Human Rights Officer (TJO)
Organizational Context
This position is within the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) at the Regional Office for Southern Africa in Pretoria. The National Human Rights Officer will report to the Regional Representative for Southern Africa or their designee, contributing to the office's mandate in the region.
Job Purpose
The National Human Rights Officer will plan and coordinate human rights activities, conduct substantive research and analysis on human rights issues, and assess their impact within the assigned region or country. This role involves collecting and analyzing human rights data, including gender-specific indicators, and supporting policy-making bodies. The officer will ensure human rights considerations, particularly gender equality, are integrated into political, humanitarian, and economic efforts. They will also provide technical assistance to member states, civil society, and national human rights institutions, represent the UN human rights program, and direct capacity-building initiatives. The position requires writing various reports and communications, and may involve guiding junior staff, all while supporting the office's strategy focused on non-discrimination, accountability, rule of law, and human rights in development.
Responsibilities
Key responsibilities include planning and coordinating thematic and country-specific human rights activities, with attention to gender perspectives. The role involves conducting in-depth research and analysis of human rights issues and their regional impact, as well as collecting and analyzing relevant data and indicators, including gender-specific ones. The officer will support sub-commissions and commissions, ensuring follow-up on decisions from policy-making bodies. A crucial aspect is integrating human rights and gender equality into political, humanitarian, and economic programs. The position requires defining work plans, supporting the office's strategic implementation (focusing on non-discrimination, accountability, rule of law, peace, security, and development), and providing technical assistance to member states, civil society, and national human rights institutions. The role also entails representing the UN human rights program in meetings, directing capacity-building efforts, and producing various reports and communications. Guidance to junior staff may also be required.
Work Experience
A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, political affairs, international relations, or law is required. Experience in formulating human rights analysis and integrating human rights into law and/or policy is also necessary. Experience in delivering technical assistance and capacity-building programs on human rights is desirable.
Skills
• Professionalism: Knowledge of human rights issues, research and analytical skills, ability to draft reports, and integrate information from various sources. • Teamwork: Collaborative approach to achieving organizational goals and valuing colleagues' input. • Accountability: Taking ownership of responsibilities, meeting commitments, and operating in compliance with regulations.