Position description
Org. Setting and Reporting
This post is found in the Intergovernmental Affairs, Communications and Outreach Section of the New York Office of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). The incumbent reports to the Chief of Section, the Director of the New York Office and the Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights.
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the Human Rights Officer will be responsible for the following duties:
- Follows, supports and reports on the work of intergovernmental bodies at United Nations Headquarters in New York, with a focus on peace and security issues, as well as treaty-established bodies and extra-conventional mechanisms and special procedures.
- Prepares relevant human rights parts of reports for the General Assembly, HRC, and Security Council etc. notes on human rights and peace and security matters, etc.
- Prepares briefing and background notes, analyses and talking points for senior officials on the work of intergovernmental bodies related to human rights and peace and security.
- Meets regularly with peacebuilding and peacekeeping actors including UN staff, national officials and non-governmental organizations to plan projects and review project activities.
- Works with Member States, UN and non-governmental organizations to integrate human rights, including their gender dimensions in their programs related to intergovernmental processes; 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 peace and security and makes recommendations on actions to take.
- Makes contact with other sectors of the UN, other international organizations and governments on coordination and policy matters; brief representatives and provides, as appropriate suggestions and recommendations.
- Assists relevant UN staff, Member States and non-governmental organizations to develop and implement a training program in the field of human rights, international humanitarian law, democracy and the rule of law, with attention to gender perspectives.
- Supports the Chief of the Section in work coordination and administrative functions relating to the staff, planning and budget.
- Trains and supervises 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 and exposure to a range of human rights issues including approaches and techniques to address sensitive and complex human rights problems in their political, ethnic, racial, gender and socio-economic dimensions. Knowledge of institutional mandates of human rights organizations, 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. Ability to complete in-depth studies and reach conclusions on possible causes and solutions to human rights problems in specific societies and systems. Demonstrated skills in training civil authorities and members of advocacy groups to recognize warning signs of civil unrest and take preventive action to avert hostilities. Ability to relate to human rights issues and perspectives, including their gender equality dimensions, to political, social, economic and humanitarian programmes in affected countries and areas. 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.
- 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 human rights, 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 seven years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, political affairs, international relations, law or related area is required. At least five years of experience at the international level in the field of human rights is required. At least two years of experience in strategic outreach to and engagement with national authorities or civil society in intergovernmental fora or in the work of the UN human rights mechanisms is required. At least one year of experience in peace and security matters is desirable.
Languages
- English and French are the working languages of the UN Secretariat. For the position, fluency in English (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.
Application instructions
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