National Consultant – Human Rights Officer

The Position:

Under the direct supervision of the Head of the GHR Unit, and in close collaboration with the Programme Analyst GBV and GEWE,in the UNFPA Country Office, the consultant will manage the scale-up project and contribute to the overall achievement of UNFPA Gender and Human Rights programme efforts in reducing gender-based violence and accelerating progress on the ICPD agenda and SDG 5 targets.

You will report to

Under the overall supervision of the Representative and direct supervision of the Head of Gender and Human Rights Programme Specialist the Human Rights Officer analyses and provides critical input into human rights workstream, including the political scanning and other country office mandate to ensure that issues affecting vulnerable populations including women and young people (including adolescents) and key populations are adequately addressed to ensure that no one is left behind in line with the SDGs

How you can make a difference:

UNFPA is the lead United Nations agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The UNFPA Strategic Plan for 2026-2029 articulates the organization’s response to a complex global environment, providing a roadmap for resilience and renewal. It is designed to accelerate the implementation of the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. This mandate is pursued through a focus on four interconnected outcomes: ending the unmet need for family planning; ending preventable maternal deaths; ending gender-based violence and harmful practices; and adapting to demographic change through evidence and rights-based policies.

In a world where fundamental human rights are at risk, we need principled and ethical staff who embody these international norms and standards and will defend them courageously and with full conviction.

UNFPA is seeking candidates who transform, inspire, and deliver high-impact sustained results, ensuring effective external relations, communications, partnership-building and resource mobilization in a rapidly changing development and funding landscape. We need staff who are transparent, exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them, and who commit to delivering excellence in programme results

Job Purpose

The Human Rights Officer provides inputs into and ensures coherence with the agreed national and international planning framework, including UNFPA Strategic Plan, the Delivery as One Framework, United Nations Sustainable Cooperation Framework, the Country Programme Document, and Annual Work plan. He /She provides guidance on maintaining collaborative relationships with counterparts in government, multi-lateral and bi-lateral agencies and civil society to address emerging issues and to facilitate programme delivery. He/she must effectively influence counterparts and work with networks, including civil society, to advance the ICPD agenda, through partnerships and national capacity strengthening, as well as other approaches such as south-south cooperation.

You would be responsible for:

The consultant will manage the scale-up project and contribute to the overall achievement of UNFPA Gender and Human Rights programme efforts in reducing gender-based violence and accelerating progress on the ICPD agenda and SDG 5 targets.

Specific Activities

Plans and coordinates activities related to thematic and country mandates on human rights, including from a political lens

Conducts substantive research and analysis notably on issues related to accountability and human rights included related to key populations and marginalized groups

Provides specialized advice and expertise on a range of human rights issues to relevant actors, including government, civil society, faith-based organizations and

any

other relevant organizations and those of interest

Follows up on implementation of decisions rendered by policy-making bodies.

Ensures human rights issues, including their gender equality dimensions considerations, are integrated into the CO's programme.

Defines work plan for area assigned in accordance with established terms of reference.

Contributes and reviews training programmes of the CO's government and CSO partners in relation to the CO's core mandate areas, human rights, international humanitarian law, democracy and the rule of law, with attention to gender perspectives and key populations

Represents UNFPA at relevant meetings across the board related to human rights issues.

Assists capacity-building and knowledge sharing efforts on human rights in the country/ region and conducts activities, including trainings where relevant to increase knowledge on country situations related to the CO's mandate areas, human rights, and accountability

Writes a variety of reports, communications, briefings, statements, etc., including to policy-making bodies

Performs other related duties as required, directed or instructed

Qualifications and

Experience

• A minimum of 3 years of responsible
• in SRH, national/international human rights law. international humanitarian law, or international criminal law.
• At least 3 years' professional
• preferably in programme/project management in the public or private sector (at national level).
• working on human rights obligations and
• in working with government institutions, NGOs, Private sector, and/or donor institutions.
• Conversant with national frameworks and policies on reproductive health and other population issues and their linkages with changing global environment.
• Good knowledge of the programme development mechanism of the United Nations country programmes and familiarity with UNFPA programmes and policies.
• Languages:
• Fluency in English
• Required Competencies:
• Values:
• Exemplifying integrity,
• Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system,
• Embracing cultural diversity,
• Embracing change
• Core Competencies:
• Achieving results,
• Being accountable,
• Developing and applying professional expertise/business acumen,
• Thinking analytically and strategically,
• Working in teams/managing ourselves and our relationships,
• Functional Competencies:
• Managing data
• Job knowledge/technical expertise
• Planning, organising and multitasking
• Providing financial and budget support
• Compensation and
• in human rights law or related fields
• in program/project management
• Knowledge of national frameworks on reproductive health
• Fluency in English
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills
• Fellowship
• Master the recruitment process of the impact sector!
• Become a fellow and gain access to Impactpool's premium material that will boost your career in the impact sector
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• Show UNFPA - United Nations Population Fund that you are interested in them
• Recruiters from the organization will be able to view your profile, contact you for current & future vacancies and engage you on opportunities that match your skills and interest.
• Connect with organization
• NATIONAL CONSULTANT: Individual Consultant - Human Rights Officer
• UNFPA - United Nations Population Fund
• Accra
• National
• Consultant - Contractors Agreement level
• Speaks English
• Apply

Education

• Advanced university degree: master's degree or equivalent in law, human rights, international relations, gender studies or related field (preferably a professional lawyer) is required
• OR
• A first-level university degree in Law (LLB) and a Qualifying Certificate in Law (QLC) is required.
• Knowledge and
• and key populations

Responsibilities

of parties related to sexuality

Benefits

This position offers an attractive remuneration package including a competitive net salary plus health insurance and other

as applicable.

UNFPA Work Environment:

UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, diversity, integrity and healthy work-life balance. We are committed to ensuring gender parity in the organization and therefore encourage women to apply. Individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation and selection for all regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is at the heart of UNFPA's workforce - click

here

to learn more.

Disclaimer:

Selection and appointment may be subject to background and reference checks, medical clearance, visa issuance and other administrative requirements.

UNFPA does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process and does not concern itself with information on applicants' bank accounts.

Applicants for positions in the international Professional and higher categories, who hold permanent resident status in a country other than their country of nationality, may be required to renounce such status upon their appointment.

At Impactpool we do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.

Before applying, please make sure that you have read the

Requirements

for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.

Summary by Impactpool

The UNFPA is seeking a Human Rights Officer to manage a scale-up project aimed at reducing gender-based violence and advancing the ICPD agenda. The role involves providing critical input into human rights workstreams, ensuring issues affecting vulnerable populations are addressed, and maintaining collaborative relationships with various stakeholders. The consultant will conduct research, provide specialized advice, and represent UNFPA at relevant meetings. This position requires a strong commitment to human rights and the ability to influence and work with diverse networks.

Candidate

Advanced degree in law, human rights, or related field

Minimum 3 years of