Position description
Org. Setting and Reporting
This position is located in the Office of the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and reports to the Senior Human Rights Adviser under the functional supervision of the Chief of Asia Pacific Section.
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the Human Rights Officer will be responsible for the following duties:
- 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.
- Designs and supports technical cooperation activities in the areas of truth-seeking, reparation and accountability measures, legal and institutional reforms as well as provides capacity building and support to local civil society and grassroots organizations through capacity enhancement, engagement and any other type of support required.
- Develops and maintains relationships with current and potential donors to identify opportunities for enhanced support to OHCHR and prepare concept notes, proposals as needed. Works with UN and non-governmental programmes in the country to integrate human rights, including their gender dimensions in their programs; 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 organizations and governments on coordination and policy matters; brief representatives and provides, as appropriate suggestions and recommendations.
- Assists country military, police, judges and lawyers through capacity building activities in the field of human rights, international humanitarian law, democracy and the rule of law, with attention to gender perspectives.
- In consultation with the Senior Human Rights Advisorcoordinates 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 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.
- 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 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. Experience in project management is required. Experience in the United Nations Common system or similar international organization in the field is desirable. Experience implementing human rights activities and joint programmes with donors 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. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.
Application instructions
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