Human Rights Officer, P-4

Position description

Org. Setting and Reporting

This post is found in the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) Country Office in Sudan. The position is based in El Fasher but has been temporarily relocated to Abeche, Chad, until conditions allow for a deployment to El Fasher. The incumbent will serve as the team leader for Darfur and will work under the supervision and guidance of the Head of the OHCHR country presence or their Deputy.

Responsibilities

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

• Coordinates engagement of the Sudan Country Office in the Darfur region, including human rights monitoring, analysis and documentation; engagement with UN and other stakeholders; work planning and programme implementation.
• Supports the work of treaty-established bodies and extra-conventional mechanisms and special procedures.
• Prepares relevant human rights parts of internal and external reports, including for the Human Rights Council.
• Works with UN and non-governmental programmes in the country/region to integrate human rights, including their gender dimensions in their programs; helps design and implements the human rights program.
• Ensures up-to-date information regarding substantive matters in the field of human rights, assesses impact on the human rights situation, provides advice and makes recommendations on actions to take.
• Develops and maintains relations with other sectors of the UN and humanitarian actors, other international organizations and governments on coordination and policy matters; briefs representatives and provides, as appropriate suggestions and recommendations.
• Assists in development and implementation of training programs to build capacity in the field of human rights, international humanitarian law, rule of law and protection, with attention to non-discrimination and gender perspectives.
• Serves as team leader for the Darfur team with responsibility for carrying out, in consultation with management, work coordination and administrative functions relating to the staff, planning and budget.
• Trains and supervises staff in the Darfur team.
• 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. 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.
• 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

• An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law, political science, international relations, social sciences, or a related field is required. 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 years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, political affairs, international relations, law or related area is required. A minimum of two years of experience working in a field presence, including working in conflict or crisis settings, is required. Experience in human rights monitoring and reporting is required. Experience working in humanitarian action is desirable. Experience in the provision of technical assistance in the field of human rights 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. Knowledge of French is desirable.

Application instructions

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