In implementing the mandate of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, OHCHR Uganda carries out interventions under five thematic areas: Strengthening the rule of law and accountability for human rights violations; Enhancing and protecting Civic Space and people’s Participation; Integrating human rights in sustainable development; Enhancing equality and countering discrimination; and Increasing implementation of the international human rights mechanisms’ outcomes. OHCHR’s interventions relate to the provision of technical assistance, including legal advice and capacity building, monitoring of human rights issues, and engaging in advocacy, among others.

OHCHR Uganda is seeking a National Human Rights Officer with a strong legal background and proven drafting, research, advocacy and organizing skills, to work on interventions in the thematic area of strengthening the rule of law and accountability for human rights violations.

Under the overall supervision of the Head of Office and under the direct supervision of the OHCHR Human Rights Officer and within delegated authority, the National Human Rights Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

• Assist in the execution of the Office work plan;
• Assist to develop and coordinate an Office-wide strategy to promote the respect and protection of human rights in the country, and contribute in particular to the realization of Sustainable Development Goal 16;
• Review, monitor and evaluate activities related to the implementation of international human rights instruments, including recommendations of treaty bodies and mechanisms of the Human Rights Council, in relation to the country;
• Take part in promoting and overseeing initiatives linked to supporting human rights promotion and protection, in collaboration with the existing civil society organisations (including NGOs) and UN agencies;
• Provide technical support to capacity-building and awareness-raising activities directly organized by OHCHR or co-organized with national partners;
• Contribute to the establishment and maintenance of a strong network of local and international human rights partners for the regular exchange of human rights information;
• Keep abreast of, including by liaising with relevant stakeholders, and research on legal developments in the country concerning access to justice, including transitional justice and inform relevant colleagues, also suggesting possible actions;
• Provide substantive and timely legal analysis on proposed bills and existing laws, regulations and other relevant documents, in particular concerning rule of law and non-discrimination issues, with the aim of advancing advocacy engagements;
• Draft technical documents, provide updates on assigned interventions under the relevant thematic area, and contribute inputs to other documents as requested;
• Develop an engagement strategy with Parliament, and in particular the Parliamentary Human Rights Committee, the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, the Justice Law and Order Sector Secretariat and other relevant institutional counterparts;
• Participate in technical meetings dealing with human rights/legal developments within the Justice Law and Order Sector;
• In consultation with the head of office, represent OHCHR at other working-level meetings, including coordination mechanisms, and liaise with development partners, civil society and other stakeholders, as requested;
• Ensure the integration of gender perspectives and attention to specific women/girl’s and children’s rights issues within all activities;
• Ensure optimal uses of resources allocated for activity implementation;
• Develop, plan and implement any other assigned activities as agreed upon with management.

Important applicant information

All posts in the GS categories are subject to local recruitment.

Applicant information about UNDP rosters

Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Workforce diversity

UNDP is committed to achieving diversity within its workforce, and encourages all qualified applicants, irrespective of gender, nationality, disabilities, sexual orientation, culture, religious and ethnic backgrounds to apply. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.