HUMAN RIGHTS OFFICER (Screening)
Geneva
- Organization: OHCHR - Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights
- Location: Geneva
- Grade: Mid level - P-4, International Professional - Internationally recruited position
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Occupational Groups:
- Human Rights
- Closing Date: Closed
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
Job - Specific Qualification
Not available.
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.
Assessment
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which will be followed by competency-based interview.
Special Notice
Extension of the appointment is subject to extension of the mandate and/or the availability of the funds. Pursuant to section 7.11 of ST/AI/2012/2/Rev.1, candidates recruited through the young professionals programme who have not served for a minimum of two years in the position of their initial assignment are not eligible to apply to this position. At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.
United Nations Considerations
According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.
No Fee
THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.
This vacancy is now closed.