Org. Setting and Reporting

This is a position in the Office of the Human Rights Service of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). The Human Rights Officer will be based in Kabul, an “E” hardship and non-family duty stations, and will report to the Human Rights Officer/Team Leader, under the guidance of the Senior Human Rights Officer and direction of the Chief, Human Rights Service.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority and under the supervision of the Human Rights Officer/Team Leader and guidance of the Senior Human Rights Officer, the Human Rights Officer will be responsible for the following duties: Supports the Human Rights Officer/Team Leader in leading the management and implementation of the human rights work in the assigned area in accordance with the UNAMA Human Rights Service workplan, and management of team members. Supports the Human Rights Officer/Team Leader in planning and coordinating the implementation of activities related to thematic mandate of the UNAMA Human Rights Service, including from a gender perspective, inter alia: protection of civilians, including right to life and right to physical integrity; issues related to the rights of women, children, persons deprived of their liberty, prevention of torture and ill-treatment, human rights defenders, media workers, and other vulnerable groups; and monitoring of the fundamental freedoms and economic, social and cultural rights situation. Integrates UN-developed methodology in the human rights monitoring, reporting and fact-finding activities. Conducts substantive research and analysis of human rights issues based on field monitoring and assesses their impact on the human rights and gender equality situation. Collects and analyses human rights data and indicators in the assigned area, including gender- specific data and indicators. Contributes to the development of initiatives to strengthen the response to systematic and/or emerging patterns of human rights violations and abuses, and to the formulation of meaningful recommendations and strategies to better promote and protect human rights in Afghanistan, with a view to stop or prevent human rights violations, seek remedial action by the de facto authorities and prevent similar violations from occurring in the future. Ensures the integration of human rights considerations in the work and programmes of UNAMA, its provincial field offices and the UN Regional Team and humanitarian actors, and of the UN Country Team, where applicable. Follows up on reported situations/incidents/cases of human rights violations and ensures timely entry of accurate and verified cases of human rights violations into established databases, in compliance with established standards, as well as assuring quality assurance of cases entered into established databases. Plans and/or coordinates the collection and analysis of human rights monitoring data and information, as well as the preparation of data presentations and reports, for information-sharing, responding to queries, knowledge-management, planning and decision-making. Plans and/or coordinates visualisations and the updating of information materials, such as brochures, web pages, etc. Organises and/or maintains continuous exploratory meetings with de facto authorities, for purposes of maintaining direct engagement and contact on, and keeping abreast of, human rights situation/issues, and for advocacy, where appropriate. When possible, organises visits to places of detention, facilities operated by the de facto police, intelligence, juvenile rehabilitation centres, and provincial prisons – for constructive engagement on issues pertaining to deprivation of liberty and prevention of torture and ill-treatment, based on relevant standards. Conducts human rights awareness-raising discussions with de facto authorities on international human rights standards, instruments and mechanisms. Drafts a variety of products (such as reports, briefings and other types of communications) relating to human rights matters, in compliance with established standards. Represents the UNAMA Human Rights Service at meetings and thematic events related to the UNAMA human rights mandate, as required. Serves as Officer-in-Charge of the Team in the absence of the Human Rights Officer/Team Leader. Performs other related duties, as required.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM: Good knowledge of human rights issues and ability to identify related problems in their political, ethnic, racial, gender equality and socio-economic dimensions in a humanitarian and conflict setting. Good knowledge of international human rights law standards and international humanitarian law. Good knowledge of the human rights-based approach to human rights field work. Good knowledge of operational methods of work on: protection of civilians including the right to life and physical integrity, protection of women and child victims of human rights violations, protection of victims of torture and ill-treatment, child protection, and human rights defenders, and monitoring of fundamental freedoms and economic, social and cultural rights. Good research and analytical skills, including ability to evaluate and integrate information from a variety of sources and assess impact on the human rights situation in the area of assignment, and ability to identify and participate in the resolution of human rights issues. Ability to identify sources for data collection, research and 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. ACCOUNTABILITY: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; Delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; Operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; Supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; Takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable. 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. MANAGING PERFORMANCE: Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority; Makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member; Accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills; Monitors progress against milestones and deadlines; Regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff; Encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative; Actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff; Appraises performance fairly.

Education

An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law, political science, international relations, social sciences, humanities, 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 Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in human rights issues and relevant professional experience is required, particularly on issues of protection of civilians including right to life and physical integrity, violence against women, child protection in situations of armed conflict, detention monitoring, prohibition of torture and ill-treatment, human rights defenders, civic space, and on fundamental freedoms and economic, social and cultural rights. At least two years’ experience – in a UN peace operation, UN human rights presence, or international organisation, outside the country of origin – in human rights fact-finding, documentation and reporting in conflict and/or post-conflict settings is required. At least two years’ experience in leading, managing and supervising multicultural teams is required. Experience in human rights case management and data analytics, human rights analysis and human rights reporting including human rights public reporting, is desirable. Knowledge of the UNAMA Human Rights mandate, and previous experience in Afghanistan, is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of Pashto and Dari is desirable.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise.

Special Notice

This position is temporarily available until 31 December 2024. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment. While this temporary assignment may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, the selection for this position is for a limited period and has no bearing on the future incumbency of the post. Subject to the funding source of the position, the eligibility for this temporary job opening may be limited to candidates based at the duty station. This temporary job opening may be limited to “internal candidates,” who have been recruited through a competitive examination administered according to staff rule 4.16 or staff selection process including the review of a central review body established according to staff rule 4.15. Staff members of the United Nations common system organizations who will reach the mandatory age of separation or retirement within the duration of the current temporary need period are not eligible to apply. Submitting an application or selection for the current temporary job opening does not delay or increase the mandatory age of separation. Retirees above the mandatory age of separation who wish to be considered for the current temporary job opening must indicate the reason for their last separation as “retirement.” Such retirees shall not be employed by the Organization, unless (a) the operational requirements of the Organization cannot be met by staff members who are qualified and available to perform the required functions; and (b) the proposed employment would not adversely affect the career development or redeployment opportunities of other staff members and represents both a cost-effective and operationally sound solution to meet the needs of the service. At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities.

United Nations Considerations

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places 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. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.