Human Rights Officer
Organizational Context
This position is within the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), specifically in the Rule of Law, Accountability and Civic Space section. The role serves as the Secretary for the Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances, reporting to the Chief of Special Procedures.
Job Purpose
The Human Rights Officer will serve as the Secretary for the Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances. This involves leading and coordinating the monitoring of human rights and international humanitarian law implementation, ensuring follow-up on recommendations from human rights mechanisms. The role also entails managing the collection, documentation, and analysis of evidence-based information on human rights, supporting early warning and informed decision-making. Furthermore, the incumbent will lead human rights monitoring missions, conduct fact-finding operations, and produce substantive reports and analytical papers to inform strategies and policies. The position requires advising UN leadership and partners on human rights integration and coordinating support for various human rights bodies.
Responsibilities
Key responsibilities include leading and coordinating the monitoring of human rights and international humanitarian law, ensuring follow-up on recommendations from human rights mechanisms. This involves managing the collection, documentation, and quality control of evidence-based information on civil, cultural, economic, social, and political rights to support early warning and decision-making. The role requires leading and conducting human rights monitoring and field verification missions, as well as fact-finding or investigative missions to document violations. The incumbent will lead the production and review of human rights reports, briefings, and analytical papers, providing substantive advice and technical support to national and regional counterparts. Additionally, the role involves advising UN leadership on human rights integration, coordinating support for treaty bodies and special procedures, managing fundraising activities, analyzing data for trends, maintaining confidentiality, and managing team activities and resources.
Work Experience
A minimum of 7 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. Knowledge of international human rights law, monitoring methodologies, and reporting is essential. Experience with regional and international human rights mechanisms and the ability to conduct legal analysis are also required.
Skills
Professionalism, knowledge of international human rights law, human rights monitoring and documentation, research and reporting methodologies, drafting skills, knowledge of human rights mechanisms, legal analysis, data analysis, project management, teamwork, planning and organizing, and incorporating gender perspectives.