Human Rights Officer (Screening), P-4

UN OHCHR - United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights

Geneva, Switzerland

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), Thematic Engagement, Special Procedures and Right to Development Division, Methodology, Education and Training Section (METS), in Geneva, Switzerland. The incumbent reports to the Chief of Section (METS).

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Human Rights Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

Develops and updates methodologies, and contributes substantive advice and guidance, to advance the implementation of United Nations screening policies and related policy frameworks on the integration of human rights in force and police generation processes for United Nations peacekeeping operations and other similar deployments;
Coordinates and conducts substantive research and analysis of human rights issues and events and assesses them based on international human rights and humanitarian law; consolidates and analyzes information on security forces, drafts/contributes to drafting human rights assessments, mapping, notes, and other documents and tools to implement human rights screening and related policies and supports the Department of Peace Operations in the integration of human rights in force and police generation;
Researches the human rights record and performance of individuals and units considered for recruitment and deployment to UN peacekeeping operations, consistent with the Policy on Human Rights Screening of UN Personnel and related policy frameworks;
Seeks, reviews, and takes into consideration information provided by States, the United Nations, and other organizations, individual self-attestations, State certifications, and other relevant sources;
Designs or advise in designing and implementing mitigation measures to address human rights and other risks in the context of implementing screening and related policies;
Ensures accuracy of content and consistency with United Nations methodology, and applies standardized research and analysis methods;
Represents OHCHR and maintains close collaboration with the Department of Peace Operations and other UN entities on screening-related issues;
Leads the writing of a variety of reports, communications, briefings, statements, etc., including the systematic archiving of information consolidated in a searchable format in approved databases;
Ensures the confidential handling and protection of sensitive information in line with UN policy and OHCHR methodology and procedures; and
Performs other related duties as required.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM: 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, particularly in relation to human rights screening. 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. Very good knowledge of conceptual and operational issues related to the human rights monitoring and investigation function, including information gathering, verification and analysis, witness and source protection, reporting, and experience in these areas; 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;
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 seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, peace and security, or related area, is required;
Experience in the development of methodological tools, guidelines, and training materials is required;
Experience in conducting research and analyzing information related to human rights violations, international humanitarian law, or individual perpetrators, is required;
Experience in screening or vetting processes is desirable;
Field experience with the United Nations common system, a peacekeeping operation, or a similar international organization is desirable.

Languages

Fluency in one of the working languages of the UN Secretariat, English or French, (both oral and written) is required; knowledge of the other is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

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