Human Rights Officer (Sustainable Development Advisor)
Organizational Context
This position is located in the Regional Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Dakar. The incumbent reports to the UN Human Rights Regional Representative and OHCHR’s Chief of the Sustainable Development Section in Geneva, contributing to the organization's mandate at the regional level.
Job Purpose
The Human Rights Officer will provide regional analysis and advice on policy, programming, and capacity development, focusing on human rights-based economic and social policies and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This role is crucial for integrating human rights into national and UN development frameworks, including Common Country Analyses and Cooperation Frameworks. The incumbent will offer policy advice and technical assistance to national capacities, monitor human rights instrument implementation, and prepare relevant reports. Collaboration with UN entities, governments, and international organizations is key to embedding human rights, including gender dimensions, into development programs and ensuring regional work informs global OHCHR efforts.
Responsibilities
The Human Rights Officer will support OHCHR's regional work by providing analysis and advice on human rights-based economic and social policies and sustainable development. Key duties include advising on the integration of human rights into state and UN development policies, Common Country Analyses, and Cooperation Frameworks. The role involves providing policy advice and technical assistance to strengthen national capacities, and reviewing/monitoring the implementation of international human rights instruments. Responsibilities also include preparing human rights sections of reports, coordinating with field staff on project planning and review, and collaborating with UN bodies, states, NGOs, and international financial institutions to integrate human rights, including gender dimensions, into their programs. The officer will maintain up-to-date knowledge on economic policy, development, and human rights, liaise with various stakeholders on coordination and policy matters, assist in developing training programs, and coordinate closely with the Sustainable Development Section in Geneva.
Work Experience
A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, political affairs, international relations, law, or development economics is required. This includes at least three years of experience in integrating human rights into sustainable development at the regional or national level, and experience in research, analysis, and report drafting related to human rights and development financing.
Skills
Professionalism, communication, and teamwork are essential competencies. Specific skills include knowledge of human rights and economic policy issues, ability to analyze and integrate information from various sources, assess human rights situations, conduct in-depth studies, train civil authorities and advocacy groups, and relate human rights to development programs. Effective communication, active listening, and clear writing are required. Collaborative work, valuing others' input, and supporting team decisions are also crucial.