Independent Institution on Missing Persons in the Syrian Arab Republic is looking for a Human Rights Officer (Arabic-speaking)

Org. Setting and Reporting
The Independent Institution on Missing Persons in the Syrian Arab Republic (IIMP) was established by the General Assembly in its resolution 77/301, adopted on 29 June 2023. Please note that while the position is currently located in Geneva, Switzerland, the duty station may be subject to change. Applicants should be aware that the position may be relocated to Damascus, Syria, or to another location relevant to the Institution’s operations. By applying, candidates confirm their willingness to accept such a reassignment in accordance with UN regulations and rules, should such a decision be made. The incumbent reports to the Human Rights Officer, or his/her designee, in the Participation and Family Support Section.

Responsibilities

• Plans and coordinates activities related to the engagement with victims, survivors, and families of missing persons, including from a gender and victim-centered perspective.
• Conducts substantive research and analysis of human rights issues/events and assesses their impact on the human rights situation in assigned region or country.
• Collects and analyses human rights data and indicators in country/region of assignment, including gender-specific and victim-related data, and implements tools to strengthen participation and feedback mechanisms.
• Ensures human rights issues, including their gender equality dimensions considerations, are integrated into political, humanitarian and economic efforts and programme.
• Defines work plan for area assigned in accordance with established terms of reference.
• Supervises field verification work through periodic visits; follows up on different cases and situations verified by the regional offices.
• Represents UN human rights programme at working level meetings.
• Directs capacity-building efforts on human rights in region/country of assignment and supports the development and maintenance of referral networks with relevant organizations and service providers.
• Writes a variety of reports, communications, briefings, statements, guidance materials, etc., including to policy-making bodies to ensure that engagement activities remain victim-centered and aligned with institutional policies and standards.
• May provide guidance to new/junior staff.
• Collects and analyzes data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting.
• Performs other related duties as required.

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. Able to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management.

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.

Client Orientation

Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law, political science, international relations, social sciences or related area. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Job - Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

• A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, political affairs, international relations, law or related area is required.
• Experience working and engaging directly with victims and survivors of conflict and human rights abuses is required.
• Experience working on mandates or programmes related to the search for missing persons is desirable.
• Experience contributing to the design or implementation of referral systems or coordination with service providers for legal, psychosocial, or other assistance is desirable.
• Experience working in or on the Syrian Arab Republic is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English and Arabic are required. 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

• English — UN Level III (Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking)
• Arabic — UN Level III (Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking)

Assessment

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

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