Org. Setting and Reporting
These positions are located in N'djamena (Chad); Niamey (Niger) and Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso) under the Africa Branch, Field Operations and Technical Cooperation Division (FOTCD) of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). The Human Rights Officers will report to the Head of Field Presence overseeing the Force Conjointe G5 Sahel (FC-G5S) project in these different duty stations. Please ensure to indicate in your application in which specific duty station you are interested in applying for.
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the Human Rights Officer will be responsible for the following duties:
•Supports planning and coordination of activities related to the implementation of the human rights compliance framework of the Force Conjointe G5-Sahel (FC-G5S), including from a gender perspective.
•Conducts substantive research and analysis of human rights issues/events and assesses their impact on the human rights situation in assigned region or country.
•Collects and analyses human rights data and indicators as it concerns the FC-G5S in country/region of assignment, including gender-specific data and indicators.
•Provides support to the UN Security Council and other bodies; follows-up on implementation of decisions rendered by policy-making bodies.
•Ensures human rights issues, including their gender equality dimensions considerations, are integrated into political, humanitarian and economic efforts and programmes.
•Defines work plan for area assigned in accordance with established terms of reference.
•Assists country military and police to develop and implement a training program in the field of human rights, international humanitarian law, and other aspects of the compliance framework of the FC-G5S, with attention to gender perspectives.
•Follows up on different cases and situations.
•Writes a variety of reports, communications, briefings, statements, etc., including to policy-making bodies.
•Performs other related duties as required.
Competencies
PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of human rights issues and ability to identify related problems in their political, ethnic, racial, gender equality and socio-economic dimensions. Knowledge of institutional mandates of human rights organizations, prevailing policies and procedures. Research and analytical skills, including ability to identify and participate in the resolution of human rights issues. Ability to identify sources for data collection, research and analyze information and draft human rights reports. Ability to evaluate and integrate information from a variety of sources and assess impact on the human rights situation in the area of assignment. 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.
Education
Advanced University degree (Master's degree or equivalent degree) in law, political science, 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.
Work Experience
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, political affairs, international relations, law or related area is required. Experience working with security forces is desirable. Experience working in the region is also desirable.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in oral and written French is required. Knowledge of English is desirable.
