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Human Rights Officer, P4 United Nations

4:34:00 PM , ,

Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights

Geneva, Switzerland


Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Rule of Law and Democracy Section, Rule of Law, Equality and Non-Discrimination Branch, Research and Right to Development Division, of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the incumbent reports to the Chief of the Rule of Law and Democracy Section.

Responsibilities

Under the general supervision of the Chief of the Rule of Law, Equality and Non-Discrimination Branch and the direct supervision of the Chief of the Rule of Law and Democracy Section, the incumbent will:

  • Carry out extensive legal research and analysis in the assigned rule of law areas of responsibility, in particular access to justice, and provide legal briefs and practices impacting international human rights obligations;
  • Organize seminars, workshops and consultations at the international, regional and national level with stakeholders with a view to improving respect for the rule of law by promoting a better knowledge of international human rights standards and jurisprudence, and to exchanging experiences about how international human rights standards as well as legal resources and tools prepared by the United Nations can be more effectively used to protect human rights;
  • Design and develop programmes related to access to justice and organize relevant activities;
  • Ensure provision of advice to field presences on draft legislation and the administration of justice in the assigned area of responsibility;
  • Document and develop best practices /tools, including through coordinating the implementation of relevant project activities;
  • Ensure integration of international human rights standards and jurisprudence into the rule of law and judicial reform work of United Nations bodies and specialized agencies;
  • Support the work of the inter-governmental bodies and expert human rights bodies and provide expert guidance and substantive input to support the work of and strengthen links with the special procedures, treaty bodies, the Council on Human Rights, and the Advisory Committee in the assigned area;
  • Strengthen advice and technical assistance to States, including through the development of educational tools;
  • Perform other duties as required.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM

In-depth legal knowledge of and good practical experience in international law, particularly human rights law and criminal law; comprehensive knowledge of and exposure to a range of legal and human rights issues related to the given field(s) of interest; significant experience in applying legal expertise to analyzing a diverse range of complex and unusual legal and human rights issues and problems and in developing innovative and creative solutions; strong analytical skills and ability to conduct comprehensive legal research on a range of issues, including those of a unique and/or complex nature; proficiency in legal writing and expression and ability to prepare well and under time pressure briefs, opinions and a variety of legal instruments and related documents; good understanding of contemporary international relations and of the UN system, organization and interrelationships.

COMMUNICATION

Excellent communication (spoken and written) skills, including the ability to convey complex concepts and recommendations at senior levels, both orally and in writing, in a clear and persuasive style tailored to match different audiences.

PLANNING AND ORGANIZATION

Skills and ability to coordinate the work of others, work to tight deadlines and handle multiple concurrent projects; good understanding of contemporary international relations and of the UN system, organization and interrelationships.

TEAMWORK

Ability to interact and to establish and maintain effective working relations both as a team member and as a task manager, with people of different national and cultural backgrounds.

JUDGEMENT AND DECISION MAKING

Sound legal judgement in applying expertise to complex and sensitive human rights issues; ability to work with discretion and integrity.

Education

Advanced University Degree (Masters or equivalent) in law with emphasis on international law, in particular international human rights law. A combination of relevant academic qualifications and extensive practical experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

At least 7 years of progressively responsible experience in human rights and rule of law, including at least 4 years at international level in field or headquarters locations. Proven experience in working with judges, lawyers, or law enforcement officials. Solid experience in the design of access to justice and legal assistance programmes or the human rights aspects of security policies, especially in the area of law enforcement and policing. Proven experience in the development of policies, tools, and guidelines.

Languages

Proficiency in English or French. Good working knowledge of the other is highly desirable. Knowledge of an additional UN language is an asset.

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