About the Organization
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is a cornerstone of the international human rights system, mandated to promote and protect the universal enjoyment of all human rights. The organization operates with a deep commitment to integrity, competence, and efficiency, guided by the Charter of the United Nations. Its mission is to support the integration of human rights into all aspects of national and international policy, fostering environments where fundamental freedoms are respected.
The OHCHR maintains a culture of inclusivity, actively recruiting staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds, or disabilities. The organization is steadfast in its commitment to achieving a 50/50 gender balance within its workforce and strongly encourages female candidates to apply for its professional openings. This commitment ensures that the OHCHR remains a diverse, representative, and dynamic institution capable of addressing complex global human rights challenges.
By joining the OHCHR, you become part of an environment that values mutual respect, professional collaboration, and continuous learning. The organization provides comprehensive support, including reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities, to ensure that every qualified individual can participate fully in the recruitment and selection process. As an international institution, the OHCHR offers a unique platform for professionals to contribute to the global advancement of human rights and social justice.
Job Description and Strategic Impact
As a Human Rights Officer at the P-4 level, you will serve as a regional lead and focal point for the OHCHR’s engagement on economic, social, and cultural rights (ESCR). This role is strategically vital, as you will develop evidence-based work, policy papers, and legal briefs that offer concrete solution pathways to complex human rights problems. Your work will directly inform the senior leadership of the OHCHR, providing them with essential advice and recommendations on critical substantive matters.
Your day-to-day responsibilities will include reviewing and monitoring the implementation of international human rights instruments and the recommendations of treaty bodies. You will also engage with diverse stakeholders, including UN agencies like UNESCO and UNICEF, national officials, National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs), and civil society organizations. These collaborations are essential for planning projects, conducting advocacy, and executing joint programs that integrate human rights, including gender perspectives, into broader development agendas.
This position also involves significant leadership responsibilities, as you will serve as a team leader for work coordination and administrative functions, while also training and supervising new or junior staff. You will be tasked with preparing crucial reports for the General Assembly and the Human Rights Council, ensuring that the status of human rights implementation is accurately documented and communicated. Your ability to navigate sensitive political and social contexts will be paramount to the success of your interventions and advocacy efforts.
Beyond programmatic work, you will provide substantive support for consultative meetings and conferences, ensuring that diverse perspectives are included and that discussions lead to meaningful action. The impact of this role is profound, as it directly influences how international human rights standards are applied at the national level. You will be an ambassador for human rights, working to avert hostilities and promote preventive action through training and capacity-building for national authorities and advocacy groups.
Job Positions and Requirements
Human Rights Officer, P-4
Educational Qualification: An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law, political science, international relations, social sciences, economics, data science, public policy, or a related field is required. 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.
Work Experience: A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, political affairs, international relations, law, economics, public policy, or a related area is required. At least five years of experience in the field of cultural rights is required. At least two years of experience in managing a multidisciplinary team at the United Nations or a similar setting is desirable. Experience working with governments and national stakeholders, including through providing technical assistance and capacity-building, is also desirable.
Job Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Salary: Competitive UN professional scale.
No. Required: 1
Employment Type and Compensation
The position is a professional role within the United Nations Secretariat. As a staff member in the Professional and higher category, you will be subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and may be required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under established mobility conditions. All external candidates recruited for a fixed-term appointment will be subject to an initial probationary period of one year.
The United Nations is committed to the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity, and employment decisions are based on qualifications and organizational needs. Please note that for positions in the Professional and higher categories in a field operation or office, applicants cannot be of the nationality of the country where the position is located.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the official online recruitment platform, inspira. Candidates are urged to follow all instructions carefully and ensure that their profiles are complete and accurate, as no modifications can be made after submission. Please note that scanned certificates or attachments are not required to be submitted during the initial application phase.
The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. We do not request information about your personal bank accounts. Candidates under serious consideration will undergo reference checks, and only shortlisted individuals will be contacted for further steps, which may include an assessment exercise and a competency-based interview.
We strongly encourage applicants from Member States that are unrepresented or under-represented in the UN Secretariat as of April 30, 2026, to apply for this position. Interested candidates should ensure their application is submitted via the official career portal before the deadline.
Application Deadline
July 22, 2026
Official Application Link / Contact
Interested candidates should apply through the United Nations Careers portal via Job Opening ID 278889.
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