Human Rights Officer in Geneva, Switzerland at United Nations

Human Rights Officer  position is located in the Groups and Accountability Section (GAS), Special Procedures Branch (SPB) in the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Geneva. The incumbent will be under the direct supervision of the Chief of the Groups and Accountability Section and the general supervision of the Chief of Branch.

Responsibilities for Human Rights Officer 

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

• Supports and coordinates activities of one or several Special Procedures thematic mandates on human rights.
  
• Conducts substantive research and analysis of human rights issues/events related to the mandate(s).
  
• Collects and analyses human rights data and indicators worldwide, including gender-specific data and indicators relevant to the mandate(s).
  
• Provides support to sub-commissions, commissions and other bodies; follows-up on implementation of decisions rendered by policy-making bodies.
  
• Ensures that the relevant thematic human rights issues of the mandate(s), are integrated into political, humanitarian and economic efforts and programme of the office.
  
• Defines work plan for area assigned in accordance with established priorities and objectives.
  
• Supervises field verification work through periodic visits; follows up on different cases and situations verified by the regional offices.
  
• Represents UN human rights programme at working level meetings.
  
• Directs capacity-building efforts on human rights in region/country of assignment.
  
• Writes a variety of reports, communications, briefings, statements, etc., including to policy-making bodies.
  
• May provide guidance to new/junior staff.
  
• Performs other related duties as required.

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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 an additional two years of qualifying 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
  
• Out of the five (5) years, a minimum of one (1) year of experience with UN human rights mechanisms is desirable.
  
• Experience in drafting official reports is desirable.
  
• Experience in organizing field visits is desirable.

Languages: Fluency in one of the working languages of the UN Secretariat, English or French, (both oral and written) is required; knowledge of the other is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage

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