View Vacancy - Human Rights Officer (CHEG24.337)

The British Government is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer.  We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organisational capability. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law. We promote family-friendly flexible working opportunities, where operational and security needs allow.
UK Mission
Political

Who are we?

The United Kingdom Mission to the UN & WTO in Geneva (UKMis) represents the interests and policies of the UK at many international organisations and is now recruiting for Human Rights Officer role. 

The UK Mission in Geneva prioritises dignity and respect at work. We value respect, inclusiveness, empowerment, teamwork and kindness.

Main purpose of job:

The Human Rights Officer will lead for the human rights team on selected geographic and thematic issues at intergovernmental negotiations, especially the Human Rights Council and related working groups:

  • Geographic leads include Afghanistan and Pakistan;
  • Thematic leads include rights of women and girls, sexual orientation and gender identity, modern slavery and trafficking.

The Human Rights Officer will also provide support to other teams in the mission related to gender issues.

Please note that portfolio areas may change depending on team priorities and need.  

The role requires a team player, with excellent oral and written communication and influencing skills, sound policy judgement and attention to detail who can deal confidently with senior staff and contacts. They should be able to multi-task and deliver to a high standard, often under time pressure.

Roles and responsibilities: 

Human Rights Portfolio: Take the lead in the Political and Human Rights Team on a portfolio of geographic and thematic human rights issues, including Afghanistan and Pakistan; women and girls’ rights; sexual orientation and gender identity issues; modern slavery and trafficking issues. 

UN Human Rights Council (HRC): Attend and report sessions of the HRC and its subsidiary bodies as a member of the UK delegation; take a lead on and negotiate resolutions in a multilateral setting; build and maintain network across diplomatic missions, UN and NGOs; and attend HRC plenary sessions and other human rights events at the UN. Provide support in planning HRC sessions, human rights side events and official visits.

Universal Periodic Review (UPR): Assist in drafting UK statements, attend and report sessions of the UPR Working Group.

UN working groups: Attend and report back to London on UN meetings on human rights held outside the HRC sessions including information from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR);

Cross-mission support: Provide advice and support to colleagues across the Mission in issues related to human rights and gender language. Help with cross-Mission activities (e.g. VIP visits). Some administrative, logistical and policy support, including on organising side events, visits and delegations to meetings in Geneva may be required.

Our ideal candidate shows: 

  • Full professional proficiency in English (written and spoken, minimum of C1 level for CEFR framework*);
  • At least 3 - 7 years of professional experience of the UN/multilateral system, preferably on human rights;
  • Previous professional experience in drafting and reporting;
  • Experience in multilateral negotiations and influencing;
  • Knowledge of, and a keen interest in, the UN human rights system;
  • Strong spoken and written communication skills, including the ability to produce written reports in a timely manner and in a clear and concise style;
  • Excellent interpersonal and team-working skills. Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment with respect for diversity;
  • Ability to work flexibly to manage competing priorities and work under pressure to tight deadlines;
  • Good IT skills. 

Nice to have: 

  • University degree in international law, political science, international relations or other discipline related to human rights;
  • Good media/communication skills and familiarity with social media.
Communicating and Influencing, Delivering at Pace, Making Effective Decisions, Working Together
29 September 2024
Executive Officer (EO)
Full-time, Permanent
40
Europe, Eastern Europe & Central Asia
Switzerland
UK Mission to the Office of the United Nations, Geneva
UK Delegation
1
6 January 2025

This is a permanent, full time contract.  

The mission and team are supportive of ensuring a good work-life balance, including protecting family time and caring responsibilities wherever possible.

However, there are times during the year when long working hours are required and this position requires in-person attendance at UN human rights meetings. There is therefore no scope for flexible working during these times. 

When weekend or evening working is required, some “time off in lieu” is offered during quieter periods. 

All applicants should have permission to live and work in Switzerland.

Applicants that have the right to live and work in Geneva and don’t require a visa sponsorship are: Nationals from United Kingdom, European Union and EFTA, along with Nationals of: Brunei Darussalam, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Principality of Andorra, Principality of Monaco, San Marino, Singapore and Vatican.

The final appointment and commencement of internship will be dependent upon successful security clearance.

Learning & Development: 

No specific training courses to be completed for this role. The mission and team strongly support continuous professional development for all employees. There are significant opportunities to learn “on the job” in areas relevant to the role and to the wider team’s – and mission’s – work, including potential for work-shadowing other colleagues and leading on cross-mission corporate initiatives.

The UK Mission Geneva attaches great importance to the learning and development of its staff, with both formal and informal training and development opportunities available for all employees, in line with a personalised development plan. This learning and development offer is facilitated by the Mission’s L&D Committee, and supported by the L&D Champion. 

The UK government provides a broad range of dedicated learning and development opportunities, including workshops and courses in areas directly relevant to this role. Some funding for tailored learning and development opportunities is also available. 

Please note that the deadline for applications is 23:55 on the day mentioned in the above field “Application deadline”. We advise you to allow enough time to complete and submit your full application, since only applications completed and submitted before the deadline will be considered.

Please be aware that the deadline for submitting applications is considered to be the time zone for the country where the vacancy has arisen.

Please be advised that the UK Mission will not be able to support any cost during the Recruitment and Selection process, Security Check nor the costs connected with relocation if offered a job.

*Please note for more information on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment  levels  please click on the following link CEFR. Please bear in mind in case you are invited for an interview your language skill is going to be assessed.

Please be aware that you will only be able to apply to vacancies for Country Based Staff roles with the British Government through this official tal.net site (operated by Oleeo). Jobs may be advertised on third party websites, however our adverts will always link back to the official tal.net site. If you complete and send an application through any other site, we will not receive it.

This opportunity is closed to applications.