Job Title: Human Rights Officer/Child Protection Officer
Organisation: Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
Duty Station: Entebbe, Uganda
Grade: P4
Job Opening Number: 22-Human Rights Affairs-OHCHR-195222-J-Entebbe (R)
About US:
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) represents the world’s commitment to universal ideals of human dignity. We have a unique mandate from the international community to promote and protect all human rights. The High Commissioner for Human Rights is the principal human rights official of the United Nations. The High Commissioner heads OHCHR and spearheads the United Nations’ human rights efforts. We offer leadership, work objectively, educate and take action to empower individuals and assist States in upholding human rights.
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Job Summary: This position is located within the International Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia (IHREE) (the Commission) pursuant to Human Rights Council Resolution A/HRC/51/L.19. The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the Coordinator of the Secretariat of the Commission and in coordination with the Chief of Investigations.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
Within delegated authority, the Human Rights Officer will be responsible for the following duties:
- Collects and contributes to the monitoring and reporting on grave violations against children (including children associated with armed groups, incidents of killing and maiming of children, attacks against schools and hospitals affecting children, recruitment of children, sexual gender-based violence against children) or other types of child rights violations;
- Conducts prompt, thorough, independent and impartial investigations of alleged violations of international human rights law, international humanitarian law, and international refugee law, including interviews with children victims and witnesses employing child and gender-sensitive interviewing techniques;
- Reviews, monitors and evaluates activities relating to the implementation of international human rights instruments, including recommendations of treaty bodies and mechanisms of the Human Rights Council.
- Supports the work of treaty-established bodies and extra-conventional mechanisms and special procedures.
- Prepares relevant human rights parts of reports for the General Assembly, HRC, etc. notes on the status of ratification of human rights instruments, etc.
- Works with UN and non-governmental programmes in the country/region to integrate human rights, including their gender dimensions in their programs; helps design and implements the human rights program and designs the 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.
- Makes contact with other sectors of the UN, other international organizations and governments on coordination and policy matters; brief representatives and provides, as appropriate suggestions and recommendations.
- Assists country military and police to develop and implement a training program in the field of human rights, international humanitarian law, democracy and the rule of law, with attention to gender perspectives.
- Serves as team leader with responsibility for carrying out, in consultation with the Chief of the Section, work coordination and administrative functions relating 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 must hold a 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 qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
- At least seven years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, political affairs, international relations, law or related area is required.
- At least two of two (2) years of experience carrying out child rights investigations is desirable.
- Working experience in conflict or post-conflict settings is desirable.
- Languages: Fluency in, English (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.
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. 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. Ability to complete in-depth studies and reach conclusions on possible causes and solutions to human rights problems in specific societies and systems. Demonstrated skills in training civil authorities and members of advocacy groups to recognize warning signs of civil unrest and take preventive action to avert hostilities. 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.
- 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.
How to Apply:
All interested candidates who wish to join the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in the aforementioned capacity are encouraged to click on the link below and follow the application instructions after reviewing the job details.
Deadline: 29th November 2022
Human Rights Officer/Child Protection Officer Job – Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) added by Miiro Allan on
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