Org. Setting and Reporting This position is located in the Human Rights Service of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). The Assistant Human Rights Officers will be based in the UNAMA Regional Offices in Herat and Mazar-i-Sharif, and at the UNAMA headquarters in Kabul, supervised by Human Rights Officers/Team Leaders under the guidance of Senior Human Rights Officers.
Responsibilities Within delegated authority, the Assistant Human Rights Officer will be responsible for the following duties: Assists and contributes to the planning, coordination and implementation of activities related to the UNAMA human rights mandate, including from a gender perspective, inter alia, protection of civilians, right to life, liberty and integrity; fundamental freedoms; issues related to the rights of women, children, persons deprived of their liberty, civic space, human rights defenders, media workers and other vulnerable groups; and monitoring of the economic, social and cultural rights situation of the Mission area; Contributes to the integration of gender perspectives/considerations and specific women/girls' rights issues in all activities and to the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; Assists in researching, collecting, verifying, analyzing and synthesizing significant amounts of information, including from open sources, of relevance to human rights in the Mission area; Integrates UN-developed methodology in the human rights monitoring, reporting and investigation activities; Assists in liaising with appropriate local de facto authorities, civil society, UN agencies, funds and programmes with complementary mandates, and other relevant stakeholders, to monitor developments in the human rights situation; Assists in the development of initiatives to strengthen the response to systematic and/or emerging patterns of human rights violations and abuses; Assists in the fact-finding process of international human rights, and international humanitarian, law violations; Verifies and ensures the timely entry of human rights violations cases into existing databases, in compliance with established standards; Where feasible, plans, coordinates, and carries out detention monitoring visits to detention centres including but not limited to de facto Police and Intelligence facilities, Provincial Prisons, and the Juvenile Rehabilitation Centres (JRC); Assists with the collection and analysis of data based on human rights monitoring, as well as the preparation of data presentations and reports using data visualisation methods, for situational awareness, information-sharing, responding to queries, knowledge-management, planning, and decision-making; Drafts and provides inputs to variety of products – including reports, briefings and other types of communications on human rights matters – in compliance with established standards; Participates in the formulation of meaningful recommendations and strategies to better promote and protect human rights in the Mission area; Participates in the mainstreaming of human rights in the formulation and implementation of the UN peace mission and UN agencies, funds and programmes activities at country or local levels; Interacts with other UN peace operation components/sections, including Political Affairs and Public Information, to integrate human rights considerations in their respective activities; Interacts with UN agencies, funds and programmes operating in the Mission area for information-sharing and to integrate human rights considerations in their respective activities; Assists in supporting human rights discussions and dialogue with de facto authorities, civil society and other stakeholders on relevant international human rights norms and standards; Assists in the design, delivery and evaluation of human rights awareness-raising seminars / programmes for de facto authorities, civil society and other stakeholders; Organises and participates in field missions, aimed at implementing the UN peace operation’s human rights mandate.
Translates documents and interprets at meetings. Performs other related duties, as required. Competencies Professionalism: Knowledge of human rights issues and ability to identify related problems in their political, ethnic, racial, gender equality and socio-economic dimensions. Knowledge of international human rights law standards and international humanitarian law.
Good research and analytical skills, including ability to evaluate and integrate information from a variety of sources, assess impact on the human rights situation in the area of assignment, and identify and participate in the resolution of human rights issues. Ability to identify sources for data collection, analyse information and draft human rights reports. Shows pride in work and in achievements. Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter.
Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results. Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns. Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations.Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively.
Listen to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately. Asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication. Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals. Solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others.
Places team agenda before personal agenda. Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position. Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. Education An advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in law, human rights, political science, international relations, social sciences, humanities, or similar fields is required.
A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Job - Specific Qualification Not available. Work Experience Two years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, social work, legal affairs or a closely related field is required. Experience working with national and/or international human rights standards, instruments and/or mechanisms is required.
Experience in human rights monitoring and reporting, and in raising awareness and building capacity for the promotion and protection of human rights, is required. Previous experience in database management and data analytics, and in project management, is desirable. Languages English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. Dari and Pashto are required.
The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details). .headtable { font-family: arial, sans-serif; border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; border: 1px solid gray; border-radius: 10px; overflow: hidden; } .headTitle { font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; /*color: rgb(65, 98, 145);*/ color:black; } .headtable tr td, .headtable tr th { text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; padding: 6px; } .headtable th{ background-color: #F4F4F4; color: #002d62; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; padding: 12px; border-right: 1px solid #ccc; } .headtable td { text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; background-color: white; border-top: 1px solid #ccc; border-right: 1px solid #ccc; } .headtable th:last-child, .headtable td:last-child { border-right: none; } .headtable tr:last-child td { border-bottom: none; } .rounded-table-wrapper { border-radius: 12px; border: 1px solid #ccc; overflow: hidden; } Required Languages Language Reading Writing Listening Speaking English UN Level III UN Level III UN Level III UN Level III Dari UN Level III UN Level III UN Level III UN Level III Pashto UN Level III UN Level III UN Level III UN Level III Assessment Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise.
Special Notice This position is temporarily available until 31 December 2026 with a possibility of extension. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment. While this temporary assignment may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, the selection for this position is for a limited period and has no bearing on the future incumbency of the post.
Subject to the funding source of the position, the eligibility for this temporary job opening may be limited to candidates based at the duty station. This temporary job opening may be limited to “internal candidates,” who have been recruited through a competitive examination administered according to staff rule 4.16 or staff selection process including the review of a central review body established according to staff rule 4.15.
Staff members of the United Nations common system organizations who will reach the mandatory age of separation or retirement within the duration of the current temporary need period are not eligible to apply. Submitting an application or selection for the current temporary job opening does not delay or increase the mandatory age of separation.
Retirees above the mandatory age of separation who wish to be considered for the current temporary job opening must indicate the reason for their last separation as "retirement."
Such retirees shall not be employed by the Organization, unless (a) the operational requirements of the Organization cannot be met by staff members who are qualified and available to perform the required functions; and (b) the proposed employment would not adversely affect the career development or redeployment opportunities of other staff members and represents both a cost-effective and operationally sound solution to meet the needs of the service.
United Nations Considerations According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.
Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts.
The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions.
The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment.
Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process.
By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c).
Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions.
Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile of the inspira account-holder homepage.
The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines.
Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application.
All external candidates recruited in accordance with section 2.2 (a) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment without limitation and all external candidates recruited in accordance with section 2.2. (c) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment limited to the entity are subject to an initial probationary period of one year under a fixed-term appointment. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.
No Fee THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.
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Org. Setting and Reporting This position is located in the Human Rights Service of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). The Assistant Human Rights Officers will be based in the UNAMA Regional Offices in Herat and Mazar-i-Sharif, and at the UNAMA headquarters in Kabul, supervised by Human Rights Officers/Team Leaders under the guidance of Senior Human Rights Officers. Responsibilities Within delegated authority, the Assistant Human Rights Officer will be responsible for the following duties: Assists and contributes to the planning, coordination and implementation of activities related to the UNAMA human rights mandate, including from a gender perspective, inter alia, protection of civilians, right to life, liberty and integrity; fundamental freedoms; issues related to the rights of women, children, persons deprived of their liberty, civic space, human rights defenders, media workers and other vulnerable groups; and monitoring of the economic, social and cultural rights situation of the Mission area; Contributes to the integration of gender perspectives/considerations and specific women/girls' rights issues in all activities and to the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; Assists in researching, collecting, verifying, analyzing and synthesizing significant amounts of information, including from open sources, of relevance to human rights in the Mission area; Integrates UN-developed methodology in the human rights monitoring, reporting and investigation activities; Assists in liaising with appropriate local de facto authorities, civil society, UN agencies, funds and programmes with complementary mandates, and other relevant stakeholders, to monitor developments in the human rights situation; Assists in the development of initiatives to strengthen the response to systematic and/or emerging patterns of human rights violations and abuses; Assists in the fact-finding process of international human rights, and international humanitarian, law violations; Verifies and ensures the timely entry of human rights violations cases into existing databases, in compliance with established standards; Where feasible, plans, coordinates, and carries out detention monitoring visits to detention centres including but not limited to de facto Police and Intelligence facilities, Provincial Prisons, and the Juvenile Rehabilitation Centres (JRC); Assists with the collection and analysis of data based on human rights monitoring, as well as the preparation of data presentations and reports using data visualisation methods, for situational awareness, information-sharing, responding to queries, knowledge-management, planning, and decision-making; Drafts and provides inputs to variety of products – including reports, briefings and other types of communications on human rights matters – in compliance with established standards; Participates in the formulation of meaningful recommendations and strategies to better promote and protect human rights in the Mission area; Participates in the mainstreaming of human rights in the formulation and implementation of the UN peace mission and UN agencies, funds and programmes activities at country or local levels; Interacts with other UN peace operation components/sections, including Political Affairs and Public Information, to integrate human rights considerations in their respective activities; Interacts with UN agencies, funds and programmes operating in the Mission area for information-sharing and to integrate human rights considerations in their respective activities; Assists in supporting human rights discussions and dialogue with de facto authorities, civil society and other stakeholders on relevant international human rights norms and standards; Assists in the design, delivery and evaluation of human rights awareness-raising seminars / programmes for de facto authorities, civil society and other stakeholders; Organises and participates in field missions, aimed at implementing the UN peace operation’s human rights mandate. Translates documents and interprets at meetings. Performs other related duties, as required. Competencies Professionalism: Knowledge of human rights issues and ability to identify related problems in their political, ethnic, racial, gender equality and socio-economic dimensions. Knowledge of international human rights law standards and international humanitarian law. Good research and analytical skills, including ability to evaluate and integrate information from a variety of sources, assess impact on the human rights situation in the area of assignment, and identify and participate in the resolution of human rights issues. Ability to identify sources for data collection, analyse information and draft human rights reports. Shows pride in work and in achievements. Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter. Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results. Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns. Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations.Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively. Listen to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately. Asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication. Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals. Solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others. Places team agenda before personal agenda. Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position. Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. Education An advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in law, human rights, political science, international relations, social sciences, humanities, or similar fields is required. A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Job - Specific Qualification Not available. Work Experience Two years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, social work, legal affairs or a closely related field is required. Experience working with national and/or international human rights standards, instruments and/or mechanisms is required. Experience in human rights monitoring and reporting, and in raising awareness and building capacity for the promotion and protection of human rights, is required. Previous experience in database management and data analytics, and in project management, is desirable. Languages English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. Dari and Pashto are required. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details). .headtable { font-family: arial, sans-serif; border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; border: 1px solid gray; border-radius: 10px; overflow: hidden; } .headTitle { font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; /*color: rgb(65, 98, 145);*/ color:black; } .headtable tr td, .headtable tr th { text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; padding: 6px; } .headtable th{ background-color: #F4F4F4; color: #002d62; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; padding: 12px; border-right: 1px solid #ccc; } .headtable td { text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; background-color: white; border-top: 1px solid #ccc; border-right: 1px solid #ccc; } .headtable th:last-child, .headtable td:last-child { border-right: none; } .headtable tr:last-child td { border-bottom: none; } .rounded-table-wrapper { border-radius: 12px; border: 1px solid #ccc; overflow: hidden; } Required Languages Language Reading Writing Listening Speaking English UN Level III UN Level III UN Level III UN Level III Dari UN Level III UN Level III UN Level III UN Level III Pashto UN Level III UN Level III UN Level III UN Level III Assessment Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise. Special Notice This position is temporarily available until 31 December 2026 with a possibility of extension. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment. While this temporary assignment may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, the selection for this position is for a limited period and has no bearing on the future incumbency of the post. Subject to the funding source of the position, the eligibility for this temporary job opening may be limited to candidates based at the duty station. This temporary job opening may be limited to “internal candidates,” who have been recruited through a competitive examination administered according to staff rule 4.16 or staff selection process including the review of a central review body established according to staff rule 4.15. Staff members of the United Nations common system organizations who will reach the mandatory age of separation or retirement within the duration of the current temporary need period are not eligible to apply. Submitting an application or selection for the current temporary job opening does not delay or increase the mandatory age of separation. Retirees above the mandatory age of separation who wish to be considered for the current temporary job opening must indicate the reason for their last separation as "retirement." Such retirees shall not be employed by the Organization, unless (a) the operational requirements of the Organization cannot be met by staff members who are qualified and available to perform the required functions; and (b) the proposed employment would not adversely affect the career development or redeployment opportunities of other staff members and represents both a cost-effective and operationally sound solution to meet the needs of the service. United Nations Considerations According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. All external candidates recruited in accordance with section 2.2 (a) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment without limitation and all external candidates recruited in accordance with section 2.2. (c) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment limited to the entity are subject to an initial probationary period of one year under a fixed-term appointment. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date. No Fee THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.