Human Rights Officer

About the role

The Human Rights Officer will support the United Nations Support Office in Somalia by monitoring, analysing and reporting on human rights developments across multiple duty stations. The role involves close collaboration with UN agencies, national authorities and civil society to prevent violations and promote accountability.

Key responsibilities

• Research, collect and verify information on human rights from open sources and UN partners.
• Advocate with authorities and influential actors to stop or prevent violations and seek remedial actions.
• Monitor legal systems for compliance with international human rights instruments and advise on implementation of UN recommendations.
• Conduct investigations of human rights and international humanitarian law violations, supervising junior staff as needed.
• Prepare and deliver reports, briefings and communications in line with UN standards.
• Provide technical assistance and capacity‑building training to national officials, civil‑society groups and security forces.
• Integrate gender perspectives and women’s rights issues into all activities.

Required profile

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in law, political science, international relations or related field; or a first‑level degree plus two additional years of relevant experience.
• Minimum five years of progressively responsible experience in the human rights field, including at least one year of monitoring and reporting.
• Experience conducting human rights investigations and delivering capacity‑building activities is desirable.
• Fluency in English and French, the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat.