Associate Human Rights Officer / Erbil (Temporary Job Opening) NO-B

Under the overall guidance and direct supervision of the Head of the Human Rights Office Erbil, the Associate Human Rights Officer will be responsible for performing the following duties:

• Researches, collects, verifies, analyses and synthesizes significant amounts of information, including from open source of relevance to human rights in the designed mission area.

• Participates in discussions with relevant authorities and other influential actors with a view to stop or prevent human rights violations and seeks remedial action by the authorities and prevents similar violations from occurring in the future.

• Assists in liaising with appropriate local and national authorities, civil society, UN agencies, Funds and Programmes with complementary mandates, and other relevant partners to monitor the human rights situation and related political and security developments.

• Monitors the national legal systems and their compliance with international human rights instruments, as well as the implementation of recommendations by UN human rights bodies.

• Assists in the development of initiatives to strengthen the response to systematic and/or emerging patterns of human rights violations and abuses.

• Participates in the investigation of human rights and international humanitarian law violations.

• Drafts variety of reports, briefings and other types of communications relating to human rights matters in compliance with established standards.

• Contributes to the formulation of meaningful recommendations and strategies to better promote and protect human rights in the mission area.

• Contributes to the mainstreaming of human rights in the formulation and implementation of activities of the UN mission and agencies, as relevant.

• Supports the integration of human rights in humanitarian action, through participation in emergency preparedness and response activities, including in the work of the Protection Cluster, as appropriate.

• Works directly with other UN peace operation components/sections to integrate human rights considerations in their respective activities.

• Assists in supporting human rights capacity building efforts for civil society and state authorities, including for aligning, legislative and rule of law reforms with international human rights norms and for the state to meet international human rights law obligations.

• Supports national authorities in their implementation of recommendations by UN Treaty Bodies, Special Procedures and other mechanisms of the UN Human Rights Council.

• Participates in the design, delivery and evaluation of human rights training programmes for national officials, civil society representatives, human rights non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and other national stakeholders in order to build national capacities.

• Ensures the timely entry of accurate and verified cases of human rights violations into a database in compliance with established standards.

• Contributes to the integration of gender perspectives/considerations and specific women/girls’ rights issues in all activities and to the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

• Integrates UN developed methodology in the human rights monitoring, reporting and investigation activities.

• Performs other related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Education: Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in law, political science, social sciences or related field is required. A first level university degree with a combination of two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience: A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience at the national level in the human rights field is required.

Experience in human rights monitoring, reporting and capacity building is required.

Experience in supporting national authorities and engaging with civil society for the promotion and protection of human rights is required.

Languages: English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English and Kurdish is required.

UN CORE VALUES AND COMPETENCIES

Professionalism: Up-to-date knowledge of human rights and related political developments. Ability to identify trends and recommend appropriate follow-up action with regard to political, social, economic rights and related humanitarian issues in Iraq. Ability to exercise sound judgment in safeguarding/disseminating confidential or sensitive information and perform work with a high degree of accuracy and commitment. Strong research and analytical skills to rapidly analyze and integrate diverse information from varied sources. Shows pride in work and in achievements. Demonstrates professional competence and mastery 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 in English and the local languages 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 decisions, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position. Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

SPECIAL NOTICE