Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) in Baghdad. The incumbent reports to the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Iraq (SRSG) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Responsibilities

Reporting to the SRSG, working closely with the Deputy SRSG for Political Affairs and Electoral Assistance, and with a reporting line to the High Commissioner for Human Rights whose Office provides the substantive support and general policy guidance, the Principal Human Rights Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

Advisory, representative and coordination roles
1. Acts as the Principal Advisor to the SRSG on all human rights promotion and protection issues and activities, including protection of civilians, fight against impunity and sexual violence, protection of children in armed conflict and human rights aspects of peace and reconciliation.
2. Acts as the Representative of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in the country, reporting to the High Commissioner for Human Rights in this capacity.
3. Represents UNAMI and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) at inter-agency meetings and, in his/her capacity as OHCHR’s representative, advises the United Nations Country Team (UNCT) and the Humanitarian Country Team (HCT) to ensure that human rights issues are fully integrated into political, humanitarian and development programmes including with respect to the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework and Integrated Strategic Framework as well as the Consolidated (Humanitarian) Appeal processes towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals in Iraq.
4. Advises the SRSG and both DSRSGs at UNAMI and leads the Mission’s efforts on human rights as a whole, including child protection, conflict-related sexual violence and protection of civilians, including through development and implementation of the UN system-wide strategy on these issues and in close collaboration with the UNCT and protection mechanisms.
5. Advises the Government, Parliament and other institutions in respect to specific human rights concerns, bringing to their attention actual and potential violations of international human rights and humanitarian law, and suggesting appropriate actions.
6. Represents UNAMI and OHCHR on human rights matters during contacts with national and international organizations working in the field of human rights, diplomatic missions, donors, and other international actors.
7. Participates in UNAMI’s internal policy and decision-making fora, notably all senior Mission leadership fora, and advises on strategic, policy and operational decisions that may have human rights implications.
8. Participates in UNAMI’s Senior Management Team meetings, informs its participants on the activities of the human rights component and recommends measures to protect and promote human rights in the Mission area.
9. Ensures coordination among all human rights activities in the Mission area; ensures timely and effective flow of information and the channeling of human-rights analysis and concerns for inclusion in crisis management and response.
10. Develops human rights monitoring strategies.
11. Ensures investigations of human rights violations and presents recommendations to the appropriate authorities for follow up.
12. Ensures the issuance of public reports in consultation with the SRSG / DSRSGs and OHCHR in a timely and regular manner in accordance with policy directives and guidance on public reporting by peace missions.
13. Provides overall guidance and strategic direction to Human Rights Officers, the Child Protection Advisor, the Women’s Protection Advisor and staff members tasked with the coordination of efforts, including monitoring, reporting and documentation of protection efforts. Ensures dedicated capacity and leads in the strategic design of joint work plans, ensuring high quality and timely monitoring, analysis and reporting in compliance with established monitoring, analysis and reporting arrangements.
14. Ensures the integration of human rights aspects into the Mission’s efforts to improve human rights, promote accountability, and ensure the protection of civilians, including by participating in the planning and carrying out of the Mission’s response and in establishing coordination mechanisms as necessary.
15. Ensures coordination with relevant stakeholders, including government, civil society and UN actors concerning protection of civilians, notably in translating human rights early warning information into operational responses and in responding to gross human rights violations.
16. In close coordination with UN agencies, funds and programs, other Mission components, and other international actors, supports authorities and civil society at all levels to promote compliance with obligations related to the human rights in the administration of justice, civic space, the environment and the human rights of those most vulnerable, including children as well as human rights defenders, victims and witnesses.
17. Promotes and oversees initiatives linked to supporting and strengthening the national human rights promotion and protection system in the country, including through, inter alia, the establishment or reinforcing of a national human rights institution, building civil society and state capacities and setting up protection programs to support victims and witnesses in the context of the fight against impunity.
18. Ensures, as OHCHR Representative, that human rights considerations are reflected and integrated in humanitarian activities, including in emergency planning, preparedness and response, and by participating in and/or playing a lead role in the work of protection mechanisms, as appropriate.
19. Maintains close liaison with UN counterparts in the country, including neighbouring countries, with regard to developments that could affect the observance of the human rights in the Mission area.
20. Supports the establishment of, and participates in or chairs as appropriate, UN coordinating mechanisms for the implementation of the Human Rights Due Diligence Policy on support provided by the UN to non-UN forces, and advises on security sector reform.
21. Maintains close liaison with OHCHR for timely communication on the human rights situation, to support the various UN human rights mechanisms and to maximize the impact of common and joint strategies between OHCHR and UNAMI.
22. Ensures the provision of support to the Government, civil society and the UNCT on the preparation of the Universal Periodic Review, and the implementation of related recommendations.
23. Ensures coordination and cooperation with the special envoys, independent experts or commissions of inquiry as relevant for incorporating recommendations into the human rights strategy of the Mission.
24. Regularly briefs diplomatic community on the human rights situation in the country.
25. Ensures gender considerations are included and reflected in all human rights activities and outputs and ensures compliance with the UN commitment to promote gender equality and mainstreaming in Mission activities, in cooperation with the Mission’s Gender Adviser.
26. Leads or coordinates other substantive human rights activities as necessary.
Managerial responsibilities
27 Manages UNAMI’s Human Rights Office and OHCHR’s technical cooperation programmes, providing substantive leadership through, inter-alia, formulating the substantive work program of the Office, allocating resources, preparing and reporting on budget and programme performance, evaluating staff performance and ensuring appropriate staffing of the Office.
28. Leads the planning, management and implementation of OHCHR-funded projects in the country.
29. Ensures that the Human Rights Office collects, consolidates and analyses information on human rights development from across the Mission area, including by coordinating the effective establishment and functioning of a human rights database and the establishment of quality control mechanisms.
30. Performs other duties as required by the SRSG or the DSRSGs, and the High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Competencies

Professionalism: Comprehensive knowledge of a range of human rights principles and justice related issues, the international human rights legal framework, including mechanisms available for redress, and relevant UN human rights-related mandates, policies and operational frameworks, including on conflict-related sexual violence, children and armed conflict, the protection of civilians, humanitarian action, security sector reform, legislative and rule of law reforms; Good knowledge of institutional mandates, policies, guidelines and methodologies related to UN peace operations and to human rights work as well as good understanding of issues related to the integration of human rights in UN peace missions; Demonstrated managerial skills, and capacity to maintain effective partnerships with relevant stakeholders to further the mandate of the organization and to strategically advocate for the integration of human rights in various fora; Ability to produce in-depth analysis on a variety of issues impacting on human rights situation, identify appropriate strategies and provide concrete recommendations to redress situations; Capacity to lead the continual improvement of human rights-related work processes and ability to obtain optimum performance of the human rights component; Knowledge and understanding of gender concepts and methodologies; Ability to work and act under pressure in a politically and stressful environment, with a minimum of comfort and in dangerous security conditions; Commitment to implement the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of the peace operation and to mainstream gender in all activities of the human rights component. Proven representational, negotiation and managerial skills; Sound political judgment, impartiality, diplomacy and discretion; Familiarity with the regional context. 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.

Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively. Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately. Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication. Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

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.

Leadership: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow. Empowers others to translate vision into results. Is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives. Establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support. Anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions. Drives for change and improvement; does not accept the status quo. Shows the courage to take unpopular stands. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing.

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 human rights, international relations, political science, law, or other related field, is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

Over 15 years of progressively responsible professional experience at national and international levels in the fields of human rights, humanitarian action, and political or social affairs, of which at least ten in the field of human rights, is required. Such experience must encompass leading team to conduct monitoring, documenting and reporting human rights violations, in line with international standards.

A minimum of seven years in management and leadership capacities, including the supervising of large teams is required.

Professional experience working with the United Nations Common System, or other international or nongovernmental organization, advocating for the promotion of and respect for human rights in a conflict or post-conflict environment is required.

Experience in coordinating multi-sectoral response to human rights concerns including integrating human rights into humanitarian response is required.

Experience working with United Nations Country Teams donors, and senior governmental representatives, including advocating for the promotion and respect of human rights is required.

Experience in integrating human rights in rule of law reforms and/or transitional justice mechanisms is desirable.

Experience working in Iraq, or the Middle East is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of Arabic is desirable.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Special Notice

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. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application.

Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff members are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.

The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

Staff members of the United Nations Secretariat must fulfil the lateral move requirements to be eligible to apply for this vacancy. Staff members are requested to indicate all qualifying lateral moves in their Personal History Profile (PHP) and cover letter.

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.

The paramount consideration in the appointment, transfer, or promotion of staff shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. By accepting an offer of appointment, United Nations staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and assignment by him or her to any activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). In this context, all internationally recruited staff members shall be required to move periodically to discharge new functions within or across duty stations under conditions established by the Secretary-General.

Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side 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.