OHCHR National Human Rights Officer

Job ID/Title :OHCHR National Human Rights Officer
Application Deadline :18-Oct-11
Duration of Initial Contract :11 Months

Background:
Under the guidance and supervision of the Head of Office and Head of the Gaza Sub-Office, the incumbent will be responsible for assisting in the implementation of all activities related to OHCHR-oPt programme for human rights promotion and protection, including women’s rights.

Description of Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be primarily responsible for:
-Gathering information and documenting specific cases of human rights violations committed by all duty bearers in oPt and specially in the Gaza strip, including interviewing victims and witnesses and compiling evidence of the violations.
-Monitor, document and report on the trends and patterns of the human rights situation in the Gaza strip.
-Provide guidance for other staff in the office on monitoring human rights violations.
-Produce analytical reports and documents on specific cases and patterns of the human rights situation in the oPt, based on international human rights and humanitarian law.
-Drafting reports and communications as required; contributing to periodic reports; providing ad hoc briefing notes on the situation of human rights in the oPt.
-Acting as focal point for the Gaza sub-office databases, inputting information and ensuring that the databases are up-to-date with reliable and credible information. Good knowledge of Excel and other database software is required for this task.
-Working closely with representatives of Palestinian NGOs, of civil society at large and individuals on matters concerning the promotion and the protection of human rights, including on specific individual cases and on the use of international human rights mechanisms. Ensure the coordination with Human Rights local organizations in relation to the general human rights situation in the oPt as well as individual cases. 
-Closely working, liaising and feeding information in the Protection Cluster system in relation to the violations and cases investigated and monitored.
-Contributing to the co-ordination of the human rights and humanitarian work of the UN Country Team, and to mainstreaming of human rights within the work of the UN in the OPT.
-Assisting in the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of training and other activities in relation to Human Rights Education and international human rights standards and mechanisms for a broad range of beneficiaries.
-Assisting in providing adequate support to visits to the region by independent human rights experts and OHCHR missions; 
-Undertake additional tasks as required.The incumbent will be primarily responsible for:
-Gathering information and documenting specific cases of human rights violations committed by all duty bearers in oPt and specially in the Gaza strip, including interviewing victims and witnesses and compiling evidence of the violations.
-Monitor, document and report on the trends and patterns of the human rights situation in the Gaza strip.
-Provide guidance for other staff in the office on monitoring human rights violations.
-Produce analytical reports and documents on specific cases and patterns of the human rights situation in the oPt, based on international human rights and humanitarian law.
-Drafting reports and communications as required; contributing to periodic reports; providing ad hoc briefing notes on the situation of human rights in the oPt.
-Acting as focal point for the Gaza sub-office databases, inputting information and ensuring that the databases are up-to-date with reliable and credible information. Good knowledge of Excel and other database software is required for this task.
-Working closely with representatives of Palestinian NGOs, of civil society at large and individuals on matters concerning the promotion and the protection of human rights, including on specific individual cases and on the use of international human rights mechanisms. Ensure the coordination with Human Rights local organizations in relation to the general human rights situation in the oPt as well as individual cases. 
-Closely working, liaising and feeding information in the Protection Cluster system in relation to the violations and cases investigated and monitored.
-Contributing to the co-ordination of the human rights and humanitarian work of the UN Country Team, and to mainstreaming of human rights within the work of the UN in the OPT.
-Assisting in the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of training and other activities in relation to Human Rights Education and international human rights standards and mechanisms for a broad range of beneficiaries.
-Assisting in providing adequate support to visits to the region by independent human rights experts and OHCHR missions; 
-Undertake additional tasks as required.

Competencies :
Qualifications :

Education:
Advanced University degree preferably in law, political science, international relations or other disciplines related to human rights or development. A combination of relevant academic qualifications and extensive relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Legal training would be a strong asset.

Experience: 
Three years of progressively responsible related work experience (international human rights law and humanitarian law, interviewing of claimants, gathering information on and documenting cases of human rights violations and broader trends in human rights.

Languages:
Excellent Arabic and English (written and spoken).

Other essential qualifications:
Commitment to human rights and the mission of OHCHR.  Experience of and willingness to work in a team within a multicultural environment of women and men working together, and ability to work under pressure. Ability to communicate well. Commitment to UN core competencies, and to the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.  Enthusiasm, initiative and creativity are also essential.

Computer skills:
Good command of operational systems and office applications (Microsoft Word, Excel, Lotus Notes). Knowledge of database management is an asset.


“UNDP/PAPP is an equal opportunity employer: applications from both internal and external men and women will be considered equally”

UNDP actively supports the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities adopted by the United Nations General Assembly


Important message to all applicants!
-Please be aware that the UNDP/PAPP will review your application only if you have uploaded Personal History Form (P.11) to your application. Please download the form from the following link: http://jobs.undp.ps.
-You will get the opportunity to upload the P-11 at when you apply for the position.
-Incomplete applications or applications received after the closing date will not be given consideration. Please note that only applications that are under consideration will be contacted.
UNDP/PAPP is an equal opportunity employer-
Applications from men and women will be considered equally