Angola: Associate Human Rights Officer - UN

Angola: Associate Human Rights Officer
UN

Under the general supervision of the Chief of the Human Rights Unit, UNMA,
the incumbent will perform a variety of human rights related functions.

OFFICE OF THE UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSION FOR HUMAN RIGHTS
DEPARTMENT OF PEACE-KEEPING OPERATIONS

Reference Number: 02/OHCHR/050/UNMA

Deadline for Application: 21 August 2002

Post Title and Level: Associate Human Rights Officer, P-2
Duty Station: Angola

Duration: To be determined by the Department of Peace-Keeping Operations/UN
New York
(subject to the availability of funds)

Organizational Unit: United Nations Mission in Angola (UNMA) Human Rights
Unit

Description of Duties

Under the general supervision of the Chief of the Human Rights Unit, UNMA,
the incumbent will perform the following duties: (These duties are generic
and may not be carried out by all Associate Human Rights Officers.)

Research and collect information pertaining to human rights matters from a
variety of data sources (e.g. communications, publications, the press) to
keep abreast of issues/events and provide up-to-date information;
assist in the analysis of information, to include the impact on the
countries and thematic mandates on the human rights situation in assigned
area;
Draft a variety of reports and correspondence relating to human rights
matters;
Participate in hearings and consultations; prepare summaries of results;
Maintain awareness of current human rights issues, to include relevant
political and legal developments in the country(ies) concerned;
Participate in human rights training programmes for national law enforcement
officials, representatives of the civil society and human rights
non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in order to promote national capacity
building;
Review human rights issues, including gender considerations, and participate
in discussions with other Human Rights Officers (HROs) on the integration of
these issues into political, humanitarian and economic efforts and
programmes;
Assist in promoting efforts for community mobilisation and those that focus
on exercise of rights of population;
Participate with other HROs in discussions with relevant authorities and
other influential actors with the aim of stopping or preventing human rights
violations or seek other remedial action by the authorities to prevent
similar violations occurring in the future;
Liaise with government, NGOs, Civil Society organizations, UN agencies and
other partners to create baseline data on the human rights situation, with
special attention to vulnerable groups;
Design and maintain database to track project progress;
Perform other related duties as required.
Qualifications and Experience

University Degree (Bachelors or equivalent), preferably in law, political
science, international relations or other disciplines related to human
rights. At least 4 years of progressively responsible experience in field
and headquarters locations at national and international levels in the human
rights field, including with human rights monitoring/fact finding and
technical co-operation procedures of the UN. Knowledge of the UN human
rights machinery. Knowledge of the UN system at large, its political organs
and its operational activities. Capacity of working under considerable
stress and difficult conditions.

The ideal candidate will possess the following competencies:

Knowledge and understanding of human rights-related matters; ability to
identify problems, i.e., political, ethnic, racial, gender-based, social,
economic, etc., causing civil unrest in a country or geographic area;
demonstrated research and analytical skills, including the ability to
identify and participate in the resolution of relevant issues/problems;
basic knowledge of institutional mandates, policies, guidelines, etc.,
related to human rights; skill in developing sources for data collection.
Ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor own work
plan. Demonstrated ability to apply good judgment in the context of
assignments given. Ability to speak and write in a clear and concise manner,
including ability to draft a variety of reports, correspondence, etc. Good
computer skills, including proficiency in word processing, spreadsheets,
IMIS, other and relevant software packages. Good interpersonal skills;
ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with
sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Languages

Proficiency in English. Portuguese/Spanish essential. Knowledge of another
official language an asset.

External candidates are requested to complete a United Nations Personal
History form (P-11), available at UN offices.
Interested UN staff at the level of the post or one level below should apply
by forwarding an updated UN P.11 form and a copy of most recent performance
appraisal.

Due to the volume of applications only candidates under serious
consideration will be acknowledged within two months from the deadline for
applications.
Please note that applications received after the deadline will not be
accepted.
All applications for this post, mentioning the vacancy announcement number,
should be sent to:
Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
Personnel Unit, Room PW 2-031
Palais des Nations
8-14 Avenue de la Paix
CH-1211, Geneva 10, Switzerland
Fax no. (41.22) 917.90.24.
Internet address: [email][email protected]

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 Secretary-General reserves the right to appoint a candidate
at one level below the advertised level of the post.