SENIOR HUMAN RIGHTS OFFICER, New York City

Org. Setting and ReportingThis position is located in the Executive Office of the Secretary-General, in the Rule of Law Unit. The Senior Human Rights Officer reports to the Chief of the Rule of Law Unit. ResponsibilitiesWithin delegated authority, the Senior Human Rights Officer will be responsible for the following duties: • Supports the implementation of the Secretary-General’s Call to Action for Human Rights. • Reviews human rights reports for quality assurance purposes. • Formulates human rights strategies, including from a gender equality perspective; develops a vision or direction for the human rights work of the Unit and creates the conditions for implementing that vision or direction. • Advises on human rights matters. • Represents the Unit on matters of human rights. • Develops and maintains relations with officials at the highest levels of governments and civil society. • Manages, coordinates, organizes and supervises other human rights officers or interns, as appropriate. • Performs other related duties as required. CompetenciesProfessionalism: Knowledge of and exposure to a range of human rights issues including approaches and techniques to address and advise on highly sensitive and complex 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. Ability to relate and advise on 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. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing. 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. 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. Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable. EducationAdvanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in human rights, law, political science, international relations, social sciences or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Job - Specific QualificationNot available. Work ExperienceA minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, political affairs, international relations, law or related area is required. Experience preparing or reviewing complex reports is required. Experience managing a programme or project within a large organization is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. There are no additional desirable languages specified. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult for details).