Org. Setting and Reporting

The post is located in the Human Rights Council (HRC) Support and Coordination Section, Human Rights Council Branch, Human Rights Council and Treaty Mechanisms Division within the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Geneva. Under the overall guidance of the Chief of Branch, the incumbent reports to the Chief of the HRC Support and Coordination Section.

Responsibilities

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

– Assists in coordinating the provision of advice on legal and procedural issues affecting the conduct of business of the Human Rights Council (HRC) in accordance with the relevant rules of procedure and established practice. 
– Assists the Secretary of the HRC in the preparation and servicing of the regular and special sessions of the Council, as well as the High-level Segment, including through coordination with relevant UN Secretariat entities. 
– Reviews, monitors and evaluates activities relating to the implementation of international human rights, including recommendations of mechanisms of the Human Rights Council. 
– Supports the work of extra-conventional mechanisms and special procedures.
– Prepares relevant human rights parts of reports for the General Assembly, HRC, etc. 
– Works with UN and non-governmental programmes in the country/region 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 and analysis regarding legal and substantive matters in relation to the Human Rights Council’s resolutions, rules, procedures and methods of work and makes recommendations on actions to take, including for the implementation of resolutions on the ground. 
– Makes contact with other sectors of the UN, other international organizations and governments on coordination and policy matters; briefs representatives and provides, as appropriate suggestions and recommendations. 
– Trains and supervises new/junior staff. 
– Performs other related duties as required.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of and exposure to a range of human rights issues including inter-governmental human rights machinery, procedures and methods of work. Knowledge of institutional mandates of the Human Rights Council, prevailing policies and procedures. Ability to evaluate and integrate information from a variety of sources and assess impact on the work of the Human Rights Council. Ability to complete in-depth legal analysis and reach conclusions on possible causes and solutions to human rights problems in specific societies and systems in the context of implementation of Council resolutions. 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.

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. 

CLIENT ORIENTATION. Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients ” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view ; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect ; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions ; monitors on-going developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems ; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects ; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) 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 (7) years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, political affairs, international relations, law or related area. Experience with servicing intergovernmental human rights bodies, including the application of relevant rules of procedure 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 French 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.

Special Notice

Extension of the appointment is subject to extension of the mandate and/or the availability of the funds.

Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.

The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

United Nations Considerations

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation or sexual abuse, or crimes other than minor traffic offences, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions.

Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of the inspira account-holder homepage.

The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application.

Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.