Human Rights Officer
Organizational Context
This position is within the Human Rights Service of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), based in Mazar-e-Sharif. The role operates as a Human Rights Officer/Team Leader under the guidance of senior leadership, contributing to the UNAMA's human rights mandate in a challenging, non-family duty station.
Job Purpose
The Human Rights Officer/Team Leader is responsible for managing and implementing human rights activities in their assigned area, aligning with the UNAMA Human Rights Service workplan. This includes leading initiatives related to civilian protection, fundamental freedoms, and the rights of vulnerable groups, with a specific focus on gender perspectives. The role involves devising advocacy strategies, advising de facto authorities and civil society on human rights promotion and protection, and establishing partnerships with various stakeholders. A key aspect is integrating human rights considerations into UNAMA's broader operations, developing policies, and ensuring accurate data collection and reporting on human rights situations. The position also entails raising awareness, coordinating team efforts, and representing the Human Rights Service at relevant forums.
Responsibilities
Lead and manage human rights work in the assigned area, overseeing team members and implementing the UNAMA Human Rights Service workplan. Plan, coordinate, and lead activities focused on the UNAMA's human rights mandate, including civilian protection, rights to life, liberty, and integrity, and specific issues concerning women, children, and other vulnerable groups. Develop and implement advocacy strategies, advising de facto authorities, civil society, and the UN Country Team on human rights protection and redress mechanisms. Maintain contact with various stakeholders to inform on the human rights situation and advise on policy. Integrate a human rights-based approach into UNAMA's preventive diplomacy and other initiatives. Draft, review, and ensure timely delivery of human rights reports and communications. Collaborate with other UN mission components to integrate human rights into their programs and operations. Design and deliver human rights awareness-raising initiatives. Supervise the accurate entry and verification of human rights cases into a database, conduct quality control, and generate statistical reports. Ensure the integration of gender perspectives and women's rights into all activities. Assist in coordinating and evaluating the Human Rights Service work plan. Represent the Human Rights Service at meetings and events.
Work Experience
A minimum of seven years of progressive experience in human rights, particularly in civilian protection, rights to life, liberty, integrity, and issues concerning vulnerable groups, is required. Three years of experience leading human rights fact-finding missions in international organizations outside the country of origin is necessary. Experience in leading and managing multicultural teams and in human rights data management, analysis, and report drafting is also required. Experience in Afghanistan is desirable.
Skills
Professionalism, strong knowledge of international human rights and humanitarian law, human rights-based approach, research and analytical skills, data collection and analysis, report drafting, teamwork, planning and organizing, performance management, judgment and decision-making, and incorporating gender perspectives.