Deadline: June 23, 2019
Applications for the United Nations OHCHR Junior Professional Officer (JPO) Programme 2019 for Developing Country Candidates are now open. The JPO programme provides university graduates with the possibility of acquiring work experience with international organisations by contributing to policy formulation and implementation of activities in the field of development co-operation.
The main objective of the JPO Programme is to provide young professionals with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the field of multilateral international cooperation through a learning experience under the supervision of specialists, and to contribute to the advancement and furtherance of their organization’s mandate, particularly with regard to the Sustainable Development Goals / 2030 Agenda.
The programme is open to candidates from the Netherlands and to candidates from developing countries.
Title: JPO in Human Rights
Sector of Assignment: Human Rights
Location: Geneva, Switzerland
Agency: Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)/ Middle East and North Africa Section Field Operations and Technical Cooperation Division
Duration of Assignment: Initially one year with possible 1-year field deployment
Grade: P2 step 1 or P1 step 1 in the first year, depending on the level of education and relevant working experience
About the Post
Junior Professional Officers (JPO’s) are posted with a number of UN organisations and international research institutes that maintain a relation of active collaboration with the Netherlands Minister for Development Cooperation. Postings are funded only in countries which appear on the list of eligible countries Dutch AE/JPO/APO/JE Programme. Assignments are linked to the policy objectives of the Netherlands in the field of development cooperation. Positions are at entry-level.
In principle, the duration of an assignment is 36 months. This is also the maximum term. For each post a job description is prepared, offering a learning track. The organisations provide opportunities for learning in technical fields as well as with respect to personal skills according to predefined goals. JPO’s should be aware, however, that during their assignment job descriptions may be subject to modifications if the circumstances so require.
Duties
Under the general supervision of the Chief of Branch and the direct supervision of the Chief, Middle East and North Africa Section, the incumbent will, inter alia:
- Assist in planning activities related to thematic and country mandates on human rights in the MENA region;
- Assist in backstopping human rights field presences or human rights components of UN Peace Missions, including substantive human rights issues, recruitment of staff, administrative, financial and security issues, support of field reporting obligations;
- Assists in drafting reports of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and Secretary-General on country specific human rights situations in the MENA region.
- Conduct substantive research and analysis of human rights issues/events and assess their impact on the human rights situation in the MENA region and/or assigned country;
- Collect and analyze human rights indicators in countries of assignment, including gender-specific indicators;
- Ensure human rights issues, including gender considerations, are integrated into political, humanitarian and economic efforts and programmes;
- Define work plan for area assigned in accordance with established terms of reference;
- Write a variety of reports, communications, briefings, statements, etc., including to policy-making bodies;
- Perform other related duties as required by the Chief of the MENA Section.
Benefits
On completion of the assignment, the JPO will have/be able to The JPO will be expected to, inter alia:
- Deepen knowledge on human rights issues, the relevant human rights mechanisms and the practical implementation and mainstreaming of human rights in the MENA region;
- Learn to design, draft, implement, and evaluate technical cooperation projects in the region;
- Prepare written communications with the governments, international organizations and non-governmental organizations;
- Give input and contribution to different UN documents and publications produced in the Branch, Division or in the OHCHR.
Salary
The JPO will sign a labour contract with the organisation concerned. Salary and terms of employment are determined under an arrangement between the Minister for Development Co-operation and the organisation. The JPO will initially be offered a contract for 12 months which can be extended to a maximum of three years in total. An assignment is limited to one posting, irrespective of the length of the posting.
Eligibility
This position is open in the context of the Dutch JPO Programme and exclusively addressed to Developing Country candidates with a nationality from one of the following countries:
Afghanistan, Angola, Bangladesh, Benin, Bhutan, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Kiribati, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, Niger, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Yemen, Zambia.
- Education: Advanced University degree or equivalent preferably in law, political science, international relations or other disciplines related to human rights;
- Work experience: Minimum 2 years of relevant human rights related or United Nations experience
- Languages: Fluency in English Working knowledge of French and/or Arabic would be an asset.
- Other skills: Preferably, some knowledge of the region, including knowledge of the political environment and legal statutes as they pertain to human rights
UN Competencies
- Professionalism: good knowledge of and exposure to a range of human rights issues, good knowledge of institutional mandates, policies and guidelines related to human rights;
- Communication: strong communication (spoken written and presentation) skills, including ability to produce a variety of written reports and documents in a clear concise style;
- Planning and organizing: ability to establish priorities and to plan work assignments, juggle competing demands and work under pressure of frequent and tight deadlines;
- Technology awareness: good computer skills, including proficiency in word processing and other commercial software packages;
- Team work: proven interpersonal skills and ability to work in a multi-cultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity, sound judgment and good team spirit, communication and teamwork;
- Commitment to continuous learning
Application
Please make sure you read the guidelines on how to apply in the Online Application System (OAS).
For more information, visit United Nations JPO.
