Human Rights Officer, P-4

Position description

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located at the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) Regional Office for Southern Africa in Pretoria. The incumbent reports to the Regional Representative.

Responsibilities

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

• Supports the Regional Representative in managing the operations and programme management of the office, including execution of the office planning and reporting, ensuring optimal use of human and financial resources allocated; coordination and organisation of the programme design and implementation;
• Supports the Regional Representative to develop and coordinate an Office-wide strategy for the region; and coordinates and oversees human rights research initiatives as needed;
• Reviews, monitors and evaluates activities relating to the implementation of international human rights instruments, including recommendations of treaty bodies and mechanisms of the Human Rights Council, the Universal Periodic Review and special procedures;
• Prepares reports, documents, briefing notes, talking points, position papers, relevant human rights parts of reports for the General Assembly, HRC, etc. notes on the status of ratification of human rights instruments, etc.;
• 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 and designs the organization and focus of the evaluation;
• Ensures up-to-date information regarding substantive matters in the field of human rights 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;
• Supports daily management of the Office including administrative functions and staff, planning and budget and acts as Officer-in-Charge;
• 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 approaches and techniques to address sensitive and complex human rights problems in their political, ethnic, racial, gender and socio-economic dimensions in Africa. 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 and develop technical cooperation projects. 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;
• PLANNING & 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;
• JUDGMENT/DECISION MAKING: Identifies the key issues in a complex situation, and comes to the heart of the problem quickly; Gathers relevant information before making a decision; Considers positive and negative impacts of decisions prior to making them; Takes decisions with an eye to the impact on others and on the Organization; Proposes a course of action or makes a recommendation based on all available information; checks assumptions against facts; determines the actions proposed will satisfy the expressed and underlying needs for the decision; makes tough decisions when necessary.

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. Experience in project and operations management is required. Experience in staff supervision and team management is desirable. Experience in designing and implementing human rights technical cooperation and advisory services in the field of development is desirable. Experience working on Human rights issues related to the African region or similar field contexts is desirable.

Languages

• English and French are the working languages of the UN Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of French is desirable. Knowledge of Portuguese is also desirable.

Application instructions

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