HUMAN RIGHTS OFFICER, P4

Department/ Office

Department Of Political Affairs

Duty Station

NEW YORK

Posting Period

27 December 2011-25 February 2012

Job Opening number

11-HRI-DEPT OF POLITICAL AFFAIRS-21866-R-NEW YORK

United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Office of the Special Adviser of the Secretary General on the Prevention of Genocide. The role of the Office is to alert relevant actors to the risk of genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity, enhance the capacity of the United Nations to prevent these crimes, including their incitement, and work with Member States, regional and sub-regional arrangements and civil society to develop more effective means of response when they do occur. More information can be found on the website: www.un.org/en/preventgenocide/adviser. The incumbent will report to the Senior Political Affairs Officer and to the Special Advisers on the Prevention of Genocide and the Responsibility to Protect.

Responsibilities

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

Monitor and analyse developments in the countries or region assigned; alert the Special Advisers to situations where there is a risk of genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing or crimes against humanity;

Prepare advisory notes and analytical reports; provide expert advice to the Special Advisers on courses of action to reduce or mitigate the risk; co-ordinate with counterparts from relevant UN departments, agencies, funds and programs;

Carry out research and analysis on matters relevant to the mandate, as required;

Draft notes, background papers, talking points, speeches and other correspondence for the Special Advisers;

Organize, manage and lead fact-finding missions, as required;

Liaise with other sectors of the United Nations, and with Member States and international, regional and sub-regional organizations in order to advance the work of the Office and define areas for political and operational partnership; develop and maintain relations with officials;

Maintains relations with United Nations departments and agencies, as well as independent experts involved in humanitarian, peace and security and human rights activities to ensure the systematic collection of information regarding possible situations of massive violations of international human rights, humanitarian law and criminal law;

Coordinates capacity-building programme on prevention of genocide and mass atrocities, and conducts training sessions as required;

Participate in conferences, seminars and academic fora relevant to the work of the Office;

Carry out administrative functions relating to the staff planning and budget, as required;

Perform other related duties as required.

Competencies

Professionalism:

- Demonstrates knowledge of and exposure to a range of human rights, political affairs and legal issues; inter-disciplinary approach to addressing sensitive and complex situations; demonstrates ability to reach conclusions on possible causes, as well as strategies to prevent genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity. Knowledge of the work and operations of the United Nations in the field of human rights. 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 the audience

-Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed

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

Education

Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in political science, international relations or related area. 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 human rights, international political affairs, peace and security or international relations. Experience of undertaking research and analysis on areas related to the prevention of mass atrocities required. Experience of working with the United Nations, international or national organisations or in another multi-lateral environment required. Field experience highly desirable. Experience in supervising and managing staff desirable.

Languages

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

Assessment Method

A competency based interview and/or another form of assessment may be administered to shortlisted candidates.

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.

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.

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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