HUMAN RIGHTS OFFICER/CHILD RIGHTS ADVISER (TJO)

Organizational Context

This Human Rights Officer position is based in the Investigation Support Section of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Geneva. The role reports to the Chief of the Investigation Support Section, operating under the overall supervision of the Chief of the Human Rights Inquiries Branch.

Job Purpose

The Human Rights Officer is responsible for conducting prompt, thorough, independent, and impartial investigations into alleged violations of international human rights and humanitarian law, including interviewing children and other vulnerable individuals using sensitive techniques. The role serves as an advisor on child protection issues, ensuring awareness of child rights violations and gender dimensions. Responsibilities include supporting investigative bodies, preparing reports for UN bodies, integrating human rights into programs, coordinating with international organizations and governments on child-related matters, and assisting in training military and police on human rights law. The officer will also lead teams, manage staff, plan budgets, and analyze data for reporting and decision-making.

Responsibilities

Conduct prompt, thorough, independent, and impartial investigations into alleged violations of international human rights and humanitarian law, including interviewing children and victims using child and gender-sensitive techniques. Advise on child protection issues, ensuring awareness of relevant violations and gender dimensions. Support investigative bodies, extra-conventional mechanisms, and special procedures. Prepare human rights sections of reports for the General Assembly and HRC, and notes on treaty ratification status. Collaborate with UN and non-governmental programs to integrate human rights, including gender dimensions, and design human rights programs and evaluations. Maintain up-to-date information on human rights matters and provide recommendations. Liaise with UN sectors, international organizations, and governments on coordination and policy matters concerning children. Assist military and police in developing and implementing training programs on human rights, international humanitarian law, democracy, and the rule of law, with a focus on gender perspectives. Serve as a team leader, coordinating work, staff, planning, and budgets. Train and supervise junior staff. Collect and analyze data using visualization methods to identify trends and support planning and decision-making.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, political affairs, international relations, law, or a related field is required. Additionally, a minimum of three years of experience conducting child rights investigations is mandatory.

Skills

Professionalism, knowledge of human rights issues and approaches, ability to evaluate and integrate information, in-depth study and problem-solving skills, training capabilities, ability to relate human rights to broader programs, conscientiousness, efficiency, persistence, calmness under stress, responsibility for gender perspectives, data analysis and interpretation, teamwork, and planning and organizing skills.

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