High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR- UN Job Vacancy in Uganda

Job Title: Human Rights Officer, Kotido, Uganda

Closing Date: Friday, 29 April 2011

The position is located in the Uganda Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Kotido and the incumbent reports to the Head of OHCHR in Uganda.

Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Deputy Head of Office/Field Coordinator, the District Human Rights Officer (HRO) will carry out the following tasks and responsibilities:

Monitor, analyse and report on human rights developments in the district/region;

Prepare incident reports as required and promptly submit them to the headquarters through the Field Coordinator;

Conduct training on human rights monitoring, reporting and advocacy for Uganda Human Rights Commission, NGOs, UN agencies and Government officials at the district level;

Support district/regional level structures for promotion and protection of human rights, especially the regional Office of the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC);

Establish and maintain regular contacts with local authorities aimed at securing respect for human rights and accountability for human rights violations, especially with UHRC;

Establish and maintain contacts with UN agencies and local and international NGOs to share information and coordinate strategizing on human rights issues;

Organize, contribute and carry out human rights promotion activities (training, workshops, seminars) on behalf of OHCHR Uganda, in cooperation with Uganda Human Rights Commission, UN agencies, national and international NGOs; Represent OHCHR Uganda at working level meetings with local authorities, UN agencies, and NGOs;

Ensure the integration of gender perspectives and attention to specific women/girl's rights issues within all human rights activities; Provide input into the work plan for the operations; Provide input into weekly, monthly, legal systems and ad hoc/special issue reports, as well as any other reports requested by the Field Coordinator;

Carry out administrative and logistical tasks as requested by the Field Coordinator;

Perform other duties as required by the Head of Office and/or Field Coordinator;

Supervise and coordinate activities of the national personal of the District Office.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM: Good knowledge of and exposure to a range of human rights issues, to include approaches and techniques to address sensitive problems. Good knowledge of institutional mandates, policies and guidelines related to human rights. Ability to identify problems, i.e., political, ethnic, racial, gender, social, economic, etc, causing civil unrest in a country or geographic area; good analytical and research skills, including ability to evaluate and integrate information from a variety of sources and assess impact on the human rights situation in assigned region/country. Sound knowledge and understanding of UN human rights instruments and procedures essential. Excellent demonstrated political judgment and sensitivity. Experience in working independently with minimal supervision in remote locations and as part of a small team in hardship conditions.

COMMUNICATION: Good communication (spoken, written and presentational) skills, including the ability to produce a variety of written reports in a clear, concise style to external audiences, to build/maintain effective partnerships. Planning and Organizing: Ability to establish priorities and to plan work assignments, juggle competing demands and work under pressure of frequent and tight deadlines, preparing expenditure requests and monitoring expenditure against budget allocation.

TEAMWORK: Proven interpersonal skills and ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity. Accountability: Monitoring progress and reporting to the Unit Coordinator taking action to minimize delays, identifying and drawing to management attention potential cost overruns and underspends.

TECHNOLOGY AWARENESS: Good computer skills, including proficiency in word processing.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in in law, political science, international relations or other disciplines related to human rights. 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 five years of progressively responsible experience in the human rights field, including in the cause and resolution of human rights conflicts in accordance with international standards.

Languages

Fluency in English, with excellent communication skills and drafting ability. Knowledge of another UN official language 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

Competency based interview and test.

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.

To Apply
https://inspira.un.org/psc/UNCAREERS/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM.HRS_CE.GBL?Page=HRS_CE_JOB_DTL&Action=A&JobOpeningId=18822&SiteId=1&PostingSeq=1&