Human Rights Officer (P-3)

About the role

The Human Rights Officer works in the United Nations Support Office in Haiti (UNSOH), which supports the Gang Suppression Force, BINUH, the Haitian National Police and the Haitian Armed Forces in joint operations, and delivers technical assistance to the OAS. The officer coordinates the implementation of the Human Rights Due-Diligence Policy, monitors human rights, advises teams on the human rights implications of operational decisions and builds links with government officials, civil society, the media and the diplomatic community. The post is based in Port-au-Prince and reports to the section chief.

Key responsibilities

• Monitor the implementation of human rights and international humanitarian law, follow up recommendations from human rights mechanisms and treaty bodies, and ensure accountability.
• Collect, document and analyse evidence-based information on civil, cultural, economic, social and political rights, including gender and leave-no-one-behind perspectives.
• Carry out human rights monitoring and field verification missions, including early-warning exercises, and draft reports on findings and recommendations.
• Conduct fact-finding or investigative missions to document violations of international human rights and humanitarian law, respecting victim and witness protection standards.
• Draft, review and disseminate human rights reports, briefings and analytical papers, and advise national counterparts on constitutions, legislation and security-sector reforms.
• Provide technical assistance on administration of justice, security-sector reform, trial and detention monitoring, transitional justice and vetting of security actors.
• Advise civil society on integrating human rights into protection, rule of law, the human rights economy and accountability, and advise UN partners on the Human Rights Due-Diligence Policy.
• Contribute to strategies on civilian protection, conflict-related sexual violence and child protection, and promote transitional justice, advocacy and partnership-building.
• Deliver training programmes and workshops, and guide team members.

Required profile

• Advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in human rights, law, political science, international relations, social sciences, economics, public policy, sustainable development, humanitarian affairs or a related field; a first-level degree plus two years of qualifying experience may be accepted.
• At least five years of progressively responsible experience in human rights or a closely related field, at least half in human rights.
• At least two years in a UN common system field operation or similar international or NGO in a conflict setting.
• At least two years implementing the Human Rights Due-Diligence Policy in peacekeeping, including risk assessments and mitigation measures.
• At least two years in human rights protection work, including engagement with military and police for civilian protection.
• Experience building and maintaining partnerships.

Required skills

• English at UN Level II reading, writing and listening, and speaking at UN Level I.
• French at UN Level III reading, writing and listening, and speaking at UN Level I.