Human Rights Officer at United Nations

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Human Rights Officer will be responsible for the following duties:   

• Conducts research and analysis of engagement with treaty bodies, including on ratification, reporting, and other procedures and assesses capacity-building needs and situation in assigned region or country. 
• Provides advice on engagement with treaty bodies. 
• Plans and coordinates activities related to engagement with treaty bodies and related institutional setting, such as National Mechanisms for Implementation, Reporting and Follow-ups (NMIRFs), including from a gender perspective. 
• Directs capacity-building efforts on human rights treaties and engagement with treaty bodies in region/country of assignment, including mobilization of civil society, National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) and United Nations Country Teams (UNCTs).
• Collects and analyses good practices by States in fulfilling their human rights treaties obligations, such as on establishment and strengthening of National Mechanisms for Implementation, Reporting and Follow-ups (NMIRFs), including gender-specific data and indicators.  
• Provides support to treaty bodies including drafting of lists of issues, concluding observations, general comments, and supporting visits and inquiries; follows-up on implementation of decisions rendered by these bodies. 
• Contributes to the implementation of the global Programme and of treaty bodies’ communication strategy. 
• 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. 
• Represents UN human rights programme at working level meetings. 
• Writes a variety of reports, communications, briefings, statements, etc., including to policy-making bodies. May provide guidance to new/junior staff. 
• Performs other related duties as required.

Competencies

• PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge and understanding of institutional mandates, policies, procedures and guidelines related to UN treaty bodies. 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.  
• 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.

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in law, political science, international relations, social sciences or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

• A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, political affairs, international relations, law or related area is required.   
• Experience in connection with the UN human rights treaty bodies is desirable.   
• Experience in conducting capacity building activities for state officials on engagement with treaty bodies is desirable.    
• Experience in building institutional capacity for national human rights and/or sustainable development-related machinery is desirable.