Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights is looking for a Senior Human Rights Officer

This position is located in the Right to Development Section within the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). The Chief of Section reports to the Chief of the Development and Economic and Social Cultural Rights Branch under the general supervision of the Director of the Thematic and Special Procedures Division. In the absence of the Chief of Branch, the incumbent may be required to act as Officer in Charge for the Development and Economic and Social Cultural Rights Branch, as required.

Responsibilities

• Serves as the Chief of the Right to Development Section.
• Provides guidance to the Chief of Branch, on conceptual policy and strategy development and the implementation of strategies, policies and programmes related to the right to development.
• Develops a vision for the work of the section, guides and oversees the development of the section work plan and cost plan and the implementation of the activities undertaken by the Section; ensures that activities are carried out in a timely fashion, in coordination with other relevant parts of the United Nations System.
• Manages, supervises and co-ordinates the work carried out by the Section.
• Provides substantive inputs in the preparation of position papers and reports for presentation to intergovernmental bodies such as the Working Group on the Right to Development, the Human Rights Council and the General Assembly, as well as the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budget Questions and the Committee for Programme Coordination and other policy-making organs, as appropriate.
• Ensures that the outputs produced by the Section maintain high-quality standards; that reports are clear, objective and based on comprehensive data. Ensures that all outputs produced by the Unit/Section under his/her supervision meet required standards before completion to ensure they comply with the relevant mandates.
• Prepares inputs for the work programme of the Section, determining priorities, and allocating resources for the completion of outputs and their timely delivery.
• Carries out tasks necessary for the functioning of the Section, including preparation, monitoring and evaluation of budgets and programme performance, preparation of inputs for results-based budgeting, evaluation of staff performance (PAS), selection of staff members, supervision, guidance and mentoring of staff members.
• Fosters teamwork and communication among staff members of the Section.
• Represents the High-Commissioner at meetings related to the right to development.
• Participates in international, regional or national meetings on the right to development.
• Performs other related duties as required, including acting as Officer in Charge for the Development and Economic and Social Cultural Rights Branch, in the absence of the Chief of Branch.

Competencies

Professionalism

Knowledge of the substantive field of work in general and of specific areas being supervised. Ability to produce reports and papers on technical issues and to review and edit the work of others. Ability to apply UN rules, regulations, policies and guidelines in work situations. 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.

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.

Vision

Identifies strategic issues, opportunities and risks; clearly communicates links between the Organization’s strategy and the work unit’s goals; generates and communicates broad and compelling organizational direction, inspiring others to pursue that same direction; conveys enthusiasm about future possibilities.

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) in law, political science, international relations, social sciences or related area. A first-level university degree 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 ten years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, political affairs, international relations, law or related field is required.
• Experience in managing a team is required.
• Experience with intergovernmental meetings or mandates on the Right to Development (RTD) is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. French is desirable. 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: English (UN Level II Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking)
• Desirable: French (UN Level II 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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