In September 2010, OHCHR appointed a Senior Adviser on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Human Rights. The appointment is intended to enhance the capacity of the Office to draw attention to human rights violations linked to victims’ sexual orientation or gender identity and advocate for the worldwide decriminalization of homosexuality and for other measures to counter discrimination directed at LGBT individuals.

Due to current resource limitations, the above assignment is part-time only (having been combined with other management functions within OHCHR-New York). In order to strengthen institutional capacity, it is therefore proposed to establish a Junior Professional Officer (JPO) post dedicated to supporting the work of the Adviser and other senior OHCHR officials in relation to human rights and sexual orientation and gender identity. It is anticipated that the appointment of the proposed JPO will significantly strengthen OHCHR capacity to move forward with implementation of a range of activities designed to promote and protect the human rights of LGBT persons.

The Human Rights Expert would provide wide-ranging support to research and advocacy activities relating to the human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons, including in the context of efforts to secure worldwide decriminalization of homosexuality and counter homophobia. All tasks will be carried out under the direct supervision of OHCHR’s Senior Adviser on LGBT Human Rights, with a secondary report to the Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights. Regular meetings will provide opportunities to discuss tasking and review performance.

Duration of assignment: One year (with possible extension for another 2-3 years)

IMPORTANT: APPLICATION AND CV SHOULD BE SUBMITTED IN ENGLISH