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. The position is located in the team working on Integrating Human Rights in Development, with a specific focus of the position being on Human Rights Based Approach to Development, Human Rights Based Approach to Data, linkages between human rights and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals, maternal health, sexual and reproductive rights and gender, as well as human rights education.

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:

• Plan and implement programs adequately to monitor the human rights situation in their area of coverage;
• Research and collect information pertaining to human rights matters from a variety of data sources (e.g. communications, publications, the press) to keep abreast of issues/events and provide up-to-date information;
• Assist in the analysis of information, to include the impact on the human rights situation in assigned area;
• Draft a variety of reports, briefing papers, and correspondence relating to human rights matters;
• Maintain awareness of current human rights issues, to include relevant political and legal developments in the country and region concerned;
• Review human rights issues, including gender considerations, and contribute to the integration of these issues into relevant development programs at regional/national level;
• Develop and implement human rights training programmes for national interlocutors, including Government officials, legislators, representatives of civil society and human rights non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in order to promote national capacity building;
• Develop and implement a variety of programs at national and regional level to strengthen the capacity of national institutions with responsibilities in the area of human rights;
• Plan and implement effective programs to promote human rights awareness including sensitization and human rights education in general;
• Where required, represent the office on their own at meetings/coordination forums with national authorities, UN agencies, and other partners;
• Perform other related duties as required.

Competencies
Professionalism – Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of human rights-related matters, with a particular focus on economic, social and cultural rights, the links between human rights and development, the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development, Human Rights Based Approach, including to Data, as well as women’s human rights; ability to identify human rights issues, i.e. political, ethnic, racial, gender-based, social, economic in the country or geographic area, and devise recommendations on how to address such issues; demonstrated research and analytical skills, including the ability to identify and participate in the resolution of relevant issues/problems; substantive knowledge of institutional mandates, policies, guidelines, etc. related to human rights; skills in developing sources for data collection.

Planning and Organizing – Ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor own work plan; Demonstrated ability to apply good judgment in the context of assignments given;

Communication – Ability to speak and write in a clear and concise manner, including ability to draft a variety of reports, correspondence, etc.; Technological Awareness – Good computer skills, including proficiency in word processing, spreadsheets, and other relevant software packages;

Teamwork – Good interpersonal skills; ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Candidates may be expected to travel to, and carry out activities outside Kampala.

Critical Success Factors:

• Good analytical skills.
• Resourcefulness, initiative, maturity of judgment, tact, negotiating skills.
• Ability to communicate clearly both orally and in writing.
• Ability to work in a team, and establish effective working relations with persons of different national and cultural backgrounds.
• Flexibility in accepting work assignments outside normal desk description.

Ability to deal patiently and tactfully with people of different national and cultural backgrounds

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.