Human Rights Officer / International Criminal Law Advisor (Temporary)

About the role

The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights is seeking a Human Rights Officer and International Criminal Law Advisor to support the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan. Working under the Coordinator, the incumbent will provide legal expertise on human rights and international criminal law matters while contributing to investigations and reporting.

Key responsibilities

• Advise the team on applicable legal frameworks and standards related to human rights and international criminal law.
• Conduct legal research, draft opinions, memoranda and briefing documents for Commissioners and staff.
• Carry out investigations, including victim and witness interviews, and gather evidence such as open‑source material and satellite imagery.
• Qualify gathered information legally, assess standards of proof, and identify responsible parties where possible.
• Ensure legal accuracy of reports, submissions, press releases and other documents.
• Identify trends, patterns and gender dimensions of violations and integrate them into analysis.
• Collaborate closely with the Gender Advisor and SGBV Investigator to ensure gender‑sensitive reporting.
• Perform any other duties as required by the Coordinator.

Required profile

• Strong knowledge of international legal procedures, instruments and substantive and procedural criminal law.
• Proven ability to apply international human rights and humanitarian law to complex situations.
• Experience in legal research, drafting legal opinions and preparing briefing documents.
• Understanding of gender perspectives in the context of human rights violations.

Required skills