Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located within the Human Rights Inquiries Branch in the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. The Victims Support Officer will work under the overall supervision of the Chief of the Investigations Support Section.


Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Human Rights Officer (Victims Support Officer) will be responsible for the following duties: - Advises the Investigations Support Section, staff of the Secretariats of investigative bodies and supported OHCHR investigations on matters related to victims and witnesses. - Maintains direct and regular contact with victims and their representatives, civil society organisations (CSOs), human rights defenders, and advises on the establishment and implementation of adequate strategies and measures for the protection, security ·and support to victims and witnesses, with a particular attention to the application of gender­ sensitive victim-centered and trauma informed approaches; - Develops victim-centered and gender-sensitive advocacy strategies in collaboration with CSOs and victims' organisations to pursue all forms of accountability; - Formulates short- and long-term support strategies for witnesses and victims; participates in the establishment, development and maintenance of referral pathways involving competent international organizations, national authorities, NGOs and other entities relevant for the provision of legal, material, medical and psycho-social support and advises witnesses and victims who engage with the investigation; - Conducts protection assessment (including individual), information gathering activities, including interviews with victims and witnesses, and the collection, analysis and verification of human rights violations and abuses, if required; - Deploys in support of HRIB investigations, including at short notice and to hardship duty stations for up to 3 months; - 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; - 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, 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 analyse 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. 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.


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 the mentioned fields of studies, 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 the administration, implementation and management of victims/witness protection and support programmes is desirable.


Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency, in English (both oral and written) is required. Fluency in Arabic (both oral and written) is desirable. Knowlegde of another UN official language is an advantage.


Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.


Special Notice

THIS POSITION IS TEMPORARILY AVAILABLE UNTIL 31 DECEMBER 2025, SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS. - A current staff member who holds a fixed-term, permanent or continuing appointment may apply for temporary positions no more than one level above his or her current grade. - However, a current staff member who holds an appointment at the G-6 or G-7 level may also apply to temporary positions in the Professional category up to and including the P-3 level, subject to meeting all eligibility and other requirements for the position. - A staff member holding a temporary appointment shall be regarded as an external candidate when applying for other positions, and may apply for other temporary positions at any level, subject to section 5.7 below and staff rule 4.16 (b) (ii). Therefore, a staff member holding a temporary appointment in the General Service or related categories may only apply to positions within those categories. For full information on eligibility requirements, please refer to section 5 of ST/AI/2010/4Rev.1 on Temporary Appointments. - Pursuant to section 7.11 of ST/AI/2012/2/Rev.1, candidates recruited through the young professionals programme who have not served for a minimum of two years in the position of their initial assignment are not eligible to apply to this position. - If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment. - While this temporary assignment may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, the selection for this position is for a limited period and has no bearing on the future incumbency of the post. - Subject to the funding source of the position, the eligibility for this temporary job opening may be limited to candidates based at the duty station. - This temporary job opening may be limited to "internal candidates," who have been recruited through a competitive examination administered according to staff rule 4.16 or staff selection process including the review of a central review body established according to staff rule 4.15. - Staff members of the United Nations common system organizations who will reach the mandatory age of separation or retirement within the duration of the current temporary need period are not eligible to apply. Submitting an application or selection for the current temporary job opening does not delay or increase the mandatory age of separation. - Retirees above the mandatory age of separation who wish to be considered for the current temporary job opening must indicate the reason for their last separation as "retirement." Such retirees shall not be employed by the Organization, unless (a) the operational requirements of the Organization cannot be met by staff members who are qualified and available to perform the required functions; and (b) the proposed employment would not adversely affect the career development or redeployment opportunities of other staff members and represents both a cost-effective and operationally sound solution to meet the needs of the service. At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application.