Human Rights Officer - OHCHR
- Posting Title: Human Rights Officer, P3
- Job Code Title: HUMAN RIGHTS OFFICER
- Department/Office: Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights
- Duty Station: GAZA
- Posting Period: 06 July 2021 - 20 July 2021
- Job Opening Number: 21-Human Rights Affairs-OHCHR-157805-R-Gaza (X)
- Staffing Exercise N/A
Org. Setting and Reporting
This position is located in the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), oPt Office in Gaza. The Human Rights Officer will report to the Protection Cluster Coordinator.
Responsibilities
With delegated authority, the Human Rights Officer will be responsible for the following duties :
- Plans and coordinates activities related to the protection needs of the affected population, and ensures these are addressed through timely and coordinated action by all Protection Cluster members
- Facilitates protection mainstreaming in the work of other clusters as well as within the Protection Cluster
- Contributes to Protection Cluster information management strategy and functional information management mechanisms
- Conducts substantive research and analysis of human rights issues/events and assesses their impact on the human rights situation in assigned region or country.
- Collects and analyses human rights data and indicators in country/region of assignment, including gender-specific data and indicators.
- Provides support to sub-commissions, commissions and other bodies; follows-up on implementation of decisions rendered by policy-making bodies.
- Ensures human rights issues, including their gender equality dimensions considerations, are integrated into political, humanitarian and economic efforts and programme.
- Defines work plan for area assigned in accordance with established terms of reference.
- 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.
- Supervises field verification work through periodic visits; follows up on different cases and situations verified by the regional offices.
- Represents UN human rights programme at working level meetings.
- Directs capacity-building efforts on human rights in region/country of assignment.
- Writes a variety of reports, communications, briefings, statements, etc., including to policy-making bodies.
- May provide guidance to new/junior staff.
- Performs other related duties as required.
Competencies
- PROFESSIONALISM: 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, research and analyze information and draft human rights reports. Ability to evaluate and integrate information from a variety of sources and assess impact on the human rights situation in the area of assignment. 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.
Education
- Advanced 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.
Work Experience
- A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, political affairs, international relations, law or related area is required.
- At least two years of experience in a conflict or post conflict setting is desirable.
- Experience in Protection Cluster coordination is desirable.
- Experience working on human rights or protection issues in the context of the occupied Palestinian territory is desirable.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of Arabic is desirable.
Assessment
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which will be followed by competency-based interview.