Apply by: July 8, 2015
Organization: Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights
This post is located in the Regional Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Bangkok, under the direct supervision of the Regional Representative.
Posting Title: HUMAN RIGHTS OFFICER, P3
Job Code Title: HUMAN RIGHTS OFFICER
Department/ Office : Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights
Duty Station : BANGKOK
Job Opening number
15-HRI-OHCHR-43523-R-BANGKOK (R)
United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity
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.
Organizational Setting and Reporting
This post is located in the Regional Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Bangkok, under the direct supervision of the Regional Representative.
Responsibilities
The Human Rights Officer’s main responsibilities and tasks include:
- Manages a portfolio of work that will strengthen national implementation of international human rights norms and obligations, including through promoting greater understanding of their significance in the context of the countries of South East Asia and cooperation with the international procedures established to assist in their implementation;
- Researches and analyses the human rights situations;
- Investigates selected cases through interviewing victims and witnesses;
- Undertaking fact-finding missions; Gathering relevant documentation and information from NGOs, the judiciary, military and police authorities, and follows-up on progress;
- Consolidates information and analyses relevant aspects of cases in order to identify trends, possible patterns of human rights violations and systematic practices;
- Monitors the situation of individuals and organizations working for human rights, and takes up cases where they are at risk;
- Observes trials of key cases in the courts;
- Maintains working relations with government authorities and law enforcement authorities and the judiciary at national level in order to assess specific cases, takes appropriate preventive action, and secure effective remedy;
- Maintains close cooperation with NGOs and other representatives of civil society working for human rights;
- Assists the Representative to prepare internal and external analytical reports and briefings on the human rights situation, including proposed actions
- Provides training and capacity building on human rights monitoring and reporting to government, NGOs and national human rights protection institutions;
- Contributes to the missions and reports of relevant Special Rapporteurs; Prepares regular public and internal reports on activities and matters relating to the rule of law or economic and social rights;
- Performs other related tasks as required.
Competencies
PROFESSIONALISM
Comprehensive knowledge of a range of human rights and humanitarian issues, in particular in conflict and post-conflict settings, including approaches and techniques to address sensitive problems. Good knowledge of the UN institutional mandates, instruments, procedures, policies and guidelines related to human rights. Strong negotiating skills and ability to influence others to reach agreement; ability to work under pressure, on occasionally stressful environment; Ability to identify problems, i.e., political, ethnic, racial, religious, gender, social, economic, etc., causing conflict in a country or geographic area. Good analytical, research and investigative skills, including ability to evaluate and integrate information from a variety of sources, to assess the impact on the human rights situation in the assigned region/country and articulate the human rights and humanitarian dimensions of complex issues requiring a coordinated UN response. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Ability to work in an international or multicultural environment.
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. Excellent report writing skills.
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 (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law, social science, political science or in related fields – preferably with a specialization in international human rights and international humanitarian law – is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Work Experience
A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in the protection of human rights and related areas is required. Experience in monitoring and advocacy, including regarding judicial due processes is desirable. Experience in legal analysis would be an asset. Work experience in the region of Southeast Asia would also be an asset.
Languages
Fluency in written and oral English is required.
Assessment Method
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which will be followed by competency-based interview.
United Nations Considerations
Candidates will be required to meet the requirements of Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter as well as the requirements of the position. The United Nations is committed to the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity for all its human resources, including but not limited to respect for international human rights and humanitarian law. Candidates may be subject to screening against these standards, including but not limited to whether they have committed, or are alleged to have committed criminal offences and/or violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law.
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.
Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the At-a-Glance on ‘The Application Process’ and the Instructional Manual for the Applicants, which can be accessed by clicking on ‘Manuals’ hyper-link on the upper right side of inspira account-holder homepage.
Applications are pre-screened by the system according to the published requirements of the job opening on the basis of the information provided in the application. In relation to the requirements of the job opening, applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their qualifications, including their education, work experience, and language skills. Each applicant must bear in mind that submission of incomplete or inaccurate applications may render that applicant ineligible for consideration for the job opening. Initial screening and evaluation of applications will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted. Applications cannot be amended following submission. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to a reference-checking process to verify the information provided in the application.
Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at midnight (New York time) on the deadline date.
No Fee
THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.
