HUMAN RIGHTS OFFICER (2 positions)

Org. Setting and ReportingThe Independent Institution on Missing Persons in the Syrian Arab Republic (IIMP) was established by the General Assembly in its resolution 77/301, adopted on 29 June 2023. Please note that while the position is currently located in Geneva, Switzerland, the duty station may be subject to change. Applicants should be aware that the position may be relocated to Damascus, Syria, or to another location relevant to the Institution’s operations. By applying, candidates confirm their willingness to accept such a reassignment in accordance with UN regulations and rules, should such a decision be made. The incumbent reports to the Senior Human Rights Officer, or his/her designee, in the Participation and Family Support Section. ResponsibilitiesWithin delegated authority, the Human Rights Officer may be responsible for the following duties: • Reviews, monitors and evaluates activities relating to the implementation of international human rights instruments, including recommendations of treaty bodies and mechanisms of the Human Rights Council. • Supports the work of treaty-established bodies and extra-conventional mechanisms and special procedures. • Prepares relevant human rights parts of reports for the General Assembly, HRC, etc. notes on the status of ratification of human rights instruments, etc. • Leads and oversees engagement with victims, survivors, and families of missing persons, ensuring their perspectives, needs, and participation inform the Institution’s strategies, while supporting the implementation of registration processes and operational activities related to clarifying the fate and whereabouts of the missing. • Works with UN and non-governmental programmes in the country/region to integrate human rights, including their gender dimensions in their programs; helps design and implements the human rights program and designs the organization and focus of the evaluation. • Ensures up-to-date information regarding substantive matters in the field of human rights and makes recommendations on actions to take. • Supports the promotion of rights, dignity, and interests of victims and survivors, integrating a victim-centered perspective across policies and programmes. • Makes contact with other sectors of the UN, other international organizations and governments on coordination and policy matters; develops and maintains partnerships and referral networks with relevant organizations and service providers to facilitate access to legal, psychosocial, and other forms of support, and briefs representatives with suggestions and recommendations. • Assists country military and police to develop and implement a training program in the field of human rights, international humanitarian law, democracy and the rule of law, with attention to gender perspectives. • Serves as team leader with responsibility for carrying out, in consultation with the Chief of the Section, work coordination and administrative functions relating to the staff, planning and budget. • Trains and supervises new/junior staff. • Collects and analyzes data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. • Performs other related duties as required. CompetenciesProfessionalism: Knowledge of and exposure to a range of human rights issues including approaches and techniques to address sensitive and complex human rights problems in their political, ethnic, racial, gender and socio-economic dimensions. Knowledge of institutional mandates of human rights organizations, prevailing policies and procedures. Ability to evaluate and integrate information from a variety of sources and assess impact on the human rights situation in the region or country of assignment, including the political environment and legal statutes as they pertain to human rights. Ability to complete in-depth studies and reach conclusions on possible causes and solutions to human rights problems in specific societies and systems. Demonstrated skills in training civil authorities and members of advocacy groups to recognize warning signs of civil unrest and take preventive action to avert hostilities. Ability to relate to human rights issues and perspectives, including their gender equality dimensions, to political, social, economic and humanitarian programmes in affected countries and areas. 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. Able to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. 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. Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client. EducationAdvanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law, political science, international relations, social sciences or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Job - Specific QualificationNot available. Work ExperienceA minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, political affairs, international relations, law or related area is required. Experience working and engaging directly with victims and survivors of conflict and human rights abuses is required. Experience working on mandates or programmes related to the search for missing persons is required. Experience establishing or coordinating referral networks with relevant organizations or service providers for legal, mental health, and psychosocial support for victims and survivors is desirable. Experience managing staff in the context of victim assistance or human rights work is desirable. Experience working in or on the Syrian Arab Republic is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English and Arabic are required. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).