and human rights, including research and providing analytical advice for reports and programs, is also mandatory. Project management experience and experience leading staff are also required.

Skills

Professionalism, research and analytical skills, ability to identify and resolve human rights issues, data collection and analysis, report drafting, evaluating and integrating information, gender mainstreaming, teamwork, planning and organizing, time management, and communication.

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