Deadline: 25 September 2015
The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is currently inviting applications from the eligible applicants for the post of Director, Human Rights based in Geneva, Switzerland.
The OHCHR, having a unique mandate from the international community to promote and protect all human rights, represents the world’s commitment to universal ideals of human dignity.
Key Job Responsibilities
The Director, Human Rights, will perform the following functions-
- Formulate, implement, lead and supervise the substantive work programme of the Division determining priorities, and allocating resources for the completion of outputs and their timely delivery.
- Oversee the management of activities undertaken by the Division and ensure that programmed activities are carried out in a timely fashion and coordinate the work in the Branches of the Division and the Office at large, and with the HRC Bureau, other UN Departments, Organizations of the United Nations System, donors and agencies as appropriate.
- Provide leadership to the development of innovative and change management programmes and develop strategies to improve the delivery of service by the Division.
- Ensure that the outputs produced and activities carried out by the Division maintain high quality standards, that reports are clear, objective and based on comprehensive data.
- Ensure that all outputs produced by the Division meet required standards before completion to ensure they comply with the relevant mandates and requests of the High Commissioner.
- Ensure coordination between the Branches to reinforce complementarity and ensure coordination and linkages with the work of other Divisions.
- Contribute to the formulation of the Office’s overall strategies and policies by participating in the various committees, preparing documents on policy issues, and acting as the principal advisor to the High Commissioner and Deputy High Commissioner on issues relating to the work of the Division, contribute to the overall management of the Office’s activities and operations.
- Provide authoritative advice and guidance to senior management and staff of OHCHR on issues dealt with by the Division.
- Co-ordinate and oversee the preparation of reports for presentation to intergovernmental bodies such as the Human Rights Council, the General Assembly and other policy-making organs, as appropriate.
- Report to intergovernmental bodies on programme performance or on programmatic / substantive issues, as appropriate, particularly those presented in the biannual and /or annual reports.
- Chair meetings, seminars, etc., on thematic human-rights issues, and hold programmatic/substantive and organizational discussions with representatives of other institutions as well as liaison with Member States.
- Represent the High Commissioner at various international conferences and talks at academic institutions.
- Perform other related duties as required.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must have-
- Advanced university degree (Master`s degree or equivalent) in law, human rights, political science, international relations or related area.
- A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
- Over fifteen years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, humanitarian action or related area, of which at least three in the field and five at senior level.
- Experience in interactions with the Member States and/or UN governance or expert bodies, and experience in managing and leading teams in large multicultural institutions/organisations are required.
- Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French is desirable. Knowledge of another official UN language is an advantage.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through online process.
For more information, please visit OHCHR.
