HUMAN RIGHTS OFFICER, Geneve

Org. Setting and ReportingThis post is found in the Regional Hub for Europe and Central Asia, Global Operations Division of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), Vienna. The incumbent reports to the Director of the Regional Office of Europe and Central Asia and supports the work of the Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Afghanistan. ResponsibilitiesWithin delegated authority, the Human Rights Officer will be responsible for the following duties: • Advises the Special Rapporteur and the Secretariat on the gender dimensions of human rights violations, including through gender analysis, interviewing and evidence gathering activities, ensuring integration of a gender perspective; • Ensures proper documentation, collection, preservation of information, analysis and reporting on cases of sexual an gender-based violence and other gender-based human rights violations and abuses and that the gender-specific impact of violations is assessed, documented, analysed and reported by all members of the team; • Reviews, monitors and evaluates activities relating to the implementation of international human rights instruments, including recommendations of treaty bodies and mechanisms of the Human Rights Council. • Supports the work of treaty-established bodies and extra-conventional mechanisms and special procedures. • Prepares relevant human rights parts of reports for the General Assembly, HRC, etc. notes on the status of ratification of human rights instruments, 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 regarding substantive matters in the field of human rights and makes recommendations on actions to take. • Makes contact with other sectors of the UN, other international organizations and governments on coordination and policy matters; brief representatives and provides, as appropriate suggestions and recommendations. • Assists country military and police to develop and implement a training program in the field of human rights, international humanitarian law, democracy and the rule of law, with attention to gender perspectives. • Trains and supervises new/junior staff. • Performs other related duties as required. CompetenciesPROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of and exposure to a range of human rights issues including approaches and techniques to address sensitive and complex human rights problems in their political, ethnic, racial, gender and socio-economic dimensions. Knowledge of institutional mandates of human rights organizations, prevailing policies and procedures. Ability to evaluate and integrate information from a variety of sources and assess impact on the human rights situation in the region or country of assignment, including the political environment and legal statutes as they pertain to human rights. Ability to complete in-depth studies and reach conclusions on possible causes and solutions to human rights problems in specific societies and systems. Demonstrated skills in training civil authorities and members of advocacy groups to recognize warning signs of civil unrest and take preventive action to avert hostilities. 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. 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. PLANNING AND ORGANIZING: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently. EducationAdvanced 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 two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Job - Specific QualificationNot available. Work ExperienceA minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, political affairs, international relations, law or related area is required. Experience providing gender analysis on human rights issues is required. Experience in interviewing victims and witnesses, including victims of sexual and gender-based violence is desirable. Experience in supporting human rights mechanisms is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult for details).