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Job Title:    Human Rights Officer, Legal Adviser

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

Vacancy Number: 22-Human Rights Affairs-OHCHR-174732-J-Entebbe (R)

Duty Station:  Entebbe, Uganda

Reports to: Coordinator of the Secretariat of the Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia

Grade: P4

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.

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

• Advises the team on matters related to the applicable legal framework and the legal standards applicable to the human rights situation under investigation;
• Conducts analysis and research on various legal matters pertaining to the investigation, and contributes to drafting the investigation plan;
• Suggests legal qualifications of gathered information, advises on the standard of proof and determines responsibilities and, where possible, identifies those responsible;
• Provides advice on different legal issues and assists in drafting legal opinions, memoranda and other briefing documents for human rights experts and Secretariat staff;
• Ensures legal accuracy of all documents, including reports, submissions, press releases etc., prepared by the Secretariat;
• Identifies trends and patterns of human rights violations and abuses, and violations of international criminal law and international humanitarian law;
• Drafts the legal framework and analysis of the Commission’s reports and ensures consistency of findings, conclusions and recommendations with the mandate, applicable law and information gathered;
• Conducts information gathering activities under the guidance of the Chief of Investigation, including interviews and the collection and analysis of open sources material and satellite imagery;
• Ensures the legal analysis and legal qualification of the findings integrate gender perspective, reflecting the gender dimensions and gendered impact of the violations;
• Advises the Coordinator and the team on the legal findings and discusses the possible recommendations in particular, on accountability measures;
• Performs other 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, Legal Adviser job should hold an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in international law, or another discipline related to human rights is required. A first-level university degree with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• At least seven years of progressively responsible work experience in human rights, international humanitarian law, or international criminal law is required.
• At least two years of experience in providing legal analysis to human rights investigative bodies or tribunals is required.
• Experience in international refugee law is desirable.
• Languages: fluency in English is required.

Competencies

• Professionalism: Knowledge of international legal procedures and instruments, including criminal law, both substantive and procedural. Ability to apply legal expertise to analyzing a diverse range of complex and unusual legal issues and problems and in developing innovative and creative solutions in prosecuting complex criminal cases. Strong analytical skills and ability to conduct comprehensive legal research on a range of issues, including those of a unique and/or complex nature; proficiency in legal writing and expression and ability to prepare legal briefs, opinions, indictments or legal submissions/motions, and a variety of legal instruments and related documents. Ability to lead and cross-examine witnesses and make substantial legal arguments before Chambers of judges, or if required to take responsibility for the prosecution of criminal trials. Discretion and sound judgment in applying legal expertise to sensitive, complex legal issues. Strong negotiating skills and ability to influence others to reach agreement. Ability to work to tight deadlines and handle multiple concurrent projects/cases. Knowledge of contemporary international relations and of UN system, organization and interrelationships. 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 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.
• Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.

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.

Click Here

Deadline: 27^th February 2022

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