Human Rights Officer – Sustainable Development Advisor

About the role

The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Dakar is seeking a Human Rights Officer to serve as a Sustainable Development Advisor. Reporting to the UN Human Rights Regional Representative and the Chief of the Sustainable Development Section in Geneva, the incumbent will support the integration of human‑rights principles into regional development policies and programmes.

Key responsibilities

• Provide analysis and policy advice on human‑rights‑based economic and social policies, supporting the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
• Assist in integrating human rights into State and UN development policies, UN Common Country Analyses, and Sustainable Development Cooperation Frameworks.
• Offer technical assistance to strengthen national capacities and monitor implementation of international human rights instruments.
• Prepare human‑rights sections of reports for the General Assembly, Human Rights Council and other UN bodies.
• Coordinate with UN units, regional development mechanisms, governments, NGOs, and international financial institutions to embed human rights and gender perspectives in development programmes.
• Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of economic policy, development trends and human‑rights issues, providing recommendations for action.
• Support country offices and UN teams in designing and delivering training programmes with a gender focus.

Required profile

• Advanced university degree in law, international relations, development studies or a related field.
• Significant experience in human‑rights policy, development cooperation or related UN work.
• Demonstrated ability to work with diverse stakeholders, including governments, NGOs and multilateral institutions.
• Strong analytical, drafting and communication skills in English.

Required skills