Job Description

Position description

Org. Setting and Reporting

The Office of the Victims’ Rights Advocate (OVRA) was created as part of the four-pronged strategy set out in the 2017 report of the Secretary-General to the General Assembly on special measures on protection from sexual exploitation and abuse: a new approach (A/71/818). The Office supports the mandate of the Victims’ Rights Advocate directed to ensuring that the rights and dignity of victims are at the forefront of all elements of the United Nations system-wide response to sexual exploitation and abuse alleged to be perpetrated by United Nations uniformed or civilian personnel and non-United Nations troops serving under a Security Council mandate. This position is located in the Office of the Victims’ Rights Advocate (OVRA). The incumbent reports to the Human Rights Officer (P4) and the Victims’ Rights Advocate/Assistant Secretary-General.

Responsibilities

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

• Plans and coordinates activities related to the mandate of the Victims’ Rights Advocate, including from a gender perspective.
• Conducts substantive research and analysis on development of policy and advocacy documents.
• Collects and analyses substantive matters in the field of human rights on the mandate of the Office and makes recommendations on actions to take.
• Liaises with departments and offices across the United Nations system and advocates in the field so every victim receives appropriate personal care and receives follow-up on progress of actions on his/her submission/complaint.
• Ensures human rights issues, including consideration of their gender equality dimension, are integrated into political, humanitarian and economic efforts and programme.
• Defines work plan for area assigned in accordance with established terms of reference.
• Assists and supports the development and implementation of training programmes on a victim-centred approach for international and national civilians, uniformed personnel.
• Maintains contact across the United Nations, other international organizations and Governments on coordination and policy matters; briefs representatives and provides, as appropriate, suggestions and recommendations to further the system-wide mandate of the Victims’ Rights Advocate. Represents the Victims’ Rights Advocate at working level meetings.
• 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 proficiency 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 and 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

• An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in law, political science, international relations, social sciences or related fields is required. A first-level degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in the specified fields of studies with two additional years of relevant 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, social sciences or related area is required.
• Experience in drafting reports, including official reports is required.
• Experience in organizing visits, events, seminars or conferences for various stakeholders is required.
• Experience in legal assistance, international human rights law, criminal justice, child protection or victims’ protection is desirable.

Languages

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English is required; fluency in French is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is desirable.

Application instructions

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