Human Rights Officer, P3

Job Title: Human Rights Officer, P3

Department/ Office: Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights

Duty Station: BANGKOK

Posting Period: 7 June 2013-6 August 2013

Job Opening number: 13-HRI-OHCHR-28346-R-BANGKOK (X)

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) Regional Office for the South-East Asia, in Bangkok, and the incumbent reports to the Regional Representative.

Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Regional Representative of the OHCHR Regional Office for South-East Asia and the general guidance of the Asia-Pacific Section Chief and the Director of the Field Operations and Technical Cooperation Division, the incumbent: - assists countries in the assignedregion in promoting respect for human rights, and Governments in identifying and specifying their needs for advisory services and technical cooperation, including by ensuring the preparation and conduct of assessment missions; - participates in negotiations aimed at concluding technical cooperation agreements, prepares respective country projects and acts as the project manager; - liaise with UN country teams, supports the mainstreaming of human rights in the UN CCA/UNDAF and prepares Country Status notes for the countries under his/her responsibility; - provides information to the treaty bodies on the human rights situation of the countries under his/her responsibility; - systematically collects and analyzes all information regarding the human rights situation in the countries of his/her responsibility and prepares reports, documents and other written materials thereon; - responds to requests for information relating to the human rights situation in the countries under his/her responsibility; - supports the work of country Special Rapporteurs/Representatives/Experts/Working Groups, including by ensuring the preparation and conduct of field missions and timely submission of reports; - prepares or assists in the missions of Special Rapporteurs/Representatives/Experts or Working Groups and others to countries falling under his/her responsibility and liaise, in this regard, closely with the Special Procedures Division and other  Divisions of the Office of the High Commissioner; - coordinates with the relevant sections in processing individual cases of alleged violations under thematic mechanisms, including under the urgent appeal procedure; - raises awareness and promote specialized knowledge about human rights in the region; - distributes materials related to human rights education to Governments, educational and national institutions and assists in the adaptation of the materials to the countries concerned; - maintains an awareness of human rights educational and information activities in the countries concerned, plans, implements and evaluates training courses, seminars and workshops; - performs other tasks as requested by supervisors.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM: Good knowledge of and exposure to a range of human rights issues, in particular those human rights issues in the region of assignment; Good knowledge of U.N. human rights mechanisms, institutional mandates, policies and guidelines related to human rights, including UPR; Ability to identify problems, i.e. political, ethnic, racial, gender, social, economic, etc., causing civil unrest in a country or geographic area, as well as to address sensitive problems; Knowledge of human rights based approach to development and humanitarian action and ability to provide technical support to partners; Good knowledge of project management, including technical cooperation projects. Good analytical and research skills. Ability to evaluate and integrate information from a variety of sources and assess impact on the human rights situation in assigned region/country. 

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 AND ORGANISING : 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, preferably in law, political science, international relations or other disciplines related to human rights. A first level university degree with qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

 

Work Experience

At least 5 years of progressively responsible work experience at national and international levels in the human rights field preferably in the South-East Asia region.

Languages

Fluency in oral and written English. Knowledge of other UN languages, especially French, is an advantage.

 

Assessment Method

The candidate will be assessed through a written practical test and a competency based interview.

 

Special Notice

Extension of the appointment is subject to Extension of the mandate and/or the availability of the funds.
Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.

United Nations Considerations

The United Nations shall place no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8). The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

Click here for further details and application