OFFICE OF THE UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS
INTERNAL/EXTERNAL VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
Reference Number:
13/OHCHR/109/GENEVA
Deadline for Application:
26 August 2013
Post Title and Level:
Human Rights Officer, P-3
Duty Station:
La Paz, Bolivia
Duration:
up to 31 August 2014
Organizational Unit:
Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Bolivia
RESPONSIBILITIES
This post is to be based in the Bolivia Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, under
the direct supervision of the Chief of Office.
The Human Rights Officer will be responsible for the following functions:
- Programme management – gather and analyze up-to-date information regarding
substantive matters in the field of human rights and recommend actions to be taken;
- Establish working level cooperation with relevant government ministries and State
Institutions to assist in strengthening their capacity for protection and promotion of
human rights;
- Support the building of capacity of the UNCT to integrate human rights principles and
rights-based approaches into their individual ongoing and envisaged humanitarian,
recovery and development work, as appropriate;
- Support the UNCT in convening a thematic working mechanism on human rights with
participants drawn from UN system agencies and other partners, as may be appropriate.
Areas of discussion could include, inter alia, linking the UN human rights machinery with
the work at country level through follow-up to recommendations and conclusions of UN
treaty bodies and special procedures, gender mainstreaming and rights-based approaches
to peace-building, development, and humanitarian action, also outlining ongoing/current
efforts by UNCT members in the field of HR;
- Provide advice in relation to public policies and activities on human rights and
corresponding international recommendations;
- Support the elaboration of the content of Office’s activities in accordance with the needs
identified through the observation of the human rights situation;
- Analyze and evaluate the compliance with the recommendations of the Council on
Human Rights special procedures mechanisms as well as those of the treaty bodies, and
coordinate the Office’s work with these entities;
Date of issuance: 12/08/2013
13/109/BOLIVIA P-3
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Serve as a team leader with responsibility for carrying out, in consultation with the
Representative, work of coordination and administrative functions concerning staff as
well as work on planning and budget;
Awareness raising and promotion of specialized knowledge about human rights – Assist
the country executive, legislative and judicial branch to develop and implement training
programmes in the field of human rights;
Liaise with civil society and media on issues relating to human rights, including building
their awareness and capacity to protect and promote human rights - promote human rights
educational activities and deliver human rights training at local level;
Reporting and liaison –provide periodic reports to the RC, the UNCT and OHCHR and
receive substantive guidance on human rights policy and action from OHCHR, as well as
methodological tools and manuals;
Prepare human rights reports on key sectors or key regional developments;
Support the rest of the work of the Office: contribute to the global analysis of the
Office’s work (including priorities, reports, evaluation and planning activities). Contribute
to other tasks that the Representative might request in relation to the Office’s activities or
punctual needs.
COMPETENCIES
Professionalism – Good knowledge of and exposure to a range of human rights issues, to include
approaches and techniques to address sensitive problems; Good knowledge of institutional
mandates, policies and guidelines related to human rights; Ability to identify problems i.e.
political, ethnic, racial, gender, social, economic, etc. causing civil unrest in a country or
geographic area; Good analytical and research skills, including ability to evaluate and integrate
information from a variety of sources and assess impact on the human rights situation in an
assigned region/country. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring
the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
Communication – Strong communication (spoken, written and presentational) skills, including
the ability to produce a variety of written reports in a clear, concise style, to deliver training
presentation to external audiences, to build/maintain effective partnerships, to manage
information and public information activities.
Planning and Organizing – Ability to establish priorities and to plan work assignments, juggle
competing demands and supervisory tasks, and work under pressure of frequent and tight
deadlines; Technology awareness – Good computer skills. Teamwork – Proven interpersonal
skills and ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and
respect for diversity.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education - Advanced university degree (Masters and equivalent) in human rights, public or
international law, political science, international relations or other related field. Very good
knowledge of international human rights law.
Date of issuance: 12/08/2013
13/109/BOLIVIA P-3
Work Experience - Five years of progressively responsible professional experience at national
and international levels in the human rights field, including experience with the international
norms; experience gained through advisory or managerial positions related to Bolivia; experience
in the human rights situation of Latin America; experience in drafting of human rights reports;
investigation and elaboration of thematic studies and technical assistance in the field of human
rights.
Language - Fluency in oral and written Spanish, with excellent communication skills and proven
drafting ability. A very good knowledge of English is essential.
Other desirable skills - Good knowledge of the country or the region.
How to apply:
Applicants are instructed to submit the following documents in one single e-mail to:
humanresources@ohchr.org
 A completed United Nations Personal History form (PHP) or P-11, in PDF or Word
 A cover letter as attached document;
 United Nations staff members must submit scanned copies of their latest Performance
Appraisal System (PAS).
Important:
Please mention the reference number of the vacancy announcement in the subject header of
your e-mail: 13/OHCHR/109/GENEVA
Name any attached documents as follows:
LAST NAME First name – Type of document
Example:
SMITH Jacqueline – PHP.doc
SMITH Jacqueline - Cover letter.doc
SMITH Jacqueline – PAS.pdf
Note: Applications without P-11 or PHP cannot be considered; Applications received after
the deadline or not compliant with the instructions will not be accepted.
Please note that, because of the volume of messages, applications will not be acknowledged.
Only applicants possessing the required qualifications will be taken into consideration. Only the
successful candidate will be notified of the outcome of the selection.
The United Nations shall place no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate
in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. (Charter of
the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8). The UN also encourages women’s candidatures.
Date of issuance: 12/08/2013
13/109/BOLIVIA P-3