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 Addis Ababa. 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 regional human rights mandate.
Job Purpose
The Human Rights Officer is responsible for providing analysis and advice on policy, programming, and capacity development related to human rights-based economic and social policies and sustainable development. This role involves advising on the integration of human rights into national and UN development frameworks, offering technical assistance, and monitoring the implementation of international human rights instruments. The position also entails preparing reports, coordinating with various UN entities and international organizations, and ensuring regional developments inform global OHCHR work on sustainable development. The officer will also train and supervise junior staff, contributing to the overall effectiveness of the regional office's human rights and development initiatives.
Responsibilities
The Human Rights Officer will provide regional analysis and advice on human rights-based economic and social policies and sustainable development, aligning with the 2030 Agenda. Key duties include advising on the integration of human rights into state and UN development policies, such as Common Country Analyses and Cooperation Frameworks, and providing technical assistance to build national capacities. The role involves reviewing and evaluating the implementation of international human rights instruments and recommendations from treaty bodies. Responsibilities also include preparing human rights components of reports for UN bodies, collaborating with UN mechanisms, states, NGOs, and international financial institutions to integrate human rights, and staying informed on economic policy and development matters. The officer will assist in developing and implementing training programs, coordinate closely with the Geneva-based Sustainable Development Section, and supervise junior staff.
Work Experience
A minimum of seven years of progressive 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 policies and programs at regional or national levels, and experience in research, analysis, and report writing on human rights and development financing.
Skills
Professionalism, communication, and teamwork are essential. Specific competencies include knowledge of human rights and economic policy issues, ability to analyze and integrate information from various sources, assess human rights impacts, conduct studies, and provide training. Strong communication skills for effective writing and speaking, and the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues and stakeholders are also crucial.