Org. Setting and Reporting
This post is found in the Intergovernmental Affairs, Communication and Outreach Section of the New York Office of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). The incumbent reports to the Chief of the Section.
Responsibilities
1) Supports OHCHR's engagement with New York-based intergovernmental bodies and processes to integrate human rights into their work. a) Provides substantive inputs and advice, as well as timely information and documentation on relevant issues related to human rights engagement in intergovernmental bodies and the work of the human rights mechanisms for Member States, UN system entities, including OHCHR senior officials and colleagues, civil society and other stakeholders. b) Monitors and reports to senior officials and OHCHR staff on deliberations, proceedings and negotiations of outcomes, and prepares political analyses for senior officials. c) Assists in representing OHCHR at intergovernmental processes and meetings as appropriate to integrate a human rights perspective in the formulation of policies and outcomes. 2) Supports OHCHR's strategic engagement with UN principal organs and intergovernmental bodies in the area of peace and security, with a particular focus on the Security Council and General Assembly. a) Coordinates advocacy and targeted engagement, outreach, awareness-raising and public information activities on key thematic or country-specific issues before the Security Council and General Assembly, their subsidiary mechanisms and relevant informal expert groups. b) Provides relevant guidance and advice on human rights in peace and security matters and the work of the Security Council and General Assembly to Member States, UN system entities, civil society and other stakeholders. Fosters greater partnerships and collaboration with relevant stakeholders in these areas. c) Contributes to the development of and disseminates analysis, informational and outreach materials on thematic issues and country situations relevant to human rights in peace and security. d) Prepares analyses, briefing notes, talking points and other inputs on the work of the Security Council and General Assembly, and more broadly on human rights in peace and security matters, for OHCHR senior officials and staff. e) Provides relevant guidance and advice to OHCHR staff and the human rights mechanisms on engagement with the Security Council. Monitor and report on deliberations, proceedings and outcomes, and regularly share information the work of the Security Council. 3) Contributes to the work of OHCHR New York Office: a) Provides support to the Assistant Secretary-General, including preparing briefing notes, talking points. b) Contributes to OHCHR New York Office's planning and budget, annual reporting and evaluation processes. c) Provides support to senior OHCHR officials on mission in New York as required. d) Supervises and coaches junior officers in the general performance of tasks as appropriate. e) Performs other duties as required.
Competencies
• Professionalism: Knowledge of and exposure to a range of human rights issues including 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. 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. • 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. • 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.
Education
Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in human rights, law, political science, international relations, social sciences or related field. A first-level university degree in the same fields, in combination with qualifying experience, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Job - Specific Qualification
Not available.
Work Experience
A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, political affairs, international relations, law or related area are required. At least five years of experience at the international level in the field of human rights are required. At least two years of experience working on peace and security issues in a multilateral intergovernmental institution are required. At least two years of direct experience of engagement with and support to intergovernmental bodies in multilateral human rights processes are required. At least two years of experience in strategic outreach to and engagement with governments and civil society in multilateral intergovernmental fora or in the work of international human rights mechanisms are required.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. There are no specific desirable languages. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).
Required Languages
LanguageReadingWritingListeningSpeakingEnglishUN Level IIIUN Level IIIUN Level IIIUN Level III
Assessment
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may 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.
