OHCHR: HUMAN RIGHTS Officer; Special Assistant P4

Org. Setting and Reporting

These positions are located in the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), Thematic and Special Procedures (TSP) Division. The incumbent reports to the Director of the Division.

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

• Provides direct and timely support to the Director, including strategic planning, reporting, advocacy and guidance on thematic human rights issues.
• Reviews, monitors and evaluates activities relating to the implementation of international human rights instruments, including recommendations of treaty bodies and mechanisms of the Human Rights Council.
• Supports the work of treaty‑established bodies and extra‑conventional mechanisms and special procedures.
• Prepares relevant human rights parts of reports for the General Assembly, HRC, etc. and notes on the status of ratification of human rights instruments.
• Works with UN and non‑governmental programmes in the country/region to integrate human rights, including their gender dimensions in their programmes; helps design and implements the human rights program and designs the organization and focus of the evaluation.
• Ensures up‑to‑date information regarding substantive matters in the field of human rights and makes recommendations on actions to take.
• Makes contact with other sectors of the UN, other international organisations and governments on coordination and policy matters; briefs representatives and provides, as appropriate, suggestions and recommendations.
• Collects and analyses data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights to enable data‑driven planning, decision‑making, presentation and reporting.
• Trains and supervises new/junior staff.
• Performs other related duties as required.

PROFESSIONALISM:
Knowledge of a range of human rights issues, including approaches and techniques to address sensitive and complex problems in political, ethnic, racial, gender and socioeconomic dimensions. Knowledge of institutional mandates of human rights organisations, prevailing policies and procedures. Ability to evaluate and integrate information from a variety of sources and assess impact on the human rights situation in the region or country of assignment, including the political environment and legal statutes as they pertain to human rights.

Demonstrated skills in training civil authorities and members of advocacy groups to recognise warning signs of civil unrest and take preventive action. Ability to relate to human rights issues and perspectives, including gender equality dimensions, to political, social, economic and humanitarian programmes. Shows pride in work and achievement; 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; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

PLANNING & ORGANIZING:
Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate time and resources; foresees risks and allows contingencies; monitors and adjusts plans; uses time efficiently.

CLIENT ORIENTATION:
Considers all those to whom services are provided as “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside clients’ environment; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks; meets timelines for delivery of products or services.

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…