Human Rights Officer / Investigator - Job Opportunity at United Nations

Geneva, Switzerland
Temporary
Senior
Posted: April 23, 2025
On-site
USD 85,000 - 115,000 per year (P3-P4 level UN Professional Scale) plus significant benefits and allowances

Benefits

UN Diplomatic Status and Benefits Package
International Organization Pension Fund
Health Insurance Coverage
Education Grant for Dependents
Mobility and Hardship Allowances
Annual Leave and Home Leave Benefits

Key Responsibilities

Lead human rights investigations in complex political environments
Develop and implement investigative methodologies for human rights violations
Manage victim and witness protection protocols
Conduct analysis of systemic human rights issues
Produce authoritative reports for the UN Human Rights Council
Coordinate multi-stakeholder investigation teams
Implement gender-sensitive investigation approaches

Requirements

Education

Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in law, political science, international relations, social sciences or related field

Experience

Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible work experience in human rights with two (2) years in investigations

Required Skills

Human rights investigation expertise International law knowledge Research and analytical capabilities Interview and documentation skills Risk assessment and security management Report writing and analysis Gender-sensitive investigation methods Diplomatic communication skills
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

Increasing focus on technology-enabled human rights investigations including satellite imagery and digital evidence Growing emphasis on gender-sensitive investigation methodologies in international organizations Rising demand for investigators with regional expertise in complex political environments Expansion of human rights monitoring to include digital rights and surveillance issues

Role Significance

Typically part of a 5-10 person investigation team within larger mission structure
Senior professional role with significant investigative autonomy and direct impact on international human rights accountability

Key Projects

Complex human rights violation investigations Development of investigation methodologies Victim and witness protection programs High-level reporting to UN bodies Regional capacity building initiatives

Success Factors

Strong diplomatic and cultural sensitivity while maintaining investigative integrity Ability to work in high-pressure political environments Excellence in victim-centered investigation approaches Strong documentation and evidence handling capabilities Effective stakeholder management across multiple UN bodies

Market Demand

High demand for experienced human rights investigators, particularly with Middle East expertise and language skills, driven by increasing international focus on human rights accountability mechanisms

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Investigation methodology expertise essential for maintaining credibility of findings Diplomatic skills crucial for navigating sensitive political contexts Cultural sensitivity vital for effective witness interaction Documentation expertise critical for evidence preservation

Beneficial Skills

Technology skills for digital investigation methods Media handling capabilities Project management expertise Regional language abilities

Unique Aspects

Rare opportunity to work on mandated fact-finding mission with direct Security Council visibility
Combination of investigative and diplomatic responsibilities
High-profile role with potential to influence international human rights policy
Significant protection responsibilities for victims and witnesses

Career Growth

2-4 years in role typical before advancement, depending on mandate extensions and performance

Potential Next Roles

Investigation Team Leader Senior Human Rights Officer Special Rapporteur Regional Human Rights Director International Criminal Court Investigator

Company Overview

United Nations

The United Nations is the world's foremost intergovernmental organization, with universal membership and comprehensive mandate in international peace, security, and human rights

Premier global organization for human rights investigations and accountability mechanisms
Geneva posting provides central access to UN human rights machinery and diplomatic community
Formal, diplomatic environment with strong emphasis on international standards and protocols
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