Job Description

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), Pretoria, Regional Office for Southern Africa (ROSA), in Southern Africa. The incumbent reports to the Head of the Regional Office for Southern Africa. Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Human Rights Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

Early warning and prevention team lead, early warning analysis and identification of preventive measures, monitoring an evaluation:
- Develops and carries out appropriate risk and early warning analysis and identifies preventative measures to address human rights protection needs through remote monitoring or in country missions.
- Feeds in risk analysis to global prevention processes, e.g. Integrated Prevention Platform (RMR), United Nations Operations and Crises Centre UNOCC, IASC Early Warning Early Action Readiness Analysis in coordination with the Emergency Response Section and Geographic Sections.
- Reviews, monitors and evaluates activities relating to the implementation of international human rights instruments, including recommendations of treaty bodies and mechanisms of the Human Rights Council (HRC).
- Researches, collects and analyses information and documentation pertaining to emerging human rights concerns. In coordination with the Information Management Officer, finalises products to present analysis in visually compelling and easily digestible formats.
- Guides and oversees the development of analytical human rights information products to support OHCHR's work on early warning/prevention and humanitarian action.
- Prepares relevant human rights parts of reports for the General Assembly, HRC, etc. notes on the status of ratification of human rights instruments, etc.
- Serves as team leader with responsibility for carrying out, in consultation with the Regional Representative for OHCHR Regional Office, work coordination and administrative functions relating to the staff, planning and budget on the subject matters of responsibility.
- Actively contributes to the community of practice of the Regional Emergency Response Teams, the Emergency Response Section and the Prevention and Sustaining Peace Section.

Provision of guidance and support to the United Nations Country Teams (UNCTs), national partners in the region and other partners in the area of early warning, prevention and human rights in humanitarian action:
- Acts as emergency response capacity to be rapidly deployed and to provide immediate start-up capacity in relation to human rights and humanitarian emergencies.
- Acts to ensure human rights is properly integrated into the humanitarian response.
- Works with UN and non-governmental partners in the country/region to integrate human rights, including gender dimensions, in their programmes; helps integrate human rights in humanitarian and development analysis, planning and responses.
- Ensures up-to-date information regarding substantive matters in the field of human rights and makes recommendations on actions to take. - Makes contact with other sectors of the UN, other international organizations and governments on coordination and policy matters; brief representatives and provides, as appropriate suggestions and recommendations.
- Assists and builds capacity and awareness of national (including governments and NHRls) and international partners on the protection of human rights in humanitarian emergencies.
- Trains and supervises new/junior staff.
- Performs other related duties as required. Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of and exposure to a range of human rights issues including human rights mainstreaming and prevention in the current context of the region; approaches and techniques to address sensitive and complex human rights problems in their political, ethnic, racial, gender and socio-economic dimensions. Knowledge of institutional mandates of human rights organizations, prevailing policies and procedures. Knowledge of the region. 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. Demonstrated skills in training civil authorities and members of advocacy groups to recognize warning signs of civil unrest and take preventive action to avert hostilities. Ability to relate to 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.

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.

TECHNOLOGICAL AWARENESS: Keeps abreast of available technology. Understands applicability and limitation of technology to the work of the office. Actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks. Shows willingness to learn new technology. Education

Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in law, human rights, political science, international relations, social sciences or related field.
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 seven years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, political affairs, international relations, law or related area is required.

Out of the 7 years, a minimum of one year of demonstrated experience of coordinating a human rights programme with a focus on information management component is desirable.

Field experience with the United Nations Common system or similar international organization in an emergency or humanitarian setting is desirable.

Work experience on risk analysis and prevention is desirable. Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in English (both oral and written) is required. Fluency in French is desirable. Knowledge of Portuguese is also desirable. Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which will be followed by competency-based interview. Special Notice

Extension of the appointment is subject to extension of the mandate and/or the availability of the funds.

At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application.

The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

Pursuant to section 7.11 of ST/AI/2012/2/Rev.1, candidates recruited through the young professionals programme who have not served for a minimum of two years in the position of their initial assignment are not eligible to apply to this position.

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