Associate Human Rights Officer
Organizational Context
The UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) supports Pacific Island Countries in promoting and protecting human rights. The Pacific Regional Office, based in Fiji, covers multiple nations, with a presence in Samoa. OHCHR prioritizes climate action and gender equality, integrating a human rights-based approach into sustainable development efforts, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework. The office actively engages with governments, civil society, and regional organizations to advance these goals.
Job Purpose
The Associate Human Rights Officer will support the Human Rights Adviser in Samoa to ensure the meaningful participation of diverse civil society actors, including women, children, persons with disabilities, and human rights defenders. The role involves constructive engagement with governments of Samoa, Cook Islands, and Niue to support their participation in international human rights mechanisms. A key focus will be expanding engagement with marginalized groups like LGBTQIA+ and indigenous communities, particularly concerning environmental rights and climate change, and supporting women human rights defenders working on land and environmental issues.
Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the OHCHR Regional Representative and the Human Rights Adviser in Samoa, the Associate Human Rights Officer will support capacity building, technical assistance, research, and human rights monitoring. Key duties include strengthening networks for land and environmental human rights defenders addressing climate change impacts, amplifying their voices in decision-making, and linking this to regional efforts. The role also involves supporting partner engagement with international human rights mechanisms (UPR, treaty bodies, special procedures) and contributing to work on women's rights, gender equality, and their intersection with environmental rights, climate justice, economic empowerment, and access to education and healthcare. Additionally, the officer will assist in drafting reports and communications, conduct awareness-raising activities on human rights, gender, environment, and climate change linkages, and perform other related duties.
Work Experience
While no specific prior experience is required, demonstrated interest and up to two years of experience in human rights law, climate change and environment, international relations, or peace and conflict studies is desirable. Experience in capacity building for human rights promotion and protection, data collection and dissemination, and previous volunteer or cross-cultural experience would be advantageous. Knowledge of international human rights instruments and mechanisms is also beneficial.
Skills
Key competencies include accountability, adaptability, flexibility, client orientation, commitment, motivation, communication, ethics, values, respect for diversity, and teamwork. Specific expertise areas include community development, human rights, and legal affairs.