Senior Human Rights Officer at Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights

Job Title: Senior Human Rights Officer

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.

Key Duties and Responsibilities: Within delegated authority, the Senior Human Rights Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

• Offer overall leadership and direction to the Uganda office;
• Formulates human rights strategies, including from a gender equality perspective; develops a vision or direction for the work of the Uganda Office and creates the conditions for implementing that vision or direction.
• Represents the High Commissioner on matters of human rights.
• Negotiates directly with relevant parties the human rights elements of peace accords or the human rights concerns while long range solutions are sought.
• Significantly contribute to the observance of human rights in Uganda by: a) managing the implementation of the OHCHR cooperation programme in Uganda; b) assisting the Government of Uganda in meeting Uganda’s obligations under UN human rights instruments and resolutions; c) advising and assisting the UN and Regional Special Mechanisms including through supporting their visits;.
• Proposes policy directives and plan of action to appropriate United Nations bodies for immediate and long- range solutions to human rights problems in general and specific geographical areas.
• Designs, develops and implements significant policy and program changes to address regional or global human rights issues, including their gender dimensions.
• Formulates the programme of work, budget and medium-term plan of the Office and participates in the overall formulation and approval of the programme of work, and administrative matters concerning the Office.
• Prepares human rights reports on key sectors or key regional developments.
• Develops and maintains relations with officials at the highest levels of governments and advises them on human rights issues and policies.
• Coordinates and oversees human rights research initiatives.
• Oversees, coordinates, organizes and supervises other human rights officers or organizational segments as assigned.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience needed for the job:

• The ideal candidate for the United Nations OHCHR Career Vacancy should possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law, political science, international relations, social sciences or related area. 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 ten years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, political affairs, international relations, law or related field, as well as two years of experience in managing teams is required.

Languages: Fluency in English required. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

Personal Competencies:

Professionalism: Knowledge of and exposure to a range of human rights issues including approaches and techniques to address and advise on highly sensitive and complex 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. Ability to relate and advise on 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 the 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.

Vision: Identifies strategic issues, opportunities and risks. Clearly communicates links between the Organization’s strategy and the work unit’s goals. Generates and communicates broad and compelling organizational direction, inspiring others to pursue that same direction. Conveys enthusiasm about future possibilities.

Leadership: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow. Empowers others to translate vision into results. Is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives. Establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support. Anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions. Drives for change and improvement; does not accept the status quo. Shows the courage to take unpopular stands.

How to Apply for the job:

All suitably qualified and interested candidates desiring to serve the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) as the Senior Human Rights Officer should express their interest by visiting the UN recruitment website and clicking Apply Now.

Click Here

Deadline: 25th October, 2014

Click here to see more jobs available