Human Rights Officer (Temporary, Geneva)

About the role

The Human Rights Officer (TJO) is based in the Investigation Support Section of the Human Rights Inquiries Branch of the OHCHR in Geneva. The incumbent works under the direct supervision of the Chief of the Investigation Support Section and the overall supervision of the Chief of Branch. The position is temporarily available for three months, subject to the availability of funds.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate monitoring of the implementation of human rights and international humanitarian law, and follow up on recommendations from human rights mechanisms, treaty bodies, the UPR, special procedures and investigative findings.
• Coordinate the collection, documentation and quality control of evidence-based information on civil, cultural, economic, social and political rights, supporting early warning, accountability and informed decision-making.
• Lead and coordinate the production and substantive review of human rights reports, briefings and communications, and prepare analytical papers for strategy, policy and programme decisions, with attention to gender and leave-no-one-behind perspectives.
• Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information in line with UN data privacy, security requirements and standards.
• Coordinate and lead training programmes and workshops for UN staff and partners.

Required profile

• Advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in human rights, law, political science, international relations, social sciences, economics, public policy, sustainable development, humanitarian affairs or a related field; a first-level degree plus two years of qualifying experience may be accepted instead.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in human rights or related areas, such as political affairs, public affairs, international relations, law, development or humanitarian affairs.
• Knowledge of chain of custody procedures in human rights investigations and of human rights monitoring, documentation, analysis, research and reporting methodologies, including field missions.
• English at UN Level III in reading, writing, listening and speaking; French is not required.

Required skills

• Drafting human rights reports, policy and other documents.
• Knowledge of international humanitarian law and its application (desirable).
• Ability to analyse and interpret data and to train civil authorities and advocacy groups on warning signs of civil unrest.