Apply Now: United Nations Careers – Human Right Officer

United Nations Careers – Human Rights Officer: The United Nations, through the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), Geneva, is currently inviting applications for the United Nations Careers Human Rights Officer Position.

The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religion, 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.

Company/Organisation(s): United Nations

Program Type: Career Opportunity

Program Location: Geneva

Program Duration: Not specified

Available Slot: Not specified

Basic Qualifications: Advanced degree in law, human rights, political science or international relations

Nationality: All Nationalities

About United Nations Careers Program

What to Expect

Within delegated authority, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:

• Coordinates the work on gender-based violence within WHRGS;
• Provides expert advice with a view to implementing OHCHR’s policy on promoting and protecting women’s rights and gender equality, including supporting the implementation of the recommendations of human rights mechanisms.
• Conducts research, develops programmes and provides analytical and expert advice and input into the plans and activities of the Office with regards to gender-based violence and women, peace and security issues.
• Provides guidance and expertise in the design, implementation and evaluation of projects, training programmes, organizational instruments and tools including for advisory services and technical cooperation programmes for OHCHR and partners, as relevant.
• Provides guidance on the integration of women’s human rights and a gender perspective in human rights activities at the country, regional and international level, with a focus on gender-based violence.
• In close consultation with relevant field and other colleagues, leads and provides technical and expert support on women’s rights, gender and gender-based violence to international, regional and national stakeholders.

Eligibility Criteria

Interested applicants are required to meet the following criteria:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in law, human rights, political science or international relations, 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
• A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, international relations, law or a related area is required.
• Experience in gender and women’s human rights is required.
• Experience in human rights monitoring and reporting is desirable.
• Experience providing analytical advice and inputs in human rights reports and programmes is desirable.
• Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify.

Application Procedures

How-to-Apply: Your applications 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 legislation of the United Nations.

Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform.

Application Deadline: Annually

Visit the Official Website for Further Details

FAQs

1. What are the basic eligibility requirements to apply for a Human Rights Officer at the United Nations?

To qualify for the Human Rights Officer role, candidates typically need a master’s degree in law, political science, international relations, human rights, or a related field. In addition, applicants are expected to have at least 2–5 years of relevant professional experience in human rights, international law, or humanitarian work. Fluency in English is required, and knowledge of another UN official language (French, Spanish, Arabic, Russian, or Chinese) is often an advantage.

2. How can I submit my application for the United Nations Human Rights Officer position?

Applications must be submitted online through the UN Careers portal. You will need to create a profile, upload your CV/Resume, and fill out the Personal History Form (P.11). Ensure that all your educational and professional experiences are clearly documented, and include any relevant publications, projects, or volunteer work in human rights.

3. What skills and competencies are important for this role?

Key skills include:

Strong analytical and research abilities in human rights law and policies.

Communication and report-writing skills for drafting reports, briefs, and recommendations.

Negotiation and diplomacy for interacting with governments, NGOs, and international bodies.

Project management and coordination skills for implementing human rights programs.

Familiarity with UN human rights mechanisms and procedures is highly desirable.

4. What is the selection process for the Human Rights Officer role at the UN?

The process usually involves several stages:

Online application review – The UN recruitment team screens applications based on qualifications and experience.

Written assessment – Shortlisted candidates may be asked to complete a written test or case study.

Interview – Candidates who pass the assessment are invited for a competency-based interview.

Reference checks – Final candidates undergo reference and background checks before appointment.