About the Organization
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) operates a Regional Hub for East and Southern Africa, based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The OHCHR is dedicated to the promotion and protection of universal human rights, guided by the principles of efficiency, competence, and integrity as established in the Charter of the United Nations. The organization is deeply committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and respectful working environment, recruiting staff without regard to gender identity, race, religion, cultural background, or disabilities.
The United Nations actively works toward achieving a 50/50 gender balance among its staff members. Consequently, female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. The organization values collaboration and teamwork, placing the collective agenda above personal interests to achieve its overarching organizational goals. Furthermore, the OHCHR strives to provide reasonable accommodations to support the participation of applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment and selection process.
As part of the United Nations, the OHCHR upholds the highest standards of professional conduct and ethics. The organization strictly prohibits violations of international human rights and humanitarian law, as well as sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment. By joining this team, you will contribute to critical initiatives that advance equality, accountability, and the global commitment to leaving no one behind.
Job Description and Strategic Impact
As a Human Rights Officer, you will serve as a key member of the Regional Hub, reporting to a workstream lead and the Regional Director. Your work will encompass a wide range of responsibilities, including monitoring and investigating compliance with international human rights and humanitarian law. You will play a strategic role in advising UN leadership and national authorities on issues such as the protection of civilians, the rule of law, and transitional justice.
A significant portion of your role will involve collecting, documenting, and analyzing evidence-based information regarding civil, cultural, economic, social, and political rights. This data-driven work is essential for informed decision-making, early warning systems, and crisis management. You will also design and deliver capacity-building programs for state institutions, security forces, and civil society, ensuring that human rights norms are integrated into development and economic frameworks.
Your daily contributions will directly impact the effectiveness of the organization’s advocacy and outreach activities. By drafting analytical reports, briefings, and policy papers, you will help tackle impunity and address socio-economic challenges. Furthermore, you will contribute to human rights mainstreaming, helping to align regional policies with international standards and national development plans.
This position offers significant opportunities for professional growth, as you will engage with a variety of stakeholders to foster partnerships and build capacity. Your ability to visualize complex data through graphs and reports will enable evidence-based planning and reporting, making you a vital asset to the Regional Hub’s mission. You will work in a collaborative environment that values critical thinking, persistence, and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations.
Job Positions and Requirements
Human Rights Officer, NO-C
Educational Qualification: An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in human rights, law, political science, international relations, social sciences, economics, public policy, sustainable development, humanitarian affairs, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.
Work Experience: A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in human rights or related areas is required. Candidates must possess skills in drafting human rights reports, policy, and other documents, as well as in designing, delivering, and evaluating capacity-building and training programs.
Job Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Salary: Competitive UN professional scale.
No. Required: 1
Employment Type and Compensation
This is a National Professional Officer (NO-C) position located in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Candidates for this category must be nationals of Ethiopia. The position offers the opportunity to work within a professional environment dedicated to high standards of excellence, with potential for periodic mobility to discharge functions in different duty stations as required by the organization.
External candidates recruited for this position are subject to an initial probationary period of one year under a fixed-term appointment. The United Nations is a non-smoking environment, and employment decisions are based strictly on qualifications and the needs of the organization. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and may be assigned to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted via the official online recruitment platform, inspira. Applicants are urged to follow all instructions available on the platform and to refer to the Applicant Guide for detailed guidance. It is imperative to provide complete and accurate information in your application, as no modifications can be made once it has been submitted.
Please note that scanned certificates or attachments are not required to be submitted during the initial application phase. Original documentation may be required at a later stage of the recruitment process for verification purposes. Candidates under serious consideration will undergo reference checks to verify the information provided.
The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training, and it does not concern itself with information regarding an applicant’s bank accounts. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an assessment exercise and a competency-based interview. Ensure your application is submitted before the deadline to be considered for this professional opportunity.
Application Deadline
June 22, 2026
Official Application Link / Contact
Interested candidates should apply through the United Nations Careers portal via Job Opening ID 278845.