Job Title: Human Rights Officer/Investigator (2 Job Opportunities)
Organisation: Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
Duty Station: Entebbe, Uganda
Job Opening Number: 22-Human Rights Affairs-OHCHR-193401-J-Entebbe (R)
Grade: P3
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.
Job Summary: This position is based within the Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia pursuant to Human Rights Council Resolution A/HRC/RES/51/L19, based in Entebbe, Uganda. The incumbents will work under the overall guidance of the Coordinator of the Secretariat of the Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia and the direct supervision of the Chief of Investigations.
Key Duties and Responsibilities: Within delegated authority, the Human Rights Officer/Investigator will be responsible for the following duties:
- Researches, collects and analyses information and documentation pertaining to human rights, international humanitarian and criminal law matters as required by the mandate, and, under the guidance of the Chief of Investigations , proposes investigative methods and tools;
- Conducts investigations, including through interviews with victims and witnesses, to gather information and corroborate allegations of violations of international human rights, humanitarian or criminal law as stipulated in the Commission’s mandate;
- Conducts timely monitoring of trends and patterns of violations;
- Employs monitoring and mapping tools and multi-source, including open sources material and satellite imagery, to support geolocation of incidents and to assess the authenticity of collected materials and testimonies;
- Identifies alleged perpetrators based on agreed information gathering methods;
- Participates in and organizes missions to sites of violations or other places as required;
- Ensures that all measures are taken for the protection of victims and witnesses who will cooperate with the Commission according to the agreed methodology and respect for the ‘do no harm principle’, and by making effective use of pathways for survivors;
- Ensures that the information and documentation related to the investigation is protected, stored and preserved safely in accordance with procedures established by the Commission;
- Undertakes preliminary analysis of information gathered and drafts analytical documents, including a gender analysis;
- Drafts relevant sections and provides inputs for the Commission’s report;
- Ensures that gender perspective and gender-sensitive approaches are integrated at all stages of the investigation, analysis and report drafting;
- Performs other related duties as required.
Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
- The applicant for the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) Human Rights Officer/Investigator job should hold an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in law, political science, international relations, social sciences or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
- At least five years of progressively responsible work experience in human rights required.
- A minimum of two (2) years of experience carrying out human rights investigations is required.
- Experience working in conflict or post-conflict setting is desirable.
- Languages: fluency in English is 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.
- 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 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.
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: 20th November 2022