Human Rights Officer, P-4

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

Geneva, Switzerland

Org. Setting and Reporting

The position is located in the Office of the President of the Human Rights Council within the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), Geneva. The incumbent reports to the President of the Human Rights Council and to the Chief of the Human Rights Council.

Responsibilities

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

Assists the President of the Human Rights Council in the preparation for the regular and special sessions of the Council, as well as meetings of the Bureau, and liaison and coordination with Permanent Missions, other Geneva-based stakeholders and relevant UN Secretariat entities.
Serves as Focal Point within the Office of the President for matters related to the work of the President and the Bureau of the Human Rights Council.
Coordinates the provision of advice on procedural and political issues affecting the conduct of business of the Human Rights Council in accordance with the relevant rules of procedure and established practice.
Supports the work of treaty-established bodies and extra-conventional mechanisms and special procedures.
Prepares relevant human rights parts of reports for the General Assembly, Human Rights Council, etc.
Ensures up-to-date information regarding substantive and procedural matters in relation to the Human Rights Council and makes recommendations on actions to take.
Makes contact with other sectors of the UN, other international organizations and governments on coordination and policy matters; brief representatives and provides, as appropriate suggestions and recommendations.
Serves as team leader with responsibility for carrying out, in consultation with the President and Human Rights Council Branch, work coordination and administrative functions relating to the staff, planning and budget.
Trains and supervises new/junior staff.
Performs other related duties as required.

Competencies

Professionalism: Knowledge of and exposure to a range of human rights issues including inter-governmental human rights machinery, procedures, methods of work. Knowledge of institutional mandates of the Human Rights Council, prevailing policies and procedures. Ability to evaluate and integrate information from a variety of sources and assess impact on the work of the Human Rights Council. Ability to complete in-depth studies and reach conclusions on possible causes and solutions to human rights problems in specific societies and systems. Ability to relate to human rights issues and perspectives, including their gender equality dimensions, in their political, social, economic and humanitarian context. 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.
Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

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, political affairs, international relations, law or related area is required. Experience in servicing intergovernmental bodies is desirable. Experience in advising and providing technical, substantive, and front-office support to high-ranking diplomatic officials 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 French is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

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