Org. Setting and Reporting


These positions are located in the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), Human Rights Council and Treaty Mechanisms Division (HRCTMD), Human Rights Treaties Branch (HRTB) in Geneva, Switzerland. The incumbent will operate under the overall guidance of the Chief of Petitions Section and direct supervision of the respective Secretary on individual communications within the Petitions Section.


Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Human Rights Officer will be responsible for the following duties: • Plans and coordinates activities related to treaty-based complaint procedures on human rights, including from a gender perspective. • Conducts substantive legal research and analysis of human rights complaints and assesses registration criteria, admissibility and merits. • Analyses human rights issues and jurisprudence in context of assignment, including gender-specific data and indicators. • Provides support to treaty 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 programme. • Defines work plan for area assigned in accordance with established terms of reference.. • Assists with training programs in the field of human rights, international humanitarian law, democracy and the rule of law, with attention to gender perspectives. • Follows up on different cases and situations verified by the regional offices. • Represents UN human rights programme at working level meetings. • 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. • May provide guidance to new/junior staff. • Collects and analyzes data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. • Performs other related duties as required.


Competencies

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, jurisprudence of human rights mechanisms, 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. Able to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. 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. 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 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 with international or regional human rights complaints mechanisms is desirable. Experience providing legal advice, analysis and drafting is desirable. Experience in case management is desirable.


Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the positions advertised, fluency in English or French, (both oral and written) is required; knowledge of the other is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.