Human Rights Officer (Economic, Social and Cultural Rights)

About the role

The Human Rights Officer works in the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Regional Office for South Africa (ROSA), in Pretoria. The post reports to the Regional Representative for Southern Africa or their designate, and to the Chief of the Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Section. It is a full-time position open for an initial period of one year, subject to the availability of funding.

Key responsibilities

• Plan and coordinate economic, social and cultural rights activities linked to thematic and country mandates, including from a gender perspective.
• Carry out substantive research and analysis of human rights issues and events, assessing their socio-economic and cultural impact.
• Collect and analyse human rights data and indicators, including gender-specific ones.
• Support sub-commissions, commissions and other bodies, and follow up on decisions of policy-making bodies.
• Integrate human rights and gender equality considerations into political, humanitarian and socio-economic efforts and programmes.
• Define the work plan for the assigned area in line with its terms of reference.
• Help OHCHR country and regional offices design and implement economic, social and cultural rights programmes, and undertake field missions.
• Represent the UN human rights programme at working-level meetings and write reports, briefings and statements.
• May guide new or junior staff and perform other related duties.

Required profile

• Advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in law, political science, international relations, social sciences or a related field; a first-level degree plus two years of qualifying work experience may be accepted instead.
• At least five years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, economic affairs, political affairs, international relations, law or a closely related area.
• Experience in economic, social and cultural rights is required; experience developing policy, research and technical assistance for governments is desirable.
• Experience at country and international level with the UN or similar settings is desirable.
• English at UN Level II in reading, writing, listening and speaking; French is not required.

Candidates may be assessed through an exercise followed by a competency-based interview. Applicants from unrepresented or under-represented Member States are strongly encouraged to apply.