HUMAN RIGHTS OFFICER (Protection Cluster Coordinator)
Organizational Context
This position is within the Human Rights Service (HRS) of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) in Port-au-Prince. The incumbent reports to the Head of the Joint Human Rights Service. The role focuses on integrating human rights into protection efforts within Haiti.
Job Purpose
The Human Rights Officer (Protection Cluster Coordinator) is responsible for leading coordination among various stakeholders, including UN agencies, NGOs, and civil society, to ensure human rights are integrated into protection of civilians planning and response. This involves developing and implementing protection strategies, co-chairing the Protection Cluster, and facilitating information sharing. The role also entails identifying and analyzing threats to civilians, providing legal and policy advice on international law, and contributing to the formulation of protection policies and programmes. Additionally, the incumbent will advise on best practices for victim-centred, gender- and age-sensitive protection initiatives and manage team activities to ensure effective delivery of protection mandates.
Responsibilities
Lead coordination between human rights components, mission protection bodies, UN agencies, NGOs, and civil society to integrate human rights into protection of civilians planning and response. Develop and implement mission-wide and local protection strategies and action plans in consultation with affected communities. Co-chair Protection Cluster Coordination meetings, ensuring human rights are mainstreamed. Facilitate information sharing among UN stakeholders to enhance response planning and integrate findings into mission databases and reporting mechanisms. Identify and analyze drivers of harm, risk factors, and emerging threats to civilians, feeding this into early warning systems and leadership decision-making. Provide legal and policy advice on international human rights, humanitarian, and criminal law related to civilian protection, focusing on accountability and remedies. Coordinate and contribute to the formulation of UN protection of civilians policies, guidance, and programmes. Advise on best practices for victim-centred, gender- and age-sensitive protection policies and programmes. Ensure compliance with UN protection policies and coordinate continuous improvement initiatives. Manage and coordinate team activities, including hiring, training, task assignment, performance evaluation, and deadline management.
Work Experience
A minimum of seven years of experience in human rights or related fields is required. This includes at least five years of demonstrated knowledge in applying human rights in humanitarian contexts. Experience with protection of civilians frameworks is essential. Knowledge of development or humanitarian frameworks, conflict-related sexual violence, child protection, and survivor-centred approaches is desirable.
Skills
Expertise in human rights, international humanitarian law, and international criminal law. Strong coordination and leadership skills. Ability to develop and implement protection strategies. Experience in policy advice and analysis. Knowledge of protection of civilians, conflict-related sexual violence, and child protection frameworks. Skills in victim-centred and gender-sensitive programming. Excellent communication, planning, and organizational abilities.