HUMAN RIGHTS OFFICER

Organizational Context

This position is within the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Geneva. The Human Rights Officer reports to the Chief of the Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Section. The role focuses on providing expert advice and support related to economic policies and their impact on economic, social, and cultural rights.

Job Purpose

The Human Rights Officer provides crucial policy, strategy, and substantive advice on economic policies, tax, and finance matters concerning the implementation of economic, social, and cultural rights (ESCR). This includes efforts to combat poverty and reduce inequalities. The role involves monitoring and evaluating activities related to international human rights instruments, supporting treaty bodies and special procedures, and preparing human rights reports. The incumbent will collaborate with various UN entities, NGOs, and governments to integrate human rights into programs, develop training initiatives, and ensure up-to-date information on human rights matters. Additionally, the role may involve team leadership, coordination, and supervision of junior staff.

Responsibilities

Provide expert policy, strategy, and program advice on economic policies, tax, and finance concerning the implementation of economic, social, and cultural rights (ESCR), poverty reduction, and inequality. Monitor and evaluate activities related to international human rights instruments and recommendations from treaty bodies and the Human Rights Council. Support the work of treaty-established bodies, extra-conventional mechanisms, and special procedures. Prepare human rights sections for reports to the General Assembly and HRC, and draft notes on treaty ratification status. Coordinate with UN units, field staff, regional economic commissions, and regional human rights bodies for project planning and review. Integrate human rights, including economic and gender dimensions, into UN and non-governmental programs. Develop and implement human rights programs and evaluations. Maintain current knowledge on human rights substantive matters and recommend actions. Liaise with other UN sectors, international organizations, and governments on coordination and policy. Assist OHCHR country and regional presences in developing and implementing training programs on economic policies and human rights. Serve as a team leader, managing work coordination, staff, planning, and budget. Train and supervise junior staff. Perform other related duties as required.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, economic affairs, or international relations is required. At least five years of experience as an economist focusing on economic policy and human rights issues is also required. Experience with the UN or similar international settings, managing technical cooperation, capacity-building, or training programs, and in economic, social, and cultural rights or sustainable development goals is desirable.

Skills

Professionalism, knowledge of economic policy and human rights, ability to analyze and integrate information, expertise in human rights law, ability to design and operationalize indicators and methodologies, training skills, teamwork, planning and organizing, and gender mainstreaming.

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