UN Human Rights Officer Job Opportunities – Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (OHCHR)
Job Title: Human Rights Officer
Organisation: Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (OHCHR)
Duty Station: Kampala, Uganda
Job Opening Number: 20-Human Rights Affairs-OHCHR-132257-R-Kampala (X)
Job Grade: P4
About UNHCR:
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees was established on December 14, 1950 by the United Nations General Assembly. UNHCR’s mandate under the Statute of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees is to lead and co-ordinate action for international protection to refugees; seek permanent solutions for the problems of refugees and safeguard refugee rights and well-being. UNHCR has an additional mandate concerning issues of statelessness, as it is given a designated role under Article 11 of the 1961 Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness.
Key Duties and Responsibilities: Within delegated authority, the Human Rights Officer will be responsible for the following duties:
- Assists the Head of the Office in overseeing the execution of the Office work plan ensuring optimal use of resources allocated; ensure coordination and organisation among all programme areas; and supervise the daily activities of the Office;
- Assists the Head of Office to develop and coordinate an Office-wide strategy to promote the respect and protection of human rights in the country or region of assignment;
- Reviews, monitors and evaluates activities related to the implementation of international human rights instruments, including recommendations of treaty bodies and mechanisms of the Human Rights Council, in relation to the country or region of assignment;
- Prepares reports, documents, briefing notes, talking points and other written materials;
- Supports the work of Special Rapporteurs / Representatives / Experts / Working Groups and Treaty-Bodies, including in the preparation and conduct of field missions and the drafting of timely reports in relation to the country or region of assignment;
- Processes individual cases of alleged violations under existing thematic procedures;
- Evaluates the requirements for, plans and supports, long-term human rights presences in the country or region concerned;
- Works with UN and non-governmental programmes in the country of assignment to integrate human rights perspective, helps design and implements the human rights programme of the Office and 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;
- Maintains contact with other sectors of the UN, other international organizations and government counterparts on coordination and policy matters; briefs representatives and provides, as appropriate suggestions and recommendations;
- Assists in the development and implementation of training programs in the field of human rights, international humanitarian law, democracy and the rule of law, with attention to gender perspectives;
- In consultation with the Head of the Office, coordinates work and administrative functions related to the staff, planning and budget;
- Trains and supervises new/junior staff;
- Performs other related duties as required
Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
- The ideal candidate for the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (OHCHR) Human Rights Officer job opportunity should hold an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in law, human rights, political science or international relations, social sciences or a 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.
- A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, international relations, law or related area is required.
- Experience in human rights monitoring is desirable.
- Experience working on human rights policies and programmes or diplomacy at national or regional levels is desirable.
- Experience in the Africa region is desirable.
- Languages: Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is desirable.
Competencies
- Professionalism: Knowledge of and exposure to a range of human rights issues including, monitoring of human rights in the Africa region; approaches and techniques to identify and address legislative and institutional gaps with respect to human rights protection and promotion; assess and address the Government’s needs for technical assistance and capacity building; develop effective mechanisms and methodologies for monitoring and reporting on human rights violations; integrate human rights into humanitarian responses and UN development plans and processes. Knowledge of and exposure to institutional mandates and the work of UN human rights mechanisms. Ability to evaluate and integrate information from a variety of sources and assess impact on the human rights situation in the country, including the political environment and legal statutes as they pertain to human rights. 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 that the actions proposed will satisfy the expressed and underlying needs for the decision; makes tough decisions when necessary.
How to Apply:
All suitably qualified and interested candidates who so desire to join the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in the aforementioned capacity should endeavor to Apply Online by Clicking on the link below. Please further review job requirements and if competent Click Apply Now.
Deadline: 24th March 2020
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