UN Human Rights Officer Job Opportunities – Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (OHCHR)

Job Title:   Human Rights Officer

Organisation: Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (OHCHR) 

Duty Station: Kampala, Uganda

Job Opening Number: 20-Human Rights
Affairs-OHCHR-132257-R-Kampala (X)

Job Grade: P4 

About UNHCR:

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for
Refugees was established on December 14, 1950 by the United Nations General
Assembly.  UNHCR’s
mandate under the Statute of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner
for Refugees is to lead and co-ordinate action for international protection to
refugees; seek permanent solutions for the problems of refugees and safeguard
refugee rights and well-being. UNHCR has an additional mandate concerning
issues of statelessness, as it is given a designated role under Article 11 of
the 1961 Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness. 

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

·       
Assists the Head of the Office in overseeing the
execution of the Office work plan ensuring optimal use of resources allocated;
ensure coordination and organisation among all programme areas; and supervise
the daily activities of the Office;

·       
Assists the Head of Office to develop and
coordinate an Office-wide strategy to promote the respect and protection of
human rights in the country or region of assignment;

·       
Reviews, monitors and evaluates activities
related to the implementation of international human rights instruments,
including recommendations of treaty bodies and mechanisms of the Human Rights
Council, in relation to the country or region of assignment;

·       
Prepares reports, documents, briefing notes,
talking points and other written materials;

·       
Supports the work of Special Rapporteurs /
Representatives / Experts / Working Groups and Treaty-Bodies, including in the
preparation and conduct of field missions and the drafting of timely reports in
relation to the country or region of assignment;

·       
Processes individual cases of alleged violations
under existing thematic procedures;

·       
Evaluates the requirements for, plans and
supports, long-term human rights presences in the country or region concerned;

·       
Works with UN and non-governmental programmes in
the country of assignment to integrate human rights perspective, helps design
and implements the human rights programme of the Office and 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;

·       
Maintains contact with other sectors of the UN,
other international organizations and government counterparts on coordination
and policy matters; briefs representatives and provides, as appropriate
suggestions and recommendations;

·       
Assists in the development and implementation of
training programs in the field of human rights, international humanitarian law,
democracy and the rule of law, with attention to gender perspectives;

·       
In consultation with the Head of the Office,
coordinates work and administrative functions related 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 for the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (OHCHR) Human Rights Officer job opportunity should hold an advanced university degree
(Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in law, human rights, political science
or international relations, social sciences or a related field. A first level
university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying work
experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

·       
A minimum of seven years of progressively
responsible experience in human rights, international relations, law or related
area is required.

·       
Experience in human rights monitoring is
desirable.

·       
Experience working on human rights policies and
programmes or diplomacy at national or regional levels is desirable.

·       
Experience in the Africa region is desirable.

·       
Languages: Fluency in English is
required. Knowledge of another UN official language is desirable.

Competencies

·       
Professionalism: Knowledge of and
exposure to a range of human rights issues including, monitoring of human
rights in the Africa region; approaches and techniques to identify and address
legislative and institutional gaps with respect to human rights protection and
promotion; assess and address the Government’s needs for technical assistance
and capacity building; develop effective mechanisms and methodologies for
monitoring and reporting on human rights violations; integrate human rights
into humanitarian responses and UN development plans and processes. Knowledge
of and exposure to institutional mandates and the work of UN human rights mechanisms.
Ability to evaluate and integrate information from a variety of sources and
assess impact on the human rights situation in the country, including the
political environment and legal statutes as they pertain to human rights. 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.

·       
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.

·       
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.

·       
Judgment/Decision Making: Identifies
the key issues in a complex situation, and comes to the heart of the problem
quickly; gathers relevant information before making a decision; Considers
positive and negative impacts of decisions prior to making them; Takes
decisions with an eye to the impact on others and on the Organization; Proposes
a course of action or makes a recommendation based on all available
information; checks assumptions against facts; determines that the actions
proposed will satisfy the expressed and underlying needs for the decision;
makes tough decisions when necessary.

How to Apply:

All suitably qualified and interested candidates who so
desire to join the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in the
aforementioned capacity should endeavor to Apply Online by Clicking on the link
below. Please further review job requirements and if competent Click Apply Now.

Click
Here

Deadline: 24th March 2020

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