OFFICE OF THE UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS

INTERNAL/EXTERNAL VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Reference Number:	04/OHCHR/051/COLOMBIA
Deadline for Application:	5 July 2004
Post Title and Level:	Human Rights Officer, L-3
Duty Station:	Bucaramanga , Colombia
Duration:	12 months (subject to availability of funds)
Organization Unit:	Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Colombia

Context

The Office in Colombia of the High Commissioner for Human Rights was established in April 1997. The installation of an in-country mechanism for the international verification of the human rights situation in Colombia not only contributes to the strengthening of UN treaty and non-treaty mechanisms; it also offers the international community an opportunity to acquire, first hand, a better understanding of the complexities of enforcing international human rights and humanitarian law in the midst of a multi-actor armed conflict.

As established in the agreement signed by the Government of Colombia and the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Office mandate includes observation of the human rights situation and the registering of complaints concerning human rights violations and breaches of international humanitarian law. The Office may also offer its services for technical assistance and cooperation to the national authorities and to civil society with a view to improving the national capacity to protect and promote human rights and to implement recommendations made by international mechanisms and thus improve the overall human rights situation.

Colombia ’s internal armed conflict became more polarized and demands upon the office were rising as Colombian human rights activists, journalists, academics, opinion-makers, civil servants and other individuals continued to be the victims of violence. As such, more and more sectors were seeking out the OHCHR for the lodging of human rights complaints, the provision of advice, and the interpretation and application of international law and other forms of support and assistance. In this context, the OHCHR opened regional offices in the cities of Cali and Medellín in 2001 and of Bucaramanga in 2004 in order to ensure wider coverage and increased analysis of the situation on the ground.

 Description of functions

Under the guidance of the Sub Office Coordinator and the overall supervision of the Director of OHCHR Colombia, the Officer's main responsibilities and tasks include:

 - Research and analyse the human rights situation in a designated geographical area within the South West Region of Colombia;

- Write situation reports to the Regional Coordinator on a weekly and monthly basis, including analysis and proposed actions;

- Contribute to the Annual Report to the Commission on Human Rights;

- Establish and maintain contacts with local and regional civilian, military and police authorities, the judiciary, representatives of civil society, such as NGOs and ecclesiastical leaders and armed actors in his/her designated geographical area. This liaison serves to develop trusting relationships between the Office and the relevant Colombian actors in order to promote compliance with international human rights law and humanitarian standards. The Officer may advise local and regional authorities and representatives of civil society on strategies for the implementation of human rights policies and on training in human rights and international humanitarian law. The Officer will also maintain close contact with national and international governmental and non-governmental bodies to assess specific cases and examine the human rights situation;

- Participate in workshops, seminars and courses on human rights and international humanitarian law as requested by the Regional Coordinator; through the Coordinator, liaise with the Legal, Observation and Technical Cooperation Units in Bogotá in order to ensure appropriate follow-up of complaints reported and coherence in the design of human rights projects with national authorities and civil society organizations;

- Classify and register complaints of human rights violations and breaches of international humanitarian law in the Office database and will track and analyse trends.

 Qualifications

Education:

University degree in law, social/political science, international relations or a related field, preferably with a Masters or specialization in human rights and international humanitarian law.

Experience:

At least 5 years of professional experience in the area of protection of human rights and international humanitarian law. Knowledge and understanding of UN human rights instruments and procedures. Experience in UN peace-keeping/peace-building missions highly desirable. Knowledge of and experience in a developing country, particularly in a conflict-prone or post-conflict region. Working experience in Colombia will be an asset.

Language:

Fluency in written and spoken Spanish essential. Fluency in English highly desirable.

Other desirable skills:

Ability to work in a team, tolerant and conciliatory with respect for diversity;

Ability to work under conditions of extreme stress and in situations where personal safety could be at risk;Willingness and availability for frequent travel to different zones of the region;Good analytical and writing skills; Excellent oral communication skills, including tact and diplomacy; Solid commitment to UN principles of cooperation and impartiality ;Knowledge of computer systems relevant to the position.

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External candidates are requested to complete a United Nations Personal History form (P-11), available on the OHCHR website.

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.