Org. Setting and Reporting

The position is located at the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) Regional Office for West Africa in Dakar. The incumbent reports to the Regional Representative for West Africa and Chief of the Business and Human Rights Section in Geneva.

Responsibilities

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

• Defines workplan for assigned country(ies) in accordance with established terms of reference, and implements activities related to projects and programmes to promote work on business and human rights, including from a gender perspective.
• Conducts substantive research and analysis of human rights issues/events and assesses their impact on the human rights situation in assigned country (ies) or region..
• Collects and analyses human rights data and indicators in country/region of assignment, including gender-specific data and indicators.
• Formulate actionable recommendations to advance the development, adoption and implementation of National Action Plans (NAPs) on business and human rights, ensuring that access to remedy mechanisms are appropriately considered throughout these processes.
• Provides support to sub-commissions, commissions and other bodies; follows-up on implementation of decisions rendered by policy-making bodies.
• Ensures human rights issues, including their gender equality dimensions considerations, are integrated into political, humanitarian and economic efforts and programme.
• Directs capacity-building efforts on human rights in region/country of assignment.
• Supervises field verification work through periodic visits; follows up on different cases and situations verified by the regional offices
• Assists countries relevant institutions, including private sector entities to develop and implement a training program in the field of human rights, including business and human rights, international humanitarian law, democracy and the rule of law, with attention to gender perspectives.
• Represents UN human rights programme at working level meetings.
• Writes a variety of reports, including project implementation progress reports, communications, briefings, statements, etc., including to policy-making bodies.
• May provide guidance to new/junior staff.
• 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. This includes knowledge and experience working with states, business and other stakeholders in implementing business and human rights projects focusing on the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. 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, research and analyze information and draft human rights reports. Ability to evaluate and integrate information from a variety of sources and assess impact on the human rights situation in the area of assignment. 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. 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 (Masters 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 work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Job – Specific Qualification Not available. Work Experience A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, political affairs, international relations, law or related area is required. Experience in business and human rights is required. Experience in engagement with the business sector is required. Experience in capacity-building and implementing technical cooperation projects is desirable. Experience in programme management and project implementation is desirable. Languages English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English and French 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 French UN Level II UN Level II UN Level II UN Level II Assessment Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which will be followed by competency-based interview. Special Notice Extension of the appointment is subject to extension of the mandate and/or availability of funds. External candidate selected through this job opening will be granted a fixed-term appointment limited to the entity (FTA-limited) in accordance with section 2.2 (c) of administrative instruction ST/AI/2025/3 on Administration of appointments. Renewal of appointment is contingent upon continued existence of mandate and availability of funding. If this position is discontinued, the incumbent will be separated from service. United Nations Secretariat staff members who meet the definition of “internal candidate” in staff rule 4.10 who are selected through this job opening will be reassigned or transferred to the position, without a lien to their parent position. 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. 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, with due regard to geographic diversity. 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. Pursuant to section 7.11 of ST/AI/2012/2/Rev.1, candidates recruited through the young professionals programme who have not served for a minimum of two years in the position of their initial assignment are not eligible to apply to this position. United…