Associate Human Rights Officer (TJO)

Org. Setting and ReportingThis position is located in the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Banjul, The Gambia. The Associate Human Rights Officer will report to the regional representative of the West Africa Regional Office. The focus of this job is the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the project “Sustaining The Gambia’s peaceful transition, by supporting implementation of the Security Sector Reform (SSR) strategy. ResponsibilitiesWithin delegated authority, the Associate Human Rights Officer will be responsible for the following duties: • Leads the implementation monitoring and evaluation of the project “Sustaining The Gambia’s peaceful transition, by supporting implementation of the Security Sector Reform (SSR) strategy. • Researches 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 country 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 consultations; prepare summaries of results. • Maintains awareness of current human rights issues, to include relevant political and legal developments in The Gambia. • Participates in human rights training programmes for partners including the State officials, national law enforcement officials, representatives of the civil society, human rights non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and National Human Rights Commission, in order to promote national capacity building. • Reviews human rights issues, including their gender dimensions, and participates in discussions with other Human Rights Officers (HROs) on the integration of these issues into political, humanitarian and economic efforts and programmes. • Assists in promoting efforts for community mobilisation and those that focus on exercise of rights of population. • Participates with other HROs in discussions with relevant authorities and other influential actors with the aim of stopping or preventing human rights violations or seeks other remedial action by the authorities to prevent similar violations occurring in the future. • Liaises with government, National Human Rights Commission, NGOs, Civil Society organizations, UN agencies and other partners to create baseline data on the human rights situation, with special attention to vulnerable groups. • Designs and maintains database to track project progress. • Performs other related duties as required. Competencies• Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to particular sector, functional area or other specialized field. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to develop sources for data collection. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. 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. • 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. EducationAdvanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in law, political science, international relations, social sciences or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Job - Specific QualificationNot available. Work ExperienceA minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, political affairs, international relations, law or related area is required. Experience working with national and/or international human rights standards, instruments and mechanisms is required. Experience in implementing, coordinating or supporting human rights, governance or rule-of-law projects is desirable. Experience within the United Nations common system or similar international organization is desirable LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).