Human Rights Officer (CHEG25.210)

The UK Mission to the United Nations (UN) & World Trade Organisation (WTO) in Geneva represents the interests and policies of the UK at the international organisations in Geneva. We are now looking for a Human Rights Officer to cover for a maternity leave.

The Human Rights Officer will provide cover for the human rights team on selected geographic and thematic issues at intergovernmental negotiations, especially the Human Rights Council and related working groups.

This includes leading on the following geographic files; Afghanistan, Myanmar and Pakistan; and the following thematic files; Business and Human Rights, modern slavery, as well as the human rights implications of private military and security companies (PMSCs), and of anti-personnel landmines.

Please note that portfolio areas may change depending on team priorities and need. 

The role requires a team player, with excellent oral and written communication and influencing skills, sound policy judgement and attention to detail who can deal confidently with senior staff and contacts. They should be able to multi-task and deliver to a high standard, often under time pressure

Roles and responsibilities

Human Rights Portfolio: Take the lead in the Political and Human Rights Team on a portfolio of geographic and thematic human rights issues, including Afghanistan, Myanmar and Pakistan, Business and Human Rights, modern slavery, private military and security companies (PMSCs) and anti-personnel landmines.

UN Human Rights Council (HRC): Attend and report sessions of the HRC and its subsidiary bodies as a member of the UK delegation; take a lead on and negotiate resolutions in a multilateral setting; build and maintain network across diplomatic missions, UN and NGOs; and attend HRC plenary sessions and other human rights events at the UN. Provide support in planning HRC sessions, human rights side events and official visits.

Universal Periodic Review (UPR): Assist in drafting UK statements, attend and report sessions of the UPR Working Group.

UN working groups: Attend and report back to London on UN meetings on human rights held outside the HRC sessions including information from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

Cross-mission support: Provide advice and support to colleagues across the Mission in issues related to human rights and gender language. Help with cross-Mission activities (e.g. VIP visits). Some administrative, logistical and policy support, including on organising side events, visits and delegations to meetings in Geneva may be required.

• Fluency in both oral and written English (minimum of C1 level for CEFR framework*) and excellent communication skills.
• 3-5 years of professional experience of the UN/multilateral system and/or diplomatic missions, preferably on human rights including experience in multilateral negotiations.
• Knowledge of, and a keen interest in, the UN human rights system.
• Strong spoken and written communication skills, including the ability to produce written reports in a timely manner and in a clear and concise style.
• Excellent interpersonal and team-working skills. Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment with respect for diversity.
• Ability to work flexibly to manage competing priorities and work under pressure to tight deadlines.
• Good IT skills.

• Fluency in both oral and written French (minimum of C1 level for CEFR framework*) and excellent communication skills.
• Good media/communication skills and familiarity with social media.
• University degree in international law, political science, international relations or other discipline related to human rights.

Salary  9.241.04 (gross)