Welcome to the start of your journey towards becoming a Human Rights Officer! 

Thank you for your interest in the talent pipeline for Human Rights Officer—a vital role in promoting and protecting human rights globally. We are excited to guide you through what it means to be a Human Rights Officer within the UN Secretariat. Read on to discover the responsibilities of the role and the qualifications needed to join this talent pipeline. 

What does a “Human Rights Officer” do at the UN? 

As a Human Rights Officer, you will be instrumental in the UN’s efforts to monitor, report, and advocate for human rights. With full knowledge of institutional mandates, policies, and procedures of human rights organizations, you will be responsible for developing, coordinating and implementing policies and programme on human rights.  This includes reviewing, monitoring and evaluating activities related to the implementation of international human rights instruments. You should be capable of conducting substantive research and analysis of human rights issues, including the relationship between international humanitarian law and international human rights law. You need to be equipped with skills in identifying data sources, collecting, analyzing, and integrating information from various sources to assess the human rights situation, and drafting comprehensive reports, briefings and statements. You will be required to collect and analyze data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting at both national and international levels. You will collaborate with a variety of partners on coordination and policy matters with the ability to identify and resolve political, ethnic, racial, and gender-related human rights issues. Your expertise in project management, stakeholder collaboration, and strong communication will be essential in identifying and addressing complex human rights challenges. 

Are you ready for this role? 

To join the “Human Rights Officer” talent pipeline, here’s what’s required. 

Education: An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in law, political science, international relations, social sciences, or a related field. A first-level university degree combined with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programmes in data analytics, business analytics, or data science is an advantage. 

Experience: A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, political affairs, international relations, law, monitoring, reporting, and advocacy in human rights violations, or related areas. Two years or more of experience in data analytics or a related area is desirable. 

Language: Have at least an intermediate level of English in all four areas (reading, writing, listening and speaking).

Knowledge, skills, and capabilities: You should have expertise in human rights, gender equality, and socio-economic dimensions, along with strong research and analytical skills.  Ability to identify and resolve political, ethnic, racial, and gender-related human rights issues. Knowledge of institutional mandates, policies, and procedures of human rights organizations. Project management, stakeholder collaboration, and strong communication abilities; Effective coordination, supervision, and reporting on international human rights activities at both national and international levels. Skills in identifying data sources, collecting, analyzing, and integrating information from various sources to assess the human rights situation, and drafting comprehensive reports. Proficiency in data analysis and interpretation is necessary to support decision-making and communicate findings to management.

Take the leap—Your future awaits: 

You have made an excellent choice in selecting the Human Rights Officer talent pipeline! Now, it’s time to prepare for the exciting opportunities ahead. The UN Talent Pipeline will provide you with the training, mentorship, and resources needed to excel. However, please remember that this is a capacity-building programme, not a direct job offer. 

Apply today to join the talent pipeline and take the next step toward a future where you can make a meaningful impact as a Human Rights Officer, contributing to the mission of the United Nations.