REPRESENTATIVE, HUMAN RIGHTS

Organizational Context

This position is based in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, within the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). The role reports to the Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia, serving as the Representative Human Rights and Head of the Central Asia Multi-country Office, overseeing regional human rights operations and strategy.

Job Purpose

The Regional Representative/Head of the Central Asia Multi-country Office is responsible for monitoring human rights developments across the region, providing timely advice, and alerting the Regional Director to critical issues. This role involves developing strategic relationships with UN Country Teams, advising on human rights-based approaches, and coordinating inter-agency cooperation. The position also entails managing the OHCHR Multi-Country Office, including staff supervision, program formulation, budget oversight, and representing OHCHR in various forums. Key functions include designing and implementing regional human rights policies, promoting treaty ratification, and engaging with diverse stakeholders to advance human rights protection and respect.

Responsibilities

Monitor and advise on regional human rights developments, alerting superiors to critical issues. Develop strategic relationships with UN Country Teams, providing human rights-based planning and programming support. Enhance OHCHR's network of partners and contacts to support Resident Coordinators and UN agencies. Formulate work programs, budgets, and medium-term plans, overseeing timely output delivery and administrative matters. Advise on strategic interventions in countries without OHCHR presence and follow up on treaty body and Human Rights Council recommendations. Manage the OHCHR Multi-Country Office, including staff supervision, development, and performance management. Represent OHCHR on human rights matters at national, regional, and international levels. Design and implement policies and programs to address regional human rights issues and assist governments with advisory services. Promote international human rights treaty ratification and engagement with UN human rights mechanisms. Engage with regional intergovernmental organizations, governments, civil society, and media to promote human rights.

Work Experience

A minimum of ten years of progressive experience in the human rights field at national and international levels is required. This includes experience in developing, implementing, and coordinating human rights strategies and programs. At least five years of experience managing teams of three or more staff is also required. Experience in the region of deployment or comparable contexts, and field-based human rights work with international organizations, is desirable.

Skills

Professionalism, Communication, Teamwork, Managing Performance, Judgement/Decision-Making, knowledge of human rights issues, ability to analyze and integrate information, ability to advise on human rights perspectives, gender equality awareness, effective speaking and writing, active listening, collaborative work, performance management, delegation, strategic planning, problem-solving.

Explore related opportunities