Associate Human Rights Officer at United Nations Jobs in Kenya
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the Associate Human Rights Officer will be responsible for the following duties:
- Monitors and collects information pertaining to human rights matters, including their gender dimensions from a variety of data sources (e.g. communications, publications, the press) to keep abreast of issues/events and provide up-to-date information; assists in the analysis of information, to include the impact on the countries and thematic mandates on the human rights situation in assigned area.Drafts a variety of reports and correspondence relating to human rights matters.Participates in meetings and consultations; prepares summaries of results.
- Maintains awareness of current human rights issues, to include relevant political and legal developments in the country concerned.
- Participates in human rights training programmes for Government, national law enforcement officials, representatives of civil society and human rights nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in order to build capacity for the promotion and protection of human rights.
- Reviews human rights issues, including their gender dimensions, and participates in discussions on the integration of these issues into national, sub-national and UN programmes.
- Assists in supporting community mobilisation for the promotion and protection of human rights.Participates in discussions with relevant authorities and other influential actors with the aim of addressing human rights violations or seeks other remedial action by the authorities to prevent violations occurring in the future.
- Liaises with government, NGOs, civil society, UN agencies and other partners to create baseline data on the human rights situation, with special attention to gender and vulnerable groups.
- Contributes to the collection and analysis of data as well as identification of trends or patterns to inform responses, programmes and projects.
- Performs other related duties as required.
Competencies
PROFESSIONALISM:
- Knowledge of human rights issues and ability to identify related problems in their political, ethnic, racial, gender equality and socio-economic dimensions.
- Knowledge of institutional mandates of human rights organizations, prevailing policies and procedures.
- Research and analytical skills, including ability to identify and participate in the resolution of human rights issues.
- Ability to identify sources for data collection, analyze information and draft human rights reports.
- 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.
- Able to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management.
TEAMWORK:
- Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.
PLANNING & ORGANIZING:
- Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.
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 (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in combination with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Work Experience
- A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, political affairs, international relations, law or related area is required.
- Experience in the development and implementation of human rights-related projects and programmes addressing gender equality and sexual and gender-based violence is required.
- Experience working with duty-bearers, civil society and community-based organizations on human rights issues is required.
- Experience in project management is desirable.