Human Rights Officer

The general minimum requirements for working with the OSCE are:

• Excellent physical condition
• Possession of a valid automobile driving license and ability to drive using manual transmission
• Ability to cope with physical hardship and willingness to work extra hours and in an environment with limited infrastructure

The general minimum requirements for working in this field of expertise are:

• University education in political sciences, international relations, public policy, law, international human rights law or other human rights related fields
• Experience working with human rights, minority or gender issues
• Demonstrable organizational, analytical, communication and interpersonal skills
• Experience in drafting reports

Furthermore, this level of responsibility requires the following:

Education:

First level university degree or equivalent experience

Experience:

Minimum 2 years of relevant professional experience including minimum 1 year in a relevant field strongly preferred

Additionally, this particular post has specific requirements:

Mandatory:

• University education in law, international human rights law, political sciences, international relations, public policy, or other human rights related fields
• Minimum 2 years of relevant professional experience in the areas of law, human rights, minority and/or gender issues
• Working knowledge of European and international human rights conventions and their practical implementation
• Demonstrable organizational, analytical, communication and interpersonal skills
• Professional fluency in English, both oral and written
• Flexibility, patience and an open-mindedness
• Willingness and experience working in a challenging environment
• Ability to operate windows applications, including word processing and e-mail
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to work as a member of a team, with people of different cultural and religious backgrounds, different gender and diverse political views while maintaining impartiality and objectivity
• Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and an ability to integrate gender perspective into tasks and activities

Under the supervision of the Head of Human Rights of the Human Dimension Department, the incumbent protects and promotes human rights and the rule of law in his/her geographic area of responsibility (AOR). The incumbent works in an OSCE field office and covers between five and ten municipalities. The Human Rights Officer actively monitors, investigates and reports on the human rights situation, with a focus on fair and equal access to essential services, which include social protection, social housing and access to health care. Specific duties include:

• Monitors systematic human rights concerns, especially in the areas of economic and social rights, minority rights and human trafficking;
• Identifies structural issues and intervenes with national authorities and advocates with the public authorities to create policies and legislation that would enhance the economic and social development in Bosnia and Herzegovina in a manner compliant with the international standards;
• Analyses legislation, policies and practice to ensure domestic compliance with international human rights law and standards;
• Identifies gaps between international human rights standards and domestic law and practice;
• Undertakes specific research and collects data to determine the extent to which a right is compiled in relation to the international human rights standard and to identify the most important obstacle to its compliance;
• Monitors and promotes the rights of national minorities, with a particular focus on Roma, as well as supports and promotes activities aimed at helping the prevention of and combating human trafficking;
• Produces reliable regular and focus reports on human rights situation and trends in the AOR;
• Provides recommendations on improvement of administrative or judicial procedures;
• Advises relevant public authorities and government officials on implementation of international human rights standards;
• Co-ordinates activities with other departments of the Mission;
• Co-ordinates activities with other international and national human rights organizations throughout the AOR;
• Human Rights Officer supervises two national staff members;
• Performs other duties as assigned.

The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages the nomination of qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious, ethnic and social backgrounds.

Candidates should, prior to applying, verify with their respective nominating authority to which extent financial remuneration and/or benefit packages will be offered.

Please apply to your relevant authorities several days prior to the deadline expiration to ensure timely processing of your application. Delayed nominations will not be considered.