HUMAN RIGHTS OFFICER/ LEGAL ADVISER (TEMPORARY JOB OPENING)

Org. Setting and ReportingThis position is based within the Commission of Inquiry on the situation in the North and South Kivu provinces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) pursuant to Human Rights Council Resolution A/HRC/RES/60/22, based in Kinshasa. The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the Coordinator of the Secretariat of the Commission and under the overall supervision of the Chief of the Investigations Support Section, Human Rights Inquiries Branch (HRIB),within the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). ResponsibilitiesWithin delegated authority, the Human Rights Officer (Legal Adviser) will be responsible for the following duties: -Advises the team on matters related to the applicable legal framework and the legal standards applicable to the human rights situation under investigation; -Conducts analysis and research on various legal matters pertaining to the investigation, and contributes to drafting the investigation plan; -Suggests legal qualifications of gathered information, advises on the standard of proof and determines responsibilities and, where possible, identifies those responsible; -Provides advice on different legal issues and assists in drafting legal opinions, memoranda and other briefing documents for Members and the Commission staff; -Ensures legal accuracy of all documents, including reports, submissions, press releases etc., prepared by the Commission; -Identifies trends and patterns of human rights violations and abuses, and violations of international criminal law and international humanitarian law; -Drafts the legal framework and analysis of the Commission's reports and ensures consistency of findings, conclusions and recommendations with the mandate, applicable law and information gathered; -Conducts information gathering activities under the guidance of the Investigation Team Leader, including interviews and the collection and analysis of open sources material and satellite imagery; -Ensures the legal analysis and legal qualification of the findings integrate gender perspective, reflecting the gender dimensions and gendered impact of the violations; -Advises the Coordinator and the team on the legal findings and discusses the possible recommendations in particular, on accountability measures. -Performs other 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 & 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 international law, or another discipline related to human rights is required. A first-level university degree with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Job - Specific QualificationNot available. Work ExperienceA minimum of seven years of progressively responsible work experience in human rights, international humanitarian law, international criminal law is required. At least two years of experience in providing legal analysis to human rights investigative bodies or tribunals is required. Relevant experience working in/on the region is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English and French 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).