ASSOCIATE HUMAN RIGHTS OFFICER

Org. Setting and ReportingThe Independent Institution on Missing Persons in the Syrian Arab Republic (IIMP) was established by the General Assembly in its resolution 77/301, adopted on 29 June 2023. Please note that while the position is currently located in Geneva, Switzerland, the duty station may be subject to change. Applicants should be aware that the position may be relocated to Damascus, Syria, or to another location relevant to the Institution’s operations. By applying, candidates confirm their willingness to accept such a reassignment in accordance with UN regulations and rules, should such a decision be made. The incumbent reports to the Human Rights Officer, or her/his designee. ResponsibilitiesWithin delegated authority, the Associate Human Rights Officer may be responsible for the following duties: • Researches and collects information pertaining to human rights matters, including their gender dimensions from a variety of data sources (e.g. communications, publications, the press) to keep abreast of issues/events and provide up-to-date information; assists in the analysis of information, to include the impact on the countries and thematic mandates on the human rights situation in assigned area. • Engages directly with victims and survivors of conflict and human rights abuses to document their experiences, assess protection needs, and ensure their perspectives inform human rights reporting, analysis, and response strategies. • Drafts a variety of reports and correspondence relating to human rights matters. • Participates in hearings and consultations; prepare summaries of results. • Maintains awareness of current human rights issues, to include relevant political and legal developments in the country(ies) concerned. • Participates in human rights training programmes for national law enforcement officials, representatives of the civil society and human rights non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in order to promote national capacity building. • Reviews human rights issues, including their gender dimensions, and participates in discussions with other Human Rights Officers (HROs) on the integration of these issues into political, humanitarian and economic efforts and programmes. • Assists in promoting efforts for community mobilisation and those that focus on exercise of rights of population. • Participates with other HROs in discussions with relevant authorities and other influential actors with the aim of stopping or preventing human rights violations or seeks other remedial action by the authorities to prevent similar violations occurring in the future. • Liaises with government, NGOs, Civil Society organizations, UN agencies and other partners to create baseline data on the human rights situation, with special attention to vulnerable groups. • Designs and maintains database to track project progress. • Contributes to the collection and analysis of data as well as identification of trends or patterns and provides draft insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods for data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. • Performs other related duties as required. CompetenciesProfessionalism: Knowledge of human rights issues and ability to identify related problems in their political, ethnic, racial, gender equality and socio-economic dimensions. Knowledge of institutional mandates of human rights organizations, prevailing policies and procedures. Research and analytical skills, including ability to identify and participate in the resolution of human rights issues. Ability to identify sources for data collection, analyze information and draft human rights reports. 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 the 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. 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 two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Job - Specific QualificationNot available. Work ExperienceA minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, political affairs, international relations, law or related area is required. Experience working directly with victims and survivors of conflict and human rights abuses is desirable. Experience working in or on the Syrian Arab Republic is desirable. Experience in data analytics or related area is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English and Arabic are required. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).