Job Background

United Nations Office of High Commissioner for Human Rights- East African Regional Office (OHCHR-EARO) has planned various activities and events for the year 2020 and 2021 to advance the promotion and protection of human Rights in the Eastern Africa sub-region, including Ethiopia, Djibouti and Tanzania in cooperation with the respective Governments, NHRIs, CSOs, Academia and other partners. Taking into consideration the increased high-level demand that the office is facing from its government and non-government partners in the sub-region, EARO is in need of a highly qualified National human Rights Officer to support the mentioned activities planned by the office.


Duties and Responsibilities

Under the guidance of the Regional Representative and supervision from the Deputy Regional Representative, the incumbent will perform the following tasks:
Take part in the implementation of human rights projects related to countries covered by the Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights – East Africa Regional Office of (EARO);
Follow up the daily developments on human rights and the administration of justice, and conduct legal research on matters with special emphasis on the justice system of the countries covered by EARO;
Conduct research on various issues concerning human rights, including gathering information from various sources, communications and publications; with a particular focus on the office’s thematic priorities;
Assist in organizing meetings and training for relevant partners as well as in the preparation of reports;
Maintain good working relations between EARO and national partners working on human rights issues, especially the judiciary, CSOs, national human rights institutions and UN agencies;
Participate in the evaluation of human rights projects as well as organization of human rights promotional activities;
Assist in strengthening collaboration between UN human rights mechanisms and African Union (AU) Regional human rights Mechanisms (ACHPR, CERWC, AfCHPR, PAP, APRM, Anti-Corruption Board etc.);
Assist in establishing and updating a database of human rights resource persons, and human rights institutions;
Contribute to the implementation of EARO programmes, annual work plans and cost plans;
Perform other duties as required and assigned by the Regional Representative.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM:

Good knowledge of a wide range of human rights issues; good knowledge of institutional mandates, policies and guidelines related to human rights; Good analytical and research skills; Ability to evaluate and integrate information from a variety of sources and assess their impact on the human rights situation in the assigned region/country. Good knowledge of the African Union and the African Regional Human Rights System would be an asset.

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 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 decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; Share credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

PLANNING AND ORGANISING:

Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; Identifies priority activities and assignments, adjusts priorities as required;

ACCOUNTABILITY:

Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; Operates in compliance with organisational regulations and rules; Supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments.


Required Skills and Experience

Education:
Advanced university degree 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

Experience:
At least 2 years of progressively responsible work experience in human rights, international humanitarian law and legal matters. Human Rights related experience within the United Nations is an advantage.

Language Requirements:
Fluency, good written and analytical skills in English and language of the duty station are essential. Fluency in other local Languages and French would be an asset