Job title: HUMAN RIGHTS OFFICER
Percentage: 100%
Location: Geneva
Employer: Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights
Reference: 28924
Closing date: 06-12-2013
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HUMAN RIGHTS OFFICER, P3
This post is located in the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in the Middle East and North Africa Section; Asia, Pacific, Middle East and North Africa Branch; Field Operations and Technical Cooperation Division. The incumbent reports to the Chief, Middle East and North Africa Section.
Responsibilities:
Under the direct supervision of the Head of the Middle East and North Africa Section in the Asia, Pacific, Middle East and North Africa Branch the incumbent:
• Plans and coordinates activities related to thematic and country mandates on human rights, including from a gender perspective.
• Conducts substantive research and analysis of human rights issues/events and assesses their impact on the human rights situation in assigned region or country.
• Collects and analyses human rights data and indicators in country/region of assignment, including gender-specific data and indicators.
• Provides support to sub-commissions, commissions and other bodies; follows-up on implementation of decisions rendered by policy-making bodies.
• Ensures human rights issues, including their gender equality dimensions considerations, are integrated into political, humanitarian and economic efforts and programmes.
• Defines work plan for area assigned in accordance with established terms of reference.
• Assists countries to develop and implement a program for the promotion of human rights, international humanitarian law, democracy and the rule of law, with attention to gender perspectives.
• Supervises field verification work through periodic visits; follows up on different cases and situations verified by the regional field offices.
• Liaises with UN country teams, supports the mainstreaming of human rights in the United Nations Common Country Assessment (UN CCA) / United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) and prepares Country Status notes for the countries under his/her responsibility.
• Directs capacity-building efforts on human rights in region/country of assignment.
• Writes a variety of reports, communications, briefings, statements, etc., including to policy-making bodies.
• Supports the work of the country Special Rapporteurs/Representatives/Experts/Working Groups, including ensuring the preparation and conduct of field missions and timely submission of reports.
• Supports and ensures backstopping to field presences and contributes to their effective functioning
• May provide guidance to new/junior staff.
• Performs other related duties as required.
PROFESSIONALISM:
Knowledge of human rights issues and ability to identify related problems in their political, ethnic, racial, gender equality and socio-economic dimensions. Knowledge of institutional mandates of human rights organizations, prevailing policies and procedures. Research and analytical skills, including ability to identify and participate in the resolution of human rights issues. Ability to identify sources for data collection, research and analyze information and draft human rights reports. Ability to evaluate and integrate information from a variety of sources and assess impact on the human rights situation in the area of assignment. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
COMMUNICATION:
Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
TEAMWORK: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.
PLANNING & ORGANIZING:
Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.
ACCOUNTABILITY:
Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.
Education:Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law, political science, international relations, social sciences or other disciplines related to human rights. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Work Experience:
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience, including UN experience at national and international levels in the field of human rights.
Languages:
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, fluency in oral and written English and French is required. Knowledge of Arabic is an advantage.
Assessment Method:
Evaluation of qualified applicants may include a written practical test which will be followed by a competency-based interview.
Special Notice:
Extension of the appointment is subject to Extension of the mandate and/or the availability of the funds.
Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.
United Nations Considerations:
The United Nations shall place no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8). The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.
No Fee:
THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.
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