Org. Setting and Reporting

These two positions are located in the Americas, Europe and Central Asia Branch, Field Operations and Technical Cooperation Division of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Geneva, Switzerland. Geneva is classified as an “H” duty station and a family duty station. The incumbent reports to the Chief of section.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:

？ Assists countries in promoting respect for human rights, and Governments in identifying and specifying their needs for advisory services and technical cooperation, including by ensuring the preparation and conduct of assessment missions

？ Participates in negotiations aimed at concluding technical cooperation agreements, prepares respective country projects and acts as the project manager

？ Liaises with UN country teams, supports the mainstreaming of human rights in the UN CCA/UNDAF and prepares Country Status notes for the countries under his/her responsibility

？ Provides information to the treaty bodies on the human rights situation of the countries under his/her responsibility

？ Systematically collects and analyses all information regarding the human rights situation in the countries of his/her responsibility and prepares reports, documents and other written materials thereon

？ Responds to requests for information relating to the human rights situation in the countries under his/her responsibility

？ Supports the work of the country Special Rapporteurs/Representatives/Experts/Working Groups, including by ensuring the preparation and conduct of field missions and timely submission of reports

？ Prepares or assists in the missions of Special Rapporteurs/Representatives/Experts or Working Groups and others to countries falling under his/her responsibility and liaises, in this regard, closely with the Special Procedures Branch and other Branches and the Office of the High Commissioner

？ Coordinates with the relevant units in processing individual cases of alleged violations under thematic mechanisms, including under the urgent appeal procedure

？ Supports and ensures backstopping to field presences and contributes to their effective functioning

？ Raises awareness and promote specialized knowledge about human rights

？ Distributes materials related to human rights education to Governments, educational and national institutions and assists in the adaption of the materials to the countries concerned

？ Maintains an awareness of human rights educational and information activities in the countries concerned, plans, implements and evaluates training courses, seminars and workshops

？ Performs other related duties as required.

Competencies

Professionalism: Shows ability to complete in-depth studies and reach conclusions on possible causes and solutions to political problems in specific areas and/or countries. Shows ability to relate to various issues and perspectives 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.

Planning and 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.

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 degree) in law, political science, international relations, 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.

Work Experience

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE:

- A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, international relations, law or related area. Experience in working on human rights issues related to the Americas or the Europe and Central Asia region.

DESIRED EXPERIENCE:

- Experience in supporting and backstopping a United Nations field presence.

- Experience supporting national authorities, the parliaments, the judiciary or other relevant institutions, including national human rights institutions on the overall formulation and implementation of human rights policies.

- Experience assisting representatives of NGOs, civil society or individuals on any matters concerning the promotion and protection of human rights, including the use of international protection mechanisms.

- Experience in drafting of analytical papers, reports, speeches and briefing notes related to human rights issues.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations. For the post advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of Russian or French is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is an asset.

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.

Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.

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.