Responsibilities
Under the direct supervision of the Head of the Middle East and North Africa Section in the Asia, Pacific, Middle East and North Africa Branch the incumbent:
· Plans and coordinates activities related to thematic and country mandates on human rights, including from a gender perspective;
· Conducts substantive research and analysis of human rights issues/events and assesses their impact on the human rights situation in assigned region or country;
· Collects and analyses human rights data and indicators in country/region of assignment, including gender-specific data and indicators;
· Provides support to sub-commissions, commissions and other bodies; follows-up on implementation of decisions rendered by policy-making bodies;
· Ensures human rights issues, including their gender equality dimensions considerations, are integrated into political, humanitarian and economic efforts and programmes;
· Defines work plan for area assigned in accordance with established terms of reference;
· Assists countries to develop and implement a program for the promotion of human rights, international humanitarian law, democracy and the rule of law, with attention to gender perspectives;
· Supervises field verification work through periodic visits; follows up on different cases and situations verified by the regional field offices;
· Liaises with UN country teams, supports the mainstreaming of human rights in the United Nations Common Country Assessment (UN CCA) / United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) and prepares Country Status notes for the countries under his/her responsibility;
· Directs capacity-building efforts on human rights in region/country of assignment;
· Writes a variety of reports, communications, briefings, statements, etc., including to policy-making bodies;
· Supports the work of the country Special Rapporteurs/Representatives/Experts/Working Groups, including ensuring the preparation and conduct of field missions and timely submission of reports;
· Supports and ensures backstopping to field presences and contributes to their effective functioning;
· May provide guidance to new/junior staff;
· Performs other related duties as required.
Education
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law, political science, international relations, social sciences or other disciplines related to human rights. 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 five years of progressively responsible experience, including UN experience at national and international levels in the field of human rights.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, fluency in oral and written English and French is required. Knowledge of Arabic is an advantage.
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