HUMAN RIGHTS OFFICER (TJO)

Organizational Context

This position is within the Regional Liaison Team for Europe and Central Asia, part of the Global Operations Division of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Geneva. The Human Rights Officer reports to the Chief of the Regional Liaison Team, contributing to the OHCHR's mandate and scope in the region.

Job Purpose

The Human Rights Officer will support the Regional Liaison Team for Europe and Central Asia by attending and reporting on OHCHR meetings, facilitating coordination between Geneva-based entities and the Regional Hub, and engaging with Permanent Missions and civil society. The role involves planning and coordinating human rights activities, collecting and analyzing data (including gender-specific information), and ensuring human rights issues are integrated into broader political, humanitarian, and economic efforts. The incumbent will also support capacity-building initiatives, assist in developing training programs for military and police on human rights, and supervise field verification work. This position is crucial for advancing the UN's human rights agenda within the assigned region and contributing to the implementation of policy-making body decisions.

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities include attending and reporting on OHCHR meetings and engagements with stakeholders, facilitating coordination between the Regional Hub for Europe and Central Asia (ECA) and Geneva-based OHCHR entities, and interacting with civil society representatives. The role involves planning and coordinating thematic and country-specific human rights mandates, with attention to gender perspectives. This includes collecting and analyzing human rights data and indicators, and supporting sub-commissions and other bodies, ensuring follow-up on their decisions. The officer will integrate human rights and gender equality considerations into political, humanitarian, and economic initiatives. Additionally, the role entails defining work plans, assisting in developing and implementing human rights training programs for military and police, supervising field verification through periodic visits, representing the UN human rights program, and directing capacity-building efforts. Guidance to junior staff may also be required.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, political affairs, international relations, law, or a related field is required.

Skills

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

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