HUMAN RIGHTS OFFICER (TJO)

Org. Setting and ReportingThis position is located in the Sustainable Human Development Section (SHDS) of the Special Procedures Branch (SPB) in the Thematic Engagement, Special Procedures and Rights to Development Division (TESPRDD) in the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Geneva. The Human Rights Officer reports to the Senior Human Rights Officer. ResponsibilitiesWithin delegated authority, the Human Rights Officer will be responsible for the following duties: • Monitors the situation of human rights issues worldwide, with particular focus on economic and social rights, and as relevant to the assigned mandate(s) through research and analysis of incoming information from governments, IGOs (Intergovernmental Organizations), UN agencies, funds and programs, as well as NGOs (Non-Governmental Organisations) and individuals; • Assists the mandate-holder (Special Rapporteur/Independent Expert/Working Group) in fact-finding missions, including preparation of the mission, drafting of mission reports and follow up to the implementation of the recommendations; • Provides support to the mandate-holder in drafting of the annual reports to the Human Rights Council and General Assembly; • Follows up on implementation of decisions and commitments rendered by policy-making organs and prepares a work-plan which is coherent with the Branch work-plan, the responsibilities assigned, the work undertaken by other Special Procedures and OHCHR’s thematic priorities. • Prepares correspondence for the mandate-holder for governments, IGOs, UN agencies, funds and programs, as well as NGOs and individuals; • Drafts oral presentations for the annual reports, as well as other presentations and other articles on the mandate; • Prepares thematic seminars and consultations to seek expert views on themes of relevance to the assigned mandate; • Provides substantive inputs into OHCHR's policies and statements in areas relevant to the mandate; • Liaises with OHCHR thematic and geographic desk officers and with other human rights conventional and extra-conventional mechanism; • Liaises with representatives of governments, IGOs, UN agencies, funds and programs, as well as NGOs and individuals in connection with the mandate and representing OHCHR at working level meetings with those partners; • Undertakes research relating to the mandate; • Oversees the provision of administrative support to the mandate holder; • Provides guidance to new/junior staff; • Performs any other related duties, as required. CompetenciesPROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of and exposure to a range of human rights issues, to include approaches and techniques to address sensitive problems; Knowledge of issues related to institutional mandate, policies and guidelines; Knowledge of issues related to human rights including the impact of economic and financial policies on human rights; Knowledge of issues related to specific groups as well as to civil, cultural, economic, political and social rights; sound knowledge of problems, i.e. political, ethnic, racial, gender, social, economic, etc. having a negative impact on the enjoyment of all human rights; Analytical and research skills; sound judgement and negotiating skills. 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. 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. 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. EducationAdvanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent degree) in law, human rights, political science, international relations, 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 five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in human rights or related area is required. Out of the five (5) years, a minimum of one (1) year of experience in human rights programmes and mechanisms is desirable. A minimum of one (1) year of experience on economic and social rights is desirable. Experience in drafting official reports is desirable. Experience organizing visits, events, seminars or conferences for various stakeholders is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage. AssessmentEvaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview. Special NoticeTHIS POSITION IS TEMPORARILY AVAILABLE FOR THREE MONTHS - SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS. • A current staff member who holds a fixed-term, permanent or continuing appointment may apply for temporary positions no more than one level above his or her current grade. • However, a current staff member who holds an appointment at the G-6 or G-7 level may also apply to temporary positions in the Professional category up to and including the P-3 level, subject to meeting all eligibility and other requirements for the position. • A staff member holding a temporary appointment shall be regarded as an external candidate when applying for other positions, and may apply for other temporary positions at any level, subject to section 5.7 below and staff rule 4.16 (b) (ii). Therefore, a staff member holding a temporary appointment in the General Service or related categories may only apply to positions within those categories. For full information on eligibility requirements, please refer to section 5 of ST/AI/2010/4Rev.1 on Temporary Appointments. • Pursuant to section 7.11 of ST/AI/2012/2/Rev.1, candidates recruited through the young professionals programme who have not served for a minimum of two years in the position of their initial assignment are not eligible to apply to this position. • If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment. • While this temporary assignment may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, the selection for this position is for a limited period and has no bearing on the future incumbency of the post. • Subject to the funding source of the position, the eligibility for this temporary job opening may be limited to candidates based at the duty station. • This temporary job opening may be limited to \"internal candidates,\" who have been recruited through a competitive examination administered according to staff rule 4.16 or staff selection process including the review of a central review body established according to staff rule 4.15. • Staff members of the United Nations common system organizations who will reach the mandatory age of separation or retirement within the duration of the current temporary need period are not eligible to apply. Submitting an application or selection for the current temporary job opening does not delay or increase the mandatory age of separation. • Retirees above the mandatory age of separation who wish to be considered for the current temporary job opening must indicate the reason for their last separation as \"retirement.\" Such retirees shall not be employed by the Organization, unless (a) the operational requirements of the Organization cannot be met by staff members who are qualified and available to perform the required functions; and (b) the proposed employment would not adversely affect the career development or redeployment opportunities of other staff members and represents both a cost-effective and operationally sound solution to meet the needs of the service. At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application. United Nations ConsiderationsAccording 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, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, 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. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. 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. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile 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 FeeTHE 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.