HUMAN RIGHTS OFFICER (TJO)

Organizational Context

The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Ukraine, through its Human Rights Monitoring Mission (HRMMU) in Kyiv, monitors and reports on the human rights situation, particularly the impact of the armed conflict. The role supports advocacy and engagement to strengthen protection and accountability under international human rights and humanitarian law, reporting to a team leader under the Deputy Head of Mission.

Job Purpose

The Human Rights Officer is tasked with monitoring, documenting, verifying, analyzing, and reporting on alleged violations of international human rights and humanitarian law and their impact on civilians within Ukraine. This involves conducting field missions, interviewing victims and witnesses, applying OHCHR methodologies with sensitivity to gender, age, and trauma, and adhering to victim/witness protection standards. The role contributes to thematic and public reporting, identifies trends and early-warning risks, and supports advocacy and engagement with various stakeholders, including authorities, civil society, and UN entities. Regular travel throughout Ukraine, including conflict-affected areas, is required, subject to security conditions.

Responsibilities

Conduct monitoring and follow-up on the implementation of human rights and international humanitarian law, and recommendations from human rights mechanisms. Collect, document, and analyze evidence-based information on civil, cultural, economic, social, and political rights to support early warning, response, and accountability, ensuring data is discoverable and shared appropriately with a focus on gender and inclusivity. Undertake human rights monitoring and field verification missions, drafting comprehensive reports with findings and recommendations. Conduct fact-finding missions to document violations, ensuring victim/witness protection and cross-component collaboration. Draft, review, and disseminate human rights reports, briefings, and analytical papers to inform strategies and decision-making, integrating gender perspectives. Provide human rights-based technical assistance on justice and security sector issues, including trial and detention monitoring. Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion, adhering to UN data privacy and security standards.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of experience in human rights or related fields is required. This includes experience in political affairs, public affairs, international relations, law, social sciences, economics, development, or humanitarian affairs. Essential skills include conducting gender-, age-, and trauma-sensitive interviews, knowledge of international human rights and humanitarian law, and expertise in human rights monitoring, documentation, analysis, research, and reporting methodologies. Experience in planning and conducting field missions is also required.

Skills

Professionalism, Teamwork, Planning & Organizing, Gender mainstreaming, Human rights monitoring and analysis, International human rights law, International humanitarian law, Field missions, Reporting, Data analysis, Interviewing (gender, age, trauma-sensitive), Confidentiality, Communication.

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