Human Rights & Child Protection Officer (Temporary)

About the role

The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights is seeking a Human Rights Officer / Child Protection Officer on a temporary basis to join its Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan, based in Juba. Reporting to the Chief of Investigations, the incumbent will lead investigations into grave violations affecting children and support the Commission’s monitoring and reporting functions.

Key responsibilities

• Collect and analyse data on serious violations against children, including recruitment, sexual and gender‑based violence, and attacks on schools and hospitals.
• Conduct independent, impartial investigations using child‑ and gender‑sensitive interviewing techniques, interviewing victims and witnesses.
• Coordinate with protection actors and referral mechanisms to ensure appropriate response for child victims.
• Advise team members on child‑protection and gender‑based violence issues and ensure compliance with ‘do‑no‑harm’ and best‑interest‑of‑the‑child principles.
• Participate in field missions to sites of violations and contribute to drafting final reports and analytical documents.
• Maintain secure documentation of investigations and develop a network of reliable interlocutors for primary source information.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Required profile

• Relevant university degree in human rights, law, international relations, social sciences or a related field.
• Proven experience investigating human rights or humanitarian violations, preferably involving children.
• Strong knowledge of international human rights law, international humanitarian law and child‑rights conventions.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment and maintain confidentiality.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.

Required skills