Job: HUMAN RIGHTS OFFICER, P4

Department/ Office: Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights

Duty Station: NEW YORK

Posting Period: 6 November 2013-5 January 2014

Job Opening number

13-HRI-OHCHR-31470-R-NEW YORK (R)

United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity

Organizational Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the New York Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). The Human Rights Officer will report to the Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights under the direct supervision of the Chief of the Global Issues Section.

Responsibilities

The Human Rights Officer will be responsible for the following duties in the New York Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights:

• Contributes to the formulation, representation and advocacy of the policies and priorities of the High Commissioner and UN human rights bodies within the UN system and towards policy-making organs, including the General Assembly, ECOSOC and UN global conferences/summits.
• Represents OHCHR before these bodies and to Permanent Missions, UN entities working in the area of development and economic, social and cultural rights, NGOs, the media and the academic community based in North America.
• Represents OHCHR at inter-agency meetings on thematic issues relating to economic, social and cultural rights and development issues.
• Prepares substantive input and contributes to the integration of human rights in the development and economic and social affairs work of the Organization.
• Prepares political analysis on the work of the General Assembly and other inter-governmental organs related to development, economic and social issues for the Secretary-General and the High Commissioner.
• Contributes to supporting preparations and follow-up to UN world conferences/summits and UN reform activities in New York.
• Serves as the Secretary of Meetings of States Parties to UN human rights treaties.
• Assists the High Commissioner for Human Rights and special rapporteurs during their visit to New York.
• Carries out outreach activities and briefings for a variety of professionals, NGOs, academic institutions, students and the general public.
• Organizes public events on human rights themes.
• Ensures the full integration of gender and human rights of women in the New York Office's work related to economic, social and development issues.

Competencies

Professionalism:

• Demonstrated ability to carry out an in-depth analysis of, and reach conclusions, on human rights problems, their possible causes and solutions;
• ability to relate human rights issues to legal, political, social, economic and development programmes;
• expertise in the integration of human rights into development, economic and social affairs, as well as in human rights based approaches to these issues;
• sound judgement and negotiation skills, including the ability to convince Governments, inter-agency and other partners of the importance of integrating human rights in their programmes; knowledge of the UN system and its standards, mechanisms, policies, guidelines, methodologies, as well as of UN human rights activities and operations in the field;
• ability to incorporate gender perspectives into substantive work; professional research and writing skills.
• 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

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) preferably in human rights, international law, political science or international relations.
• A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

• A minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in human rights at the international level is required.
• Work experience in dealing with the UN human rights system and experience at the international level in integrating human rights in economic, social and development issues is required.
• Experience in working with international or regional intergovernmental organs is desirable.
• Experience of UN work in economic, social and development issues is an advantage.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in English (oral and written) and working knowledge of French is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

Assessment Method

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include a competency-based interview.

Special Notice

- Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.

United Nations Considerations

The United Nations shall place no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8). The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS' BANK ACCOUNTS.

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