Org. Setting and Reporting

These positions are located within the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) in the OHCHR/MONUSCO Joint Human Rights Office (JHRO), with Bunia and Goma as duty stations. The incumbent will report to the Coordinator of the Protection Unit, under the overall responsibility of the Director of the JHRO.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Human Rights Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

？ Plans and coordinates activities related to thematic and country mandates on human rights, including from a gender perspective.

？ Conducts substantive research and analysis of human rights issues/events and assesses their impact on the human rights situation in assigned region.

？ Collects and analyses human rights data and indicators in region of assignment, including gender-specific data and indicators.

？ Contributes to the integration of human rights in the mission’s protection of civilians (PoC) efforts and, where relevant, coordinates such efforts, including by, inter-alia, mapping and reporting protection risks, early warning, advising UN uniformed personnel on human rights issues during the conduct of their operations, and participating in or coordinating Joint Protection Team missions, as required;

？ Provides support to sub-commissions, commissions and other bodies; follows-up on implementation of decisions rendered by policy-making bodies.

？ 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.

？ Assists country military and police to develop and implement a training program in the field of human rights, international humanitarian law, democracy and the rule of law, with attention to gender perspectives.

？ Assists in the identification of protection gaps and strengthens the existing protection response strategy by ensuring synergies within the mission, the members of the Protection Cluster and other clusters as well as with other relevant fora;

？ 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 of assignment.

？ Writes a variety of reports, communications, briefings, statements, etc., including to policy-making bodies. May provide guidance to new/junior staff.

？ 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.

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.

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 law, political science, international relations, social sciences or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, political affairs, international relations, law or related area. At least one-year experience in human rights protection work, including through engaging with armed groups for the protection of civilians is desirable. Prior experience and working in the Democratic Republic of the Congo or Great Lakes region is highly desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the positions advertised, fluency in French (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of English is desirable

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which will 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.

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.

The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.