Associate Human Rights Officer

Job Description

The mission of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights is to ensure the universal enjoyment of all human rights by giving practical effect to the will and resolve of the world community as expressed by the United Nations.

On 25 September 2019, the UN and Sudan signed a Host Country Agreement to establish a fully mandated UN Human Rights office in Sudan, including four field offices. The office began operations in Khartoum in December 2019 and was officially declared operational on 16 July 2020 during the 44th Human Rights Council session.

The main activities undertaken by the OHCHR Sudan Country Office revolve around the following:

• Monitor and report on human rights violations, supporting preventive measures and advocating for victims' rights
• Assist in developing national human rights systems, legislation, and institutions, integrating gender equality and non-discrimination
• Strengthen civil society participation and engagement with international human rights mechanisms, promoting human rights in development and humanitarian responses

As Associate Human Rights Officer (100%) you support the Civic Space Unit by providing the following:

• Develop a work plan for the assigned area based on established terms of reference.
• Research human rights issues, focusing on civic rights and freedoms, to stay updated and assist in analysis of emerging trends.
• Assist in preparing activity reports, briefing notes, and thematic reports as required.
• Support mapping of Sudanese CSOs, international NGOs, and those providing protection and emergency funds to HRDs and journalists.
• Maintain databases to track human rights violations, support the implementation of human rights instruments, and assist with planning, reporting, and evaluating civic space activities, including training and engagement with CSOs and HRDs.
• Etc.

More information

• Vacancies: 1
• Working hours (%): 80-100% / 100%
• Type of contract: Staff (Permanent and Fixed Term)
• Duration: 1-2 year assignment (1 year renewable fixed-term contracts)
• Education level: Master's degree
• Driving licence: Car driving licence
• Macro-area: Sub-Saharan Africa
• Level of experience: Professional, 3 to 5 years
• Area of work Definition: Democracy, Governance, Human Rights, Law, Public Administration
• Type of organisation: Multilateral Organisations

Skills required

• Swiss nationality
• Not older than 32 years at the date of the first round of interviews
• Fluency in English and a second UN language
• Master's degree
• Two Swiss national languages
• Driving license
• Master's degree in law, political science, international relations or other disciplines related to human rights
• 3 years of professional experience in human rights are required. (Counted at 100%, gained after completion of the first university degree. Internship experience is counted as 50%, regardless of whether paid or not.)
• Good knowledge of and exposure to a range of human rights issues, including institutional mandates, policies and guidelines
• Research and analytical skills to collect, evaluate, and integrate data, contributing to the resolution of human rights issues and report drafting
• Fluency in English
• Working knowledge of Arabic is an asset
• Knowledge of the region, including knowledge of the political environment and legal statutes as they pertain to human rights, is an asset