United Nations - Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Geneva
Human Rights Officer (P4)
Deadline for applications: 4 November 2012

Organizational setting and reporting: This position is located in the Anti-Discrimination Section; Rule of Law, Equality and Non-Discrimination Branch; Research and Rights to Development Division in the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). The incumbent reports to the Chief of the Section.

Responsibilities: The incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:
• Provide expert advice aimed at increasing awareness, knowledge and understanding of the fight against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance;
• Facilitate and support the mainstreaming of the relevant elements of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action (DDPA) into the work of United Nations agencies, UNCTs and regional organizations;
• Coordinate and prepare research reports, background papers and other documents for the Secretary-General, the High Commissioner, as well as the General Assembly, the Human Rights Council and its subsidiary bodies and mechanisms, particularly those of DDPA follow-up ones;
• Provide substantive and expert support in the organization of meetings, seminars and other consultations related to the follow up to the World Conference  against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance;
• Undertake research studies and pilot projects in cooperation with relevant organizations;
• Promote and manage collaborative activities with UN system organizations, agencies and non-UN entities including governments, inter-governmental and non-governmental organizations in the area of the combat against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance;
• Develop proposals aimed at providing advisory services to Member States UN and non-UN partners;
• Provide training, supervision and guidance to junior staff members, as required;
• Perform other related duties as required or directed by the Chief of Branch or the Chief of the Section.

Competencies
Professionalism: Comprehensive and in-depth knowledge of a broad range of human rights issues, and particularly issues related to racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance; very good knowledge of the Durban follow-up mechanisms and processes; demonstrated ability to analyse accurately proposed norms and policies for compliance with international human rights standards; ability to relate human rights issues and perspectives, including gender perspective, to anti-discrimination agenda; experience in project development and implementation.

Communication: Excellent communication (spoken and written) skills, including the ability to convey complex concepts, adequately tailored to different audiences, both orally and in writing, and in a clear, concise style; experience to prepare reports to intergovernmental or other UN bodies.

Team work: Ability to interact and to establish and maintain effective working relations both as a team member and as a task manager, with people of different national and cultural backgrounds.

Judgement/decision-making: Ability to identify the key issues in a complex situation, and propose a course of action or a recommendation based on available information; discretion and sound judgement in applying expertise to resolve complex and/or sensitive issues, particularly in an intergovernmental setting.

Leadership: Ability to empower others to translate vision into results; ability to anticipate and resolve conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions; drive for change and improvement in developing strategies to accomplish objectives.

Education: Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) preferably in law, political science, international relations or other disciplines related to human rights. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work experience: A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in the human rights field including at the international level. Experience in the promotion of policies of racial equality for the adoption of anti-discrimination legislations and mechanisms is desirable.

Languages: Fluency in oral and written English; working knowledge of French or other UN language highly desirable.

Assessment method: Candidates will be assessed through an eliminatory written test and a competency-based interview.

How to apply: Please use the online recruitment system on the United Nations Careers portal.