Human Rights Officer – UN OHCHR Pretoria

About the role

The Human Rights Officer will be based in the OHCHR Regional Office in Pretoria, South Africa, reporting to the Regional Representative or designate. The role supports the promotion and protection of human rights across Southern Africa, with a focus on mainstreaming human rights in development and shaping country engagement strategies.

Key responsibilities

• Provide technical assistance and thematic expertise to governments, UN agencies, NGOs and other stakeholders.
• Design, implement and monitor programmes, training and capacity‑building activities.
• Monitor and investigate compliance with international human rights and humanitarian law.
• Analyse and manage data to inform early‑warning mechanisms, accountability and policy development.
• Draft evidence‑based reports, strategic advice and advocacy materials.
• Integrate human‑rights perspectives into peace, humanitarian and development planning.
• Advise UN leadership and national authorities on civilian protection, rule of law and transitional justice.
• Foster partnerships, capacity‑building initiatives and advocacy to advance equality and accountability.

Required profile

• Advanced university degree in law, international relations, human rights or a related field.
• Proven experience in human‑rights promotion, monitoring, advocacy or related thematic work.
• Experience working with UN bodies, governments or civil‑society organisations in Southern Africa.
• Strong analytical and report‑writing abilities.
• Fluency in English; knowledge of international human‑rights and humanitarian law.

Required skills