Responsibilities

• Within delegated authority, the Human Rights Officer will be responsible for the following duties:
• Manages the day-to-day operations of the Fact-Finding Mission’s investigations team;
• Participates in and organises missions to sites of violations or other places as required;
• Serves as first reporting officer of the team of Human Rights Officers/Investigators and other experts in the Fact-Finding Mission;
• Develops investigations, information gathering and operational plans in accordance with standard OHCHR methodology, including on the integration of gender perspective;
• Adapts methodologies and tools to collect and process all data;
• Oversees, guides and conducts interviews and other evidence gathering activities;
• Develops and oversees plans to ensure that all required measures are taken to protect victims and witnesses who will cooperate with the Fact-Finding Mission and that effective referral pathways for survivors are used when possible;
• Coordinates drafting of the Fact-Finding Mission’s internal analyses and public reports;
• Revises all team inputs and ensures highest quality standards of investigation, corroboration, analysis, conclusions and recommendations are incorporated in the final report;
• In coordination with the Information Management and Evidence Unit, oversees the proper handling, secure storage and preservation of information and data in accordance with procedures and tools adopted by the Fact-Finding Mission;
• Incorporates gender perspective into all areas of work, in particular in the investigations plan, information gathering, analysis and reports of the Fact-Finding Mission;
• Performs any other duties.

Requirements

Competencies

• PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of human rights issues and ability to identify related problems in their political, ethnic, racial, gender equality and socio-economic dimensions. Knowledge of institutional mandates of human rights organizations, prevailing policies and procedures. Research and analytical skills, including ability to identify and participate in the resolution of human rights issues. Ability to identify sources for data collection, research and analyze information and draft human rights reports. Ability to evaluate and integrate information from a variety of sources and assess impact on the human rights situation in the area of assignment. 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.
• PLANNING AND 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.
• MANAGING PERFORMANCE: Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority ; Makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member ; Accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills ; Monitors progress against milestones and deadlines ; Regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff ; Encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative ; Actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff ; Appraises performance fairly.

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in law, political science, international relations or another discipline related to human rights is required. 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 (7) 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 investigations of international human rights law violations with human rights investigative bodies or tribunals is required.
• Experience in leading a team is desirable
• Relevant working experience working in/on the region is desirable.

Languages

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English, (both oral and written) is required. Fluency in Arabic is desirable. Knowledge on another UN official language is an advantage.