Position description
Org. Setting and Reporting
The position is located in the Asia-Pacific Section, Asia-Pacific, Middle East and North Africa Branch (APMENAB), Field Operations Division of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Geneva, Switzerland. The incumbent reports to the Chief of the Asia-Pacific Section.
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:
- Plans and coordinates activities related to thematic and country mandates on human rights, including from a gender perspective.
- 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.
- Provides information to the treaty bodies on the human rights situation of the countries under his/her responsibility.
- Systematically collects and analyses all information regarding the human rights situation in the countries of his/her responsibility and prepares reports, documents and other written materials thereon.
- Responds to requests for information relating to the human rights situation in the countries under his/her responsibility.
- Supports the work of the country Special Rapporteurs/Representatives/Experts/Working Groups, including by ensuring the preparation and conduct of field missions and timely submission of reports.
- Prepares or assists in the missions of Special Rapporteurs/Representatives/Experts or Working Groups and others to countries falling under his/her responsibility and laisse, in this regard, closely with the Special Procedures Branch and other Branches and the Office of the High Commissioner.
- Coordinates with the relevant units in processing individual cases of alleged violations under thematic mechanisms, including under the urgent appeal procedure.
- Supports and ensures backstopping to field presences and contributes to their effective functioning.
- Raises awareness and promotes specialized knowledge about human rights.
- Distributes materials related to human rights education to Governments, educational and national institutions and assists in the adaption of the materials to the countries concerned.
- Maintains an awareness of human rights educational and information activities in the countries concerned, plans, implements and evaluates training courses, seminars and workshops.
- 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 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 Ability to complete in-depth studies and reach conclusions on possible causes and solutions to political problems in specific areas and/or countries. Ability to relate to various issues and perspectives 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Education
- Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent degree) in law, political science, international relations, or a 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, international relations, law or related area is required. Experience in human rights and gender reporting and analysis in a United Nations common system or similar international organization is required. Experience in supporting human rights mechanisms is desirable. Experience in supporting field-based technical cooperation programmes is desirable.
Languages
- English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.
Application instructions
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