Org. Setting and Reporting

These three (3) positions are located in the Syria Office of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), based in Damascus. The incumbents will report to the Representative or designee.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Assistant Human Rights Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

• Researches and collects information pertaining to human rights matters, including their gender dimensions from a variety of data sources (e.g., communications, publications, the press) to keep abreast of issues/events and provide up-to-date information.
• Drafts a variety of reports and correspondence relating to human rights matters.
• Participates in monitoring and observing trials and prepare summaries of results.
• Maintains awareness of current human rights issues, to include relevant political and legal developments in Syria.
• Assists with human rights training programmes for national law enforcement officials, representatives of the civil society and human rights non-governmental organizations (NGOs in order to promote national capacity building.
• Assists in the reviews of human rights issues, including their gender dimensions, and participates in discussions with other Human Rights Officers (HROs) on the integration of these issues into political, economic and development-related programmes.
• Assists in promoting efforts for community mobilisation and those that focus on exercise of rights of population.
• Participates with other HROs in discussions with relevant authorities and other influential actors with the aim of stopping or preventing human rights violations or seeks other remedial action by the authorities to prevent similar violations occurring in the future.
• Assists his/her supervisor in liaising with government, , NGOs, Civil Society organizations, UN agencies and other partners to create baseline data on
• the human rights situation, with special attention to vulnerable groups.
• Prepares preliminary versions of speeches, presentations and communications issued by the Representative of the Office.
• Enter information in online platforms as required and is familiar with following up human rights issues in digital space, including verification.
• Performs other related duties as required. Competencies
• PROFESSIONALISM : Knowledge of human rights issues and ability to identify related problems in their political, ethnic, racial, gender equality and socio-economic dimensions. Knowledge of institutional mandates of human rights organizations, prevailing policies and procedures. Research and analytical skills, including ability to identify and participate in the resolution of human rights issues. Ability to identify sources for data collection, analyze information and draft human rights reports. 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 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. Education Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law, political science, international relations, social sciences or related field. A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in combination with two years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Job – Specific Qualification Not available. Work Experience For candidates who hold a first level university degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent), a minimum of two years of experience in human rights, political affairs, international relations, law or related area is required. No experience is needed for candidates who hold an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) Experience working on human rights-related issues in the United Nations Common System and/or other national or international organizations, is desirable Languages English 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). Required Languages Language Reading Writing Listening Speaking English UN Level II UN Level II UN Level II UN Level II Arabic UN Level II UN Level II UN Level II UN Level II Assessment Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview. Special Notice THIS POSITION IS TEMPORARILY AVAILABLE FOR SIX (6) MONTHS – SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS. Candidates for the National Professional Officer category shall be of the nationality of the country where this position is located. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. Locally recruited General Service staff members applying for this post must meet the minimum requirements, including academic qualifications and years of relevant experience. Relevant experience in the General Service category at G-6 and G-7 levels may count towards experience requirements. At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application. United Nations Considerations According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term sexual exploitation means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term sexual abuse means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or…