UN Jobs in Geneva, Switzerland

Position: Human Rights Officer Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights

Roles and responsibilities

In particular, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties

• Assists countries in promoting respect for human rights, and Governments in identifying and specifying their needs for advisory services and technical cooperation.
• Participates in negotiations aimed at concluding technical cooperation agreements. Similarly, prepares respective country projects and acts as the project manager.
• Liaises with UN country teams, supports the mainstreaming of human rights in the UN CCA/UNDAF. And prepares Country Status notes for the countries under his/her responsibility.
• 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. Similarly, 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. Also, supports and ensures backstopping to field presences and contributes to their effective functioning.
• Prepares or assists in the missions of Special Rapporteurs/Representatives/Experts or Working Groups and others to countries falling under his/her responsibility and liaises, 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.
• Raises awareness and promote 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.
• Also, maintains an awareness of human rights education and information activities in the countries concerned, plans, implements and evaluates training courses, seminars, and workshops.
• Furthermore, performs other related duties as required.

Requirements

• Advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in law, political science, international relations, or a related field. However, candidates with a bachelors degree with an additional two years of qualifying work experience can also apply.
• In addition to academic qualifications, experience in supporting and backstopping a United Nations field presence.
• Similarly, experience supporting national authorities, the parliaments, the judiciary or other relevant institutions, including national human rights institutions on the overall formulation and implementation of human rights policies.
• Experience assisting representatives of NGOs, civil society or individuals on any matters concerning the promotion and protection of human rights. Also, experience in the use of international protection mechanisms.
• Knowledge of drafting of analytical papers, reports, speeches and briefing notes related to human rights issues.
• Excellent planning, organizing and teamwork skills.