About the Organization
The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is the leading United Nations entity responsible for the promotion and protection of all human rights established under international law. As part of the East and Southern Africa Regional Office (ESARO), the Ethiopia Country Programme works tirelessly to integrate human rights principles into the fabric of national governance, ensuring that the dignity of every individual is respected and upheld. Our mission is to provide a platform for the voiceless and to hold institutions accountable to the highest global standards of justice.
We operate with a vision of a world where human rights are realized for everyone, everywhere. In Ethiopia, our work involves deep engagement with government stakeholders, civil society, and local communities to build capacity, monitor protection risks, and respond to systemic challenges. We believe that sustainable peace and development are only possible when human rights are at the forefront of the political and humanitarian agenda, and we strive to be the catalyst for this transformative change.
Our organizational culture is defined by the core UN values of integrity, professionalism, and respect for diversity. We foster a workplace that values collective intelligence and empathy, where staff members from various backgrounds collaborate to solve complex social and legal issues. The OHCHR provides a unique professional environment where your daily tasks contribute directly to the global movement for justice and human equality.
We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds. We recognize that our strength lies in our diversity, and we actively work to ensure that our team reflects the global population we serve, including providing reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities.
In line with our mandate to promote equality, the OHCHR explicitly encourages women and individuals from underrepresented groups to apply for these positions. We believe that achieving gender parity and broad representation is essential to our legitimacy and effectiveness. By joining us, you will be part of an organization that practices the very principles of inclusion and equity that it advocates for worldwide.
Job Description and Strategic Impact
The Human Rights Assistant role is a vital component of the OHCHR’s field operations, serving as the “eyes and ears” of the organization across diverse regions in Ethiopia. These seventeen positions are strategically distributed to ensure a comprehensive reach, allowing the UN to monitor, report, and respond to human rights situations in real-time. By documenting complaints and assisting in monitoring missions, you play a direct role in preventing violations and seeking redress for victims.
Your work has a profound strategic impact on the Ethiopia Country Programme’s ability to influence policy and drive reform. The information you gather and verify informs high-level briefings, communication materials, and international reports that shape the global understanding of the human rights landscape in the region. You are the link between local human rights actors and international protection mechanisms, ensuring that local realities are reflected in global strategies.
A typical day in this role involves high levels of engagement and logistical coordination. You might find yourself documenting sensitive information from witnesses, mapping local civil society networks, or visiting facilities such as detention centers and hospitals to assess conditions. This position requires a high degree of emotional intelligence and professional resilience, as you will be dealing with individuals in vulnerable situations and complex socio-political environments.
Career development at the United Nations is a journey of continuous learning and global exposure. As a Human Rights Assistant, you will receive specialized training on UN policies and international human rights frameworks. The experience gained in the field—from incident reporting to stakeholder engagement—provides a powerful springboard for advancing within the UN system or other international humanitarian organizations. We prioritize the professional growth of our staff as a means to strengthen our collective impact.
Joining the OHCHR means becoming a defender of human dignity. You will work under the guidance of experienced Human Rights Officers, contributing to a mandate that changes lives. Your dedication ensures that the principles of the UN Charter are not just words on paper, but lived realities for the people of Ethiopia. This is an opportunity to build a career defined by purpose, impact, and the pursuit of a more just world.
Job Positions and Requirements
Human Rights Assistant (G5)
Educational Qualification: High school diploma or equivalent is required. A first-level university degree is highly desirable and reduces the required years of experience.
Work Experience: Five (5) years of experience in social work, legal/paralegal work, or a field related to human rights. If you possess a first-level university degree, the requirement is reduced to three (3) years.
Job Location: Addis Ababa, Bahir Dar, Dese, Mekelle, Semera, Shire, Jijiga, Awasa, and Nekemte.
Salary: Negotiable/Per Scale (General Service Category).
No. Required: 17 Positions.
Mandatory experience in providing substantive or administrative support to national human rights institutions or organizations engaged in human rights or development.
Proven experience in human rights monitoring and reporting is a strict requirement for these roles.
Desirable experience includes contributing to information and awareness-raising activities or basic project management for populations in vulnerable situations.
Fluency in both English and Amharic (UN Level II) is required to perform monitoring and language assistance duties effectively.
Applicants must indicate their preferred duty station(s) in their motivation letter, ranking them in order of preference (e.g., 1 for the most preferred).
Knowledge of the domestic legal system and a good understanding of the functioning of national institutions in Ethiopia are essential.
The ability to gather, verify, and evaluate information from a variety of sources while maintaining the highest standards of confidentiality is critical.
Candidates must be ready to deploy and travel as required to visit detention facilities, courts, and hospitals.
Strong research and analytical skills are needed to contribute to the preparation of briefings and incident reports.
A commitment to incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work is a core competency.
Employment Type and Compensation
These positions are offered as temporary appointments for a minimum period of three (3) months, with the possibility of extension subject to the availability of funds. While temporary, these roles offer a significant opportunity to gain experience within the UN Secretariat and contribute to a high-priority country programme. Selection for a temporary position does not guarantee future permanency but provides an excellent entry point into the system.
Compensation for these General Service (G5) positions follows the UN’s localized salary scales, which are designed to be competitive and reflect the professional nature of the work. As local recruitment, these positions are intended for individuals who are already authorized to work in Ethiopia. The UN provides a professional and stable working environment, even within temporary frameworks, focusing on employee safety and well-being.
The United Nations offers a comprehensive benefits package that supports the professional and personal lives of its staff. This includes access to internal networks, global health standards, and a “non-smoking” corporate environment. We believe that providing a supportive and standard-compliant workplace is essential for our staff to carry out their demanding mandates effectively.
How to Apply
To maintain the integrity and efficiency of our recruitment process, scanned certificates or physical attachments are NOT required during the initial application phase on the Inspira platform. Your application should be completed accurately within the online system, focusing on your personal profile, work history, and a detailed motivation letter.
Original documents and academic credentials will be required only for physical verification if you reach the interview stage. Providing complete and accurate information in your Inspira profile is paramount, as no amendments or deletions can be made once the application is submitted. Candidates under serious consideration will undergo rigorous reference checks to verify all provided information.
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted at each stage of the selection process. The evaluation may include a technical assessment exercise followed by a competency-based interview. If you do not hear from the OHCHR, please understand that we receive a high volume of applications and can only move forward with those who most closely match the specific requirements of the G5 level.
The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, processing, or training). Any requests for payment should be disregarded. The paramount consideration in our recruitment is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.
Applicants must apply through the official UN recruitment portal, Inspira. Ensure your motivation letter clearly indicates your duty station preferences.
Application Deadline
May 7, 2026