Human Rights Officer / Open-source Investigator (Temporary Job Opening), P3

Within delegated authority, the Human Rights Officer / Open-source Investigator will be responsible for conducting digital and open-source investigations into allegations of violations of international human rights, international humanitarian, and international criminal law. The officer will utilize the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) methodology, institutional guidelines, and protocols regarding digital evidence handling, information security, and open-source investigation techniques.

Key Responsibilities and Duties

• Investigations: Conduct open-source and digital investigations into human rights violations in accordance with forensic standards and institutional protocols.
• Technical Systems: Set up open-source investigation tools and analysis systems. Perform verification, authentication, geolocation, and analysis of digital content including audio, video, images, and satellite imagery.
• Evidence Preservation: Collect and preserve information and evidence from online sources such as social media, web pages, and photo/video sharing platforms, ensuring strict chain of custody and data integrity.
• Process Development: Contribute to the development of investigative processes to meet mission needs and prepare comprehensive investigation reports.
• Research & Analysis: Conduct substantive research on mandate-related issues and assess their impact on human rights situations in assigned regions or countries.
• Data Collection: Analyze human rights data and indicators, including gender-specific data.
• Mainstreaming: Ensure human rights issues and gender equality dimensions are integrated into political, humanitarian, and economic programs.
• Representation: Represent the UN human rights program at working-level meetings and draft reports, briefings, and statements for policy-making bodies.
• Mentorship: Provide guidance to junior or new staff members.

Qualifications and Experience

• Education: An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law, political science, international relations, social sciences, or a related area. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.
• General Experience: A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, political affairs, international relations, law, or related areas.
• Specialized Experience (Desirable): At least two (2) years of specific experience in online open-source investigation, analysis, or verification in international human rights or criminal investigations.
• Regional Knowledge (Desirable): Relevant working experience in or on the specific region is highly desirable.
• Training (Desirable): Training on open-source investigation and analysis is a plus.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified candidates should apply online via the official United Nations careers portal. You can find the application page at careers.un.org or by following the application link: Apply for Human Rights Officer / Open-source Investigator.