Applications are open for the United Nations OHCHR Junior Professional Officer Program in Switzerland. The program is for Candidates from developing countries. The JPO program provides young professionals with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the field of multilateral international cooperation. Further, have the opportunity to learn from other Human. Rights Officers in the team on issues related to the human rights-based approach. Also, on integrating human rights into UN development policies and programs. As well as gaining exposure to the international human rights system and its mechanisms in Geneva.

Moreover, As the SDGs is a priority engagement area in OHCHR Organizational ManagementPlan for 2018-2021, this JPO will buttress the capacity of Sustainable Development Section to support this priority across the Office, including in the field, as well as ensuring that human rights are a central part of UN support on SDG implementation at the global, regional and country levels.

Duties

Under the general supervision of the Chief of Branch and the direct supervision of the Chief, Middle East, and North Africa Section, the incumbent will, inter alia:

• Assist in planning activities related to thematic and country mandates on human rights in the MENA region;
• Further, Assist in backstopping human rights field presences or human rights components of UN Peace Missions. Further,  including substantive human rights issues, recruitment of staff, administrative, financial and security issues, support of field reporting obligations;
• Assists in drafting reports of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and Secretary-General on country-specific human rights situations in the MENA region.
• Conduct substantive research and analysis of human rights issues/events and assess their impact on the human rights situation in the MENA region and/or assigned country;
• Also, Collect and analyze human rights indicators in countries of assignment, including gender-specific indicators;
• Ensure human rights issues, including gender considerations, are integrated into political, humanitarian and economic efforts and programs;
• Further, Define work plan for area assigned in accordance with established terms of reference;
• Write a variety of reports, communications, briefings, statements, etc., including to policy-making bodies;
• Perform other related duties as required by the Chief of the MENA Section.

Benefit

On completion of the assignment, the JPO will have/be able to The JPO will be expected to, inter alia:

• • • Deepen knowledge on human rights issues, the relevant human rights mechanisms, and the practical implementation and mainstreaming of human rights in the MENA region;
    • Learn to design, draft, implement, and evaluate technical cooperation projects in the region;
    • Prepare written communications with the governments, international organizations, and non-governmental organizations;
    • Give input and contribution to different UN documents and publications produced in the Branch, Division or in the OHCHR.

Salary

The JPO will sign a labor contract with the organization concerned. Further,  Salary and terms of employment are under an arrangement between the Minister for Development Co-operation and the organization.

Additionally, The JPO will initially get a contract for 12 months which can continue to a maximum of three years in total. Also, an assignment is limited to one posting, irrespective of the length of the posting.

Eligibility

• Education: Advanced University degree or equivalent preferably in law, political science, international relations or other disciplines related to human rights;
• Work experience: Minimum 2 years of relevant human rights related or also, United Nations experience
• Languages: Fluency in English Working knowledge of French and/or Arabic would be an asset.
• Other skills: Preferably, some knowledge of the region, including knowledge of the political environment and legal statutes as they pertain to human rights