Human Rights Officer Job in Tunisia

Org. Setting and Reporting
	The position is located in in the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) country office located in Tunis, Tunisia and the incumbent reports to the OHCHR Head of Tunisia Office.
		Responsibilities
	Within delegated authority, the Human Rights Officer will be responsible for the following duties:  (These duties are generic and may not be carried out by all Human Rights Officers.)  Assists the Head of the OHCHR Tunisia Office in overseeing the execution of the work plan of the Office.  Ensures the optimal use of resources allocated to the Office.  Ensures the necessary coordination and organisation among all programme areas and supervises the daily activities of the Office.  Coordinates the preparation and submissions to headquarters monthly and annual reports on activities and achievement of the objectives as set out in the mandate.  Acts as Deputy representative of the Tunisia Office and as Officer in Charge during the absence of the Representative. Reviews, monitors and evaluates activities relating to the implementation of international human rights instruments, including recommendations of treaty bodies and mechanisms of the Human Rights Council. Works with UN and non-governmental programmes in the country to integrate human rights, including their gender dimensions in their programs.  Helps design and implements the human rights programme of the Office.  Designs the organization and focus of the evaluation. Ensures up-to-date information regarding substantive matters in the field of human rights and makes recommendations on actions to take. Makes contact with other sectors of the UN, other international organizations and government counterparts on coordination and policy matters; brief representatives and provides, as appropriate suggestions and recommendations. Assists in the development and implementation of a training program in the field of human rights, international humanitarian law, democracy and the rule of law, with attention to gender perspectives. Responsible for carrying out, in consultation with the Head of the Tunisia Office, work coordination and administrative functions relating to the staff, planning and budget. Trains and supervises new/junior staff. Performs other related duties as required. Work implies frequent interaction with the following: Counterparts in OHCHR Headquarters, Representatives of the Government, Staff of specialized agencies, representatives of non-governmental organisations, regional intergovernmental organisations, etc., University professors, students and interested public. Results Expected: Takes a lead role in identifying the underlying cause of human rights violations; negotiates with Government officials to identify causes of human rights violations and discusses possible bases for resolution. Forms strong partnerships with relevant parties involved to engender support for and advance the institution’s human rights agenda.
		Competencies
	PROFESSIONALISM:  Knowledge of and exposure to a range of human rights issues including approaches and techniques to address sensitive and complex human rights problems in their political, ethnic, racial, gender and socio-economic dimensions. Knowledge of institutional mandates of human rights organizations, prevailing policies and procedures. Ability to evaluate and integrate information from a variety of sources and assess impact on the human rights situation in the region or country of assignment, including the political environment and legal statutes as they pertain to human rights. Ability to complete in-depth studies and reach conclusions on possible causes and solutions to human rights problems in specific societies and systems. Demonstrated skills in training civil authorities and members of advocacy groups to recognize warning signs of civil unrest and take preventive action to avert hostilities.  Ability to relate to human rights issues and perspectives, including their gender equality dimensions, to political, social, economic and humanitarian programmes in Tunisia . 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:   Proven ability to speak and write in a clear and concise manner, including the ability to draft a variety of reports. Conceptualization and presentation skills. TEAMWORK:   Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships in a multi-cultural environment across organizational boundaries. Ability to handle effectively multiple tasks without compromising quality team spirit and positive working relationships. PLANNING & ORGANIZING:   Excellent ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor work plans; to organize competing demands and work under pressure. CLIENT ORIENTATION: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.
		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 in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
		Work Experience
	A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, political affairs, international relations, law or related area. Experience in UN field work, and in particular appropriate sensitivity to Middle East issues. Demonstrated ability to conceive, draft and supervise technical cooperation projects and experience in monitoring human rights situations.
		Languages
	Fluency in English and Arabic (both oral and written) is required. Working knowledge of French desirable.
		Assessment Method
	Competency based interview.
		Special Notice
	Extension of the appointment is subject to Extension of the mandate and/or the availability of the funds. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers In accordance with established rules and procedures.
		United Nations Considerations
	The United Nations shall place no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8). The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.   APPLY NOW