Associate Human Rights Officer (JPO, P2)
Switzerland, Geneva, Geneva
Nonprofit/Community/Social Services/International Cooperation
Other
Date of last update: 2026-01-21 (Expiry date: 2026-02-10)
Job description
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The compatibility is only an indication and should not discourage you from applying if you think your profile matches. It is also not taken into consideration for recruitment.
The mission of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights is to ensure the universal enjoyment of all human rights by giving practical effect to the will and resolve of the world community as expressed by the United Nations.
The Rule of Law and Democracy Section works to strengthen justice systems, accountability, and democratic institutions in line with international human rights standards. It develops legal and policy tools, supports transitional justice mechanisms, and advises on issues such as access to justice, constitutional reform, and legal frameworks in conflict and post-conflict settings. The Section also builds national capacities, provides technical assistance, monitors legal systems, and promotes accountability for human rights violations, including through cooperation with international courts and UN partners.
As Associate Human Rights Officer you support the Rule of Law and Democracy Section by providing the following:
- Conduct legal research and analysis on human rights, democracy, and public freedoms.
- Support advice to field presences, OHCHR colleagues, and partners on legislation and democracy-related human rights issues, including at the Human Rights Council.
- Contribute to internal guidance, tools, and reference materials on democratic participation, elections, and related human rights.
- Assist in advancing work on human rights, elections, and parliaments through guidance drafting, training, and partner coordination.
- Support the preparation of statements, reports, and the organization of workshops, consultations, and seminars.
- Etc.
Part of the Swiss JPO Programme, this position is sponsored by the Peace and Human Rights Division (PHRD) of the FDFA.
Please find the full job description here:
More information
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Vacancies: 1
Working hours (%): 80-100% / 100%
80-100% / 100%Type of contract: Staff (Permanent and Fixed Term)
Duration: 1-2 year assignment (1 year renewable fixed-term contracts)
Education level: Master's degree
Driving licence: Car driving licence
Macro-area: Switzerland
Level of experience: Professional, 3 to 5 years
Area of work Definition: Democracy, Governance, Human Rights, Law, Public Administration
Area of work: Documentation, Knowledge Management, Research, Analysis
Type of organisation: Multilateral Organisations
Skills required
For the Swiss JPO programme:
- Swiss nationality
- Not older than 32 years at the date of the first round of interviews
- Fluency in English and a second UN language
- Master's degree
- Two Swiss national languages
- Driving license
For this position:
- Master's degree in law with specialization in international law, in particular international human rights law
- 3 years of professional experience in the field of human rights or another related area required. (OHCHR counts work experience gained after completion of the first university degree. Internship experience is counted as 50%)
- General knowledge and previous experience working on human rights and democracy would be an asset
- Good computer skills.
Please find more details in the full job description.
Important details regarding your application
Make sure your profile on cinfoPoste is complete and up to date:
- Mandatory: Motivation letter in English (not more than 3500 characters, to be inserted in the pop-up window when you click on "apply")
- Mandatory: UN Personal History Profile duly completed and uploaded under the section "documents". Note that we will base our evaluation and calculation of your relevant experience on the UN Personal History Profile, not the CV.
- Mandatory: Work certificates, diplomas and university credentials (as PDF) uploaded under the section "documents".
- Mandatory: A copy of your driving license
- Optional: updated CV in English
Find useful tips and resources related to UN applications on the cinfo website and read this article.
Application deadline: 10 February 2026
Written test: to be completed between 13 – 17 February 2026
First round of interviews: 02 / 03 March 2026 online
Start date: Please be aware that the recruitment process may take 3 to 6 months. You are expected to start your assignment within 3 months following notification of selection.
Any questions? Contact Michal Habegger, cinfo's Recruitment Specialist, recruitment@cinfo.ch
We are committed to gender balance and encourage applications from qualified individuals of all genders. We also welcome applications from people with different gender identities and from people with different backgrounds, including sexual orientation, disability, cultural or religious background. We value an inclusive working environment that promotes equal opportunities and a non-discriminatory culture.

