HUMAN RIGHTS OFFICER / CHILD PROTECTION OFFICER (Temporary Job Opening)

Organizational Context

This position is based within the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan, located in Juba. The role operates under the direct supervision of the Chief of Investigations and the overall supervision of the Coordinator of the Commission, contributing to its mandate in monitoring and reporting on human rights in the region.

Job Purpose

The Human Rights Officer/Child Protection Officer is responsible for monitoring and reporting on grave violations against children and other child rights violations in South Sudan. This includes conducting prompt, thorough, and impartial investigations into alleged violations of international human rights and humanitarian law, employing child and gender-sensitive interviewing techniques. The role ensures a link between monitoring and programmatic responses by liaising with protection actors for case referrals. The officer advises team members on child protection issues, ensuring adherence to protection and confidentiality principles, and contributes to final reports and accountability measures. The position aims to uphold the 'do-no-harm' and 'best interest of the child' principles in all activities.

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities include monitoring and reporting on grave violations against children, such as those associated with armed groups, killing and maiming, attacks on schools and hospitals, recruitment, and sexual and gender-based violence. The role involves conducting independent and impartial investigations into alleged violations of international human rights and humanitarian law, including interviewing child victims and witnesses using specialized techniques. The officer will collect information on children associated with armed groups and ensure referrals to relevant protection actors for programmatic response. Advising team members on child protection issues, ensuring confidentiality and adherence to the 'do-no-harm' and 'best interest of the child' principles are crucial. The position also entails participating in missions, contributing to reports and accountability recommendations, and maintaining a network of reliable interlocutors for information gathering.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible work experience in human rights is required. Additionally, at least two years of experience specifically in child rights investigations is necessary. Experience working in conflict or post-conflict settings is desirable.

Skills

Professionalism, research and analytical skills, ability to identify and resolve human rights issues, data collection and analysis, report drafting, teamwork, planning and organizing, and gender sensitivity.

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