Human Rights Officer – P3 (Southern Africa)

About the role

The Human Rights Officer (P3) will support the promotion and protection of human rights across Southern Africa, based in Pretoria. Reporting to the Regional Representative, the incumbent will mainstream human rights in development, design engagement strategies, and provide thematic expertise to UN and national partners.

Key responsibilities

• Provide technical assistance and capacity‑building to governments, NGOs and UN agencies on human‑rights standards.
• Design, implement and monitor programmes that integrate human‑rights perspectives into development, peace and humanitarian planning.
• Conduct monitoring, investigations and early‑warning analysis on compliance with international human‑rights and humanitarian law.
• Prepare evidence‑based reports, strategic advice and policy recommendations for UN leadership and national authorities.
• Advise on protection of civilians, rule of law, transitional justice and accountability mechanisms.
• Foster partnerships, advocacy initiatives and knowledge‑sharing to advance equality and the “leave no one behind” agenda.

Required profile

• Advanced university degree in law, international relations, human rights or a related field.
• Relevant professional experience in human‑rights promotion, monitoring or advocacy, preferably in an international or multilateral setting.
• Demonstrated ability to work with diverse stakeholders and produce high‑quality analytical products.

Required skills

• Strong analytical and report‑writing abilities.
• Knowledge of international human‑rights and humanitarian law frameworks.
• Experience in programme design, implementation and evaluation.