Human Rights Officer
Organizational Context
This position is within the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Regional Office for South Africa (ROSA), located in Pretoria. The Human Rights Officer will report to the Regional Representative for Southern Africa or their designate, and the Chief of the Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Section, contributing to the OHCHR's mandate in the region.
Job Purpose
The Human Rights Officer is responsible for planning and coordinating economic, social, and cultural rights activities, including gender perspectives, within thematic and country mandates. This involves conducting substantive research and analysis of human rights issues, assessing their socio-economic and cultural impact, and collecting relevant data. The role supports the integration of human rights into broader political, humanitarian, and socio-economic efforts, assists in program development and implementation, and represents the UN human rights program at meetings. The officer will also undertake field missions, follow up on projects, and draft various reports, contributing to the overall human rights agenda in the assigned region.
Responsibilities
Key duties include planning and coordinating economic, social, and cultural rights activities, incorporating gender perspectives into thematic and country mandates. The role involves conducting in-depth research and analysis of human rights issues and their socio-economic and cultural impacts. Responsibilities also encompass collecting and analyzing human rights data and indicators, including gender-specific information. The officer will provide support to sub-commissions and commissions, follow up on policy-making body decisions, and ensure human rights are integrated into political, humanitarian, and socio-economic programs. Developing work plans, assisting in program development and implementation for economic, social, and cultural rights, and undertaking field missions are also crucial. Representing the UN human rights program, writing reports, and potentially guiding junior staff are further responsibilities.
Work Experience
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, economic affairs, political affairs, international relations, or law is required. Specific experience in economic, social, and cultural rights is essential. Experience in policy development, research, and technical assistance on these rights for governments is desirable, as is experience working at country and international levels with the UN or similar organizations.
Skills
Proficiency in human rights, economic, social, and cultural rights issues; strong research and analytical skills; ability to identify and resolve human rights problems; data collection and analysis; report writing; integration of gender perspectives; effective communication (written and verbal); and teamwork.