OFFICE OF THE UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS

INTERNAL/EXTERNAL VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Reference Number:	04/OHCHR/050/GAZA
Deadline for Application:	29 June 2004
Post Title and Level:	Human Rights Officer, L-3
Duty Station:	Gaza (OccupiedPalestinianTerritory), (Non-family duty station )
Duration:	1 year (subject to availability of funds)
Organization Unit:	Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Gaza

Description of functions

Under the direct guidance and supervision of the Chief Technical Adviser, the incumbent will be responsible for assisting in the implementation and coordination of all activities related to the objectives of the project and its terms of reference. The incumbent will at times assist in the supervision of a number of national staff in Gaza and in OHCHR Ramallah sub-office. The incumbent will be primarily responsible for:

- Assisting in providing appropriate back up to the project in a constant evolving situation;

- Contributing to the overall management of the project, including the preparation and revision of the annual work plan, the budget and financial matters, in close coordination with OHCHR Headquarters and UNDP-Jerusalem;

- Participating actively in all project areas, including legal framework, plan of action, and training activities;

- Assisting in liaising and cooperating with the Palestinian national authority, PLC, PICCR, national human rights NGOs and representing OHCHR in meetings with representatives of the international community accredited in the OPT and Chiefs of other UN agencies;

- Providing support to the Palestinian Authority, the Parliament, the Judiciary and other relevant Palestinian institutions on the overall formulation and implementation of human rights policies, with a view to ensuring that local legislation and practice is consistent with international human rights instruments;

- Assisting representatives of Palestinian NGOs, of civil society and individuals on any matters concerning the promotion and the protection of human rights, including the use of international protection mechanisms;

- Providing support to the Palestinian Authority and non-governmental bodies on public education programmes and on programmes for the training of law-enforcement officials, lawyers and members of the Judiciary;

- Contributing to the mainstreaming of human rights within the UNCT and to the implementation of the SG’s Action Plan of Action;

- Assisting in providing adequate support to visits of the Special Rapporteur on the OPT, to OHCHR missions, and to the Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the Palestinian People and other Arabs of the Occupied Territories;

- Drafting of reports and communications as required, and contributing to monthly and quarterly reports, on ad hoc briefing notes on the situation of human rights in the OPT for OHCHR, Geneva;

Qualifications

Education:

University degree preferably in law, political science, international relations or other disciplines related to human rights.

Experience:

At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in field and headquarters locations at national and international levels in the human rights field, and particularly a solid experience with human rights fact-finding, reporting, training and technical cooperation activities.

Languages:

Fluency in English and working knowledge of French (written and spoken). Excellent knowledge of Arabic is essential.

Other essential qualifications:

Ability to work and act under pressure in a politically and psychologically difficult environment, with a minimum of comfort and in dangerous security conditions, and within a multicultural, nation diverse and mixed men/women team. Ability to communicate well and establish good working relationships with colleagues and multiple partners, or national and local authorities.Computer skills, good command of operational systems and office applications (Microsoft Word, Excel, Lotus Notes).

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Interested UN staff at the level of the post or one level below should apply by forwarding an updated UN P-11 form and a copy of most recent performance appraisal.