Human Rights Officer
Organizational Context
These positions are within the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), its regional and country presences, and peacekeeping operations. Reporting to a Director or Chief, the role is part of the Human Rights job family, encompassing five specialties. Successful candidates may be placed on a roster for various specialties.
Job Purpose
The Human Rights Officer is responsible for monitoring the implementation of human rights and international humanitarian law, collecting and analyzing evidence-based information on rights, and conducting field verification missions. The role involves drafting reports, preparing analytical papers for policy and decision-making, and providing advisory support to national counterparts and civil society to strengthen human rights systems. Additionally, the officer designs and delivers capacity-building programs, contributes to human rights mainstreaming, supports UN leadership engagement, and develops strategies for civilian protection and conflict-related sexual violence. The position also involves supporting treaty bodies, engaging in advocacy, building partnerships, and ensuring data confidentiality and compliance with UN standards.
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, ensuring data is discoverable and shared appropriately, with attention to gender and 'leave no one behind' perspectives. Undertake human rights monitoring and field verification missions, drafting comprehensive reports with findings and recommendations. Prepare analytical papers and reports to inform strategies, policies, and decision-making processes. Provide advisory and substantive support to national/regional counterparts to strengthen their human rights systems and engagement with mechanisms. Design and deliver capacity-building programs for various stakeholders. Contribute to human rights mainstreaming across political, peace, security, humanitarian, development, and economic frameworks. Offer advisory support to civil society and UN leadership on integrating human rights into protection, rule of law, and accountability efforts. Develop strategies for protection of civilians and conflict-related sexual violence. Support treaty bodies, special procedures, and commissions of inquiry. Engage in human rights promotion through advocacy and outreach. Build and maintain partnerships. Ensure confidentiality and compliance with data privacy standards. Deliver training programs and workshops. Supervise daily team activities, providing technical guidance and monitoring progress.
Work Experience
A minimum of 5 years of experience in human rights or related fields such as political affairs, public affairs, international relations, law, social sciences, economics, development, or humanitarian affairs is required. Knowledge of international human rights law, norms, and standards is essential. Experience in drafting human rights reports and policy documents, integrating a human rights-based approach, and understanding regional/international human rights mechanisms is also required.
Skills
Professionalism, Teamwork, Planning and Organizing, ability to identify trends, communicate complex matters, maintain composure under stress, incorporate gender perspectives, collaborate effectively, and manage time and resources efficiently.