Human Rights Officer
Organizational Context
This position is within the Digital Tech and Human Rights Section (DTHR) of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Geneva, Switzerland. The section is part of the Rule of Law, Accountability and Civic Space branch, under the Thematic Engagement and Special Procedures Division. The role reports to the Chief of DTHR, with general guidance from the Chief of RACS.
Job Purpose
The Human Rights Officer will develop and implement policies and training programs focused on human rights and digital technology, ensuring their integration into UN and non-governmental initiatives, including gender dimensions. The role involves representing the Office on these matters, monitoring digital technology's impact on human rights instruments, and supporting treaty bodies and special procedures. Responsibilities include preparing reports for UN bodies, maintaining up-to-date information, making recommendations, coordinating with international partners, and supervising junior staff. The position requires a proactive approach to addressing complex issues at the intersection of human rights and the digital age.
Responsibilities
Develop and implement policies and training programs on human rights and digital technology. Integrate human rights and digital technology, including gender dimensions, into UN and non-governmental programs. Represent the Office on human rights and digital technology matters. Review, monitor, and evaluate digital technology activities concerning international human rights instruments and recommendations from UN mechanisms. Support treaty bodies, extra-conventional mechanisms, and special procedures. Prepare human rights sections of reports for the General Assembly and Human Rights Council. Maintain current information on human rights and digital technology, providing recommendations. Liaise with UN sectors, international organizations, and governments on coordination and policy matters. Train and supervise junior staff. Perform other related duties as required.
Work Experience
A minimum of seven years of progressive experience in human rights, political affairs, international relations, or law is required. This includes at least three years of experience in policy work related to digital technologies' impact on human rights and three years in drafting strategies or policies for digital technology. Experience analyzing AI policy implications for human rights and advocating with states and companies on digital technology's human rights impact is also required. Four years of experience within international organizations like the UN is desirable.
Skills
Professionalism, teamwork, and technological awareness. In-depth knowledge of human rights issues in the digital age. Ability to analyze and integrate information from diverse sources. Skills in training and supervision. Competence in policy development and program implementation. Strong communication and coordination abilities. Understanding of international human rights law and mechanisms. Proficiency in English is required; French is desirable.