UN Careers: Current Job Vacancy for Human Rights Officer, P3 (Geneva, Switzerland)

Job Title: HUMAN RIGHTS OFFICER, P3
Department/ Office:
OHCHR
Duty Station: GENEVA
Posting Period: 31 March 2011-30 May 2011
Job Opening number: 11-HRI-OHCHR-19074-R-GENEVA
United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity

This post is located in the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. The incumbent will work in the Human Rights Treaties Division (HRTD), under the general supervision of the Director of the Human Rights Treaties Division and the direct supervision of the Chief of the Petitions and Inquires Section of HRTD.



Responsibilities

Under the general supervision of the Director of the Human Rights Treaties Division and the direct supervision of the Chief of the Petitions and Inquiries Section, the incumbent:
Provides substantive support to the activities of the Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture (SPT) and other human rights treaties bodies.
Prepares legal analyses and drafts substantive reports for the Subcommittee, in particular related to its mandate to carry out regular visits to places where persons are deprived of liberty (places of detention) with a view to strengthening the protection of these persons against torture.
Prepares, as required, and participates in the visits of the Subcommittee to places of detention as established under the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture (OPCAT).
Contributes to the drafting of reports on the Subcommittee’s visits with recommendations to States Parties concerning the protection of persons deprived of their liberty.
Prepares documentation for the Subcommittee sessions.
Services the meetings of the Subcommittee.
Contributes to monitoring the follow-up to the recommendations and decisions of the Subcommittee.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM: Good knowledge of and exposure to a range of human rights issues, including approaches and techniques to address sensitive and complex problems, in particular in relation to places where persons are deprived of their liberty; good knowledge of treaty body monitoring mechanisms. Good analytical and research skills, including the ability to evaluate and integrate information from a variety of sources.
COMMUNICATION: Strong communication (spoken, written and presentational) skills, including the ability to produce a variety of written reports in a clear, concise style, to build/maintain effective partnerships with various stakeholders.
PLANNING AND ORGANIZING: Ability to establish priorities and to plan work assignments, juggle competing demands and work under pressure of frequent and tight deadlines.
TEAMWORK: Proven interpersonal skills and ability to work in a multicultural, multiethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
TECHNOLOGICAL AWARENESS: Good computer skills, including proficiency in word processing and other software packages, knowledge of the use of databases and web-based information systems.
JUDGMENT AND DECISION-MAKING: Sound judgment, ability to cope with potentially psychologically stressful situations, and ability to liaise with Subcommittee experts, government representatives, organizations and individuals dealing with sensitive human rights issues.

Education

Advanced university degree in law, political science, international relations preferably with specialization in human rights. A combination of relevant academic qualifications and experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Work Experience

At least five years of progressively responsible work experience at both national and international levels in the human rights or related fields.

Languages

Proficiency in oral and written English or French; and working knowledge of the other. Knowledge of Spanish is highly desirable. Knowledge of other UN official languages would be an asset.

United Nations Considerations

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.

Assessment Method

Written test and competency based interview.

Special Notice

Priority consideration for vacancies at the P3 level will be given to internal candidates and candidates who have passed a competitive examination. 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.

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.

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For More Information and apply online visit : http://careers.un.org or un.org