HUMAN RIGHTS OFFICER (Open-ended) (TJO)

Organizational Context

This role is within the Human Rights Treaties Branch (HRTB) of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Geneva, Switzerland. The incumbent reports to the Chief of Section and supports the work of various sections within the Branch, focusing on treaty mechanisms and human rights implementation.

Job Purpose

The Human Rights Officer is responsible for monitoring the implementation of human rights and international humanitarian law, analyzing evidence-based information on various rights, and providing advisory support to national counterparts and civil society. The role involves supporting treaty bodies, special procedures, and commissions of inquiry, engaging youth networks, promoting human rights through advocacy, and building partnerships. Key contributions include ensuring compliance with human rights standards, advancing accountability, and informing decision-making through data analysis and effective communication strategies.

Responsibilities

Conduct substantive monitoring of human rights and international humanitarian law implementation, following up on recommendations from human rights mechanisms. Collect, document, and analyze evidence-based information on civil, cultural, economic, social, and political rights to support analysis, early warning, and decision-making, ensuring data is discoverable and shared appropriately. Verify and analyze multi-source information on human rights situations, ensuring data quality and methodological compliance. Provide advisory and substantive support to national and regional counterparts to strengthen their human rights systems and engagement with mechanisms. Offer substantive advisory support to civil society on integrating human rights into various fields. Support treaty bodies, special procedures, and commissions of inquiry through research and coordination. Engage youth networks to advocate for youth rights and participation. Promote human rights through advocacy and outreach. Support partnership-building activities and implement communication strategies to amplify human rights messaging.

Work Experience

A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible 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, norms, and standards, and skills in drafting human rights reports are essential. Familiarity with regional and international human rights mechanisms is desirable.

Skills

Knowledge of international human rights law, norms, and standards. Ability to communicate complex matters to diverse audiences. Skills in integrating a human rights-based approach, gender equality, and women's empowerment. Proficiency in human rights monitoring, documentation, analysis, research, and reporting methodologies. Critical thinking. Knowledge of international humanitarian law. Drafting skills for reports and policy documents. Familiarity with regional and international human rights mechanisms.

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