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. Job Category UK Mission Job Subcategory Political Job Description (Roles and Responsibilities)

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.

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.

Essential qualifications, skills and experience

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.

Desirable qualifications, skills and experience

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.

Required behaviours Communicating and Influencing, Delivering at Pace, Making Effective Decisions, Working Together Application deadline 29 September 2024 Grade Executive Officer (EO) Type of Position Full-time, Permanent Working hours per week 40 Region Europe, Eastern Europe & Central Asia Country / Territory Switzerland Location (City) UK Mission to the Office of the United Nations, Geneva Type of Post UK Delegation Number of vacancies 1 Start Date 6 January 2025 Other benefits and conditions of employment

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.