Org. Setting and ReportingThis is a position in the Office of the Human Rights Service of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). The Human Rights Officer will be based in Herat – an \"E\" hardship and non-family duty station – and will report to the Senior Human Rights Officer, under the direction of the Chief, Human Rights Service. ResponsibilitiesWithin delegated authority the Human Rights Officer will be responsible for the following duties: Leads the management and implementation of the human rights work in the assigned area in accordance with the UNAMA Human Rights Service workplan, and management of team members. Leads in planning and coordinating the implementation of activities related to thematic mandate of the UNAMA Human Rights Service, including from a gender perspective, inter alia: protection of civilians, including right to life, liberty and security of person; issues related to the rights of women, children, persons deprived of their liberty, prevention of torture and ill-treatment, human rights defenders, media workers, and other vulnerable groups; and monitoring of the fundamental freedoms and economic, social and cultural rights situation. Integrates UN-developed methodology in the human rights monitoring, reporting and fact-finding activities. Conducts substantive research and analysis of human rights issues based on field monitoring and assesses their impact on the human rights and gender equality situation. Collects and analyses human rights data and indicators in the assigned area, including gender- specific data and indicators. Identifies and develops initiatives to strengthen the response to systematic and/or emerging patterns of human rights violations and abuses, and to the formulation of meaningful recommendations and strategies to better promote and protect human rights in Afghanistan, with a view to stop or prevent human rights violations, seek remedial action by the de facto authorities and prevent similar violations from occurring in the future. Ensures the integration of human rights considerations in the work and programmes of the UNAMA field office, UN Regional Team and humanitarian actors, where applicable. Follows up on reported situations/incidents/cases of human rights violations and ensures timely entry of accurate and verified cases of human rights violations into established databases, in compliance with established standards, as well as ensuring assuring quality assurance of cases entered into established databases by the field team. Plans and/or coordinates the collection and analysis of human rights monitoring data and information, as well as the preparation of data presentations and reports, for information- sharing, responding to queries, knowledge-management, planning and decision-making. Plans and/or coordinates visualizations and the updating of information materials, such as brochures, web pages, etc. Organizes and/or maintains continuous exploratory meetings with de facto authorities, for purposes of maintaining direct engagement and contact on, and keeping abreast of, human rights situation/issues, and for advocacy, where appropriate. When possible, organizes visits to places of detention, facilities operated by the de facto police, intelligence, juvenile rehabilitation centres, and provincial prisons, for constructive engagement on issues pertaining to deprivation of liberty, prevention of torture and ill- treatment, and due process rights, based on relevant standards. Conducts human rights awareness-raising discussions with de facto authorities on international human rights standards, instruments and mechanisms. Drafts a variety of products (such as reports, briefings and other types of communications) relating to human rights matters, in compliance with established standards. Represents the UNAMA Human Rights Service at meetings and thematic events related to the UNAMA human rights mandate, as required. Serves as Officer-in-Charge of the Team in the absence of the Human Rights Officer/Team Leader. Performs other related duties, as required. CompetenciesPROFESSIONALISM: Good knowledge of human rights issues and ability to identify related problems in their political, ethnic, racial, gender equality and socio-economic dimensions in a humanitarian and conflict setting. Good knowledge of international human rights law standards and international humanitarian law. Good knowledge of the human rights-based approach to human rights field work. Good knowledge of operational methods of work on: protection of civilians including the right to life and physical integrity, protection of women and child victims of human rights violations, protection of victims of torture and ill-treatment, child protection, and human rights defenders, and monitoring of fundamental freedoms and economic, social and cultural rights. Good research and analytical skills, including ability to evaluate and integrate information from a variety of sources and assess impact on the human rights situation in the area of assignment, and ability to identify and participate in the resolution of human rights issues. Ability to identify sources for data collection, research and analyze 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. ACCOUNTABILITY: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honors commitments; Delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; Operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; Supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; Takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable. 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. MANAGING PERFORMANCE: Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority; Makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member; Accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills; Monitors progress against milestones and deadlines; Regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff; Encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative; Actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff; Appraises performance fairly. EducationAn advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in law, human rights, political science, international relations, social sciences, humanities, or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Job - Specific QualificationNot available. Work ExperienceA minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in human rights issues and relevant professional experience is required, particularly on issues of protection of civilians including right to life, liberty and security of person, discrimination and violence against women, child protection in situations of armed conflict, detention monitoring, prohibition of torture and ill-treatment, human rights defenders, civic space, and on fundamental freedoms and economic, social and cultural rights. At least two years’ experience – in a UN peace operation, UN human rights presence, or international organisation – in human rights fact-finding, in documentation including human rights case management, data analysis / analytics, and in reporting in conflict and/or post-conflict settings is required. At least two years' experience in leading, managing and supervising teams is required. Knowledge of the UNAMA Human Rights mandate, and previous experience in Afghanistan, is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is 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).