Current vacancies
UN human rights and legal jobs
Human-rights, legal, and rule-of-law positions across OHCHR, UN treaty bodies, and human-rights units inside agencies. UNlockit refreshes UN-system vacancies daily from each agency's career portal; every posting links back to the official application page.
- Open roles
- 264
- Organisations
- 55
- Last refreshed
- 7/21/2026
Latest open roles
Legal Specialist (Development Law)
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations · Home, Based
FAO seeks Legal Specialists to populate a roster for consulting assignments focused on development law within the food and agriculture sector. The role involves supporting the review and revision of national and regional legislation, conducting legal research, and disseminating legal information. Key responsibilities include assisting in the drafting of national and regional legislation, legal opinions, and international instruments, as well as supporting the negotiation of such instruments. The specialist will also contribute to legal capacity development by designing and implementing training, outreach activities, and conferences. Candidates must possess expertise in areas such as veterinary and phytosanitary legislation, food law, soil, water, environmental law, and climate change. The position is home-based but may involve travel to countries for liaison with national counterparts. Assignments range from a few days to 11 months. The ideal candidate holds an advanced degree in Law or a relevant discipline, has at least one year of practical experience, and demonstrates working knowledge of English. This is a non-staff opportunity under a Personal Services Agreement (PSA).
Closes 8/16/2026Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) Specialist
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations · Various Locations
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is seeking FPIC Specialists to establish a global roster of experts who will support the implementation of Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) across FAO projects and programmes. Reporting to the Indigenous Peoples Unit within the Partnerships and UN Collaboration Division, incumbents will provide specialized technical support for FPIC implementation throughout the project cycle, including identification, formulation, appraisal, and monitoring. Key responsibilities include delivering training, advising on FPIC-related content in project design, reviewing environmental and social assessments, and supporting the development of regional focal point networks. The role requires bridging abstract policy frameworks with applied methodologies to ensure Indigenous Peoples' voices are integrated into decision-making processes. The ideal candidate possesses advanced expertise in FPIC with Indigenous Peoples, knowledge of international legal frameworks such as UNDRIP and ILO Convention 169, and experience in participatory methodologies and grievance mechanisms. This is a consultant position on a Personal Services Agreement (PSA) basis, offering up to 11 months of work with potential for extension, available at various locations globally.
Closes 8/15/2026Human Rights Officer, P4
Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights · 🇺🇸 New York, United States
The Human Rights Officer (P4) role within the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) focuses on transitional justice, accountability, and the rule of law. The incumbent provides extensive legal research and analysis, supports High Commissioner advocacy, and offers technical assistance to States on draft legislation and policies. Key responsibilities include monitoring international human rights instruments, supporting treaty bodies, preparing reports for the General Assembly and Human Rights Council, and integrating human rights dimensions into UN programs. The role requires strong data visualization skills to identify trends and support decision-making, as well as training and supervising junior staff. The ideal candidate possesses advanced knowledge of human rights issues, legal drafting capabilities, and experience in policy development. This is a temporary three-month assignment with possible extension, located in New York, requiring fluency in English and desirable proficiency in French.
Closes 7/28/2026Consultant
Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights · 🇨🇭 Geneva, Switzerland
The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) seeks a Consultant to develop an Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ESCR) monitoring tool focused on the rights to health and work (including social security) in Malaysia. Working under the supervision of the ESCR Knowledge Hub and in coordination with the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM), the consultant will design a comprehensive monitoring framework aligned with international human rights standards and the Global Human Rights Indicator Framework (GHRIF). Key responsibilities include conducting a situational analysis of rights in the Malaysian context, mapping existing laws and data sources, and developing a detailed indicator matrix with structural, process, and outcome indicators. The role requires integrating human rights principles such as non-discrimination and accountability, and ensuring appropriate data disaggregation. The consultant will organize and lead a validation workshop with SUHAKAM stakeholders, refine the tool based on feedback, and provide a user guide for implementation. This three-month full-time consultancy requires advanced expertise in human rights research, monitoring, and analysis, with a strong understanding of Malaysian legal and policy contexts. The ideal candidate possesses a strong academic background in relevant fields and significant professional experience in ESCR issues, demonstrating the ability to translate complex international standards into actionable national monitoring frameworks.
Closes 7/31/2026Legal Officer (Temporary Job Opening), P4
Independent Investigative Mechanism for Afghanistan · 🇦🇹 Vienna, Austria
The Independent Investigative Mechanism for Afghanistan (IIMA) is seeking a Legal Officer (P4) to support its mandate of collecting, preserving, and analyzing evidence of international crimes and serious human rights violations in Afghanistan. Based in Vienna, the incumbent works under the Chief of the Collection, Analysis and Sharing Section. Key responsibilities include providing legal and policy advice on case file preparation, assessing evidence admissibility and reliability, and contributing to complex legal matters. The role involves coordinating with senior officers, supervising junior staff, drafting legal documents for national authorities, and conducting interviews with witnesses and suspects. The officer serves as a legal focal point, develops standard operating procedures, and provides strategic advice on investigative priorities. The ideal candidate possesses strong analytical skills, proficiency in legal writing, and deep knowledge of international criminal law and procedures. They must demonstrate professionalism, teamwork, and the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects under tight deadlines in a multicultural environment. This is a temporary position subject to mandate continuation and funding availability.
Closes 8/4/2026Associate Interpreter (Temporary Job Opening), P2
Independent Investigative Mechanism for Afghanistan · 🇦🇹 Vienna, Austria
The Independent Investigative Mechanism for Afghanistan (IIMA) is seeking an Associate Interpreter (P2) for a temporary position based in Vienna. The role involves providing consecutive and simultaneous interpretation between English and Dari/Pashto for high-level meetings, witness interviews, and legal proceedings related to international crimes and human rights violations. The incumbent will also contribute to data analysis and visualization for reporting purposes and perform translation duties when interpretation tasks are unavailable. The candidate must demonstrate professionalism, accuracy under stress, and strong communication skills. This is a limited-term appointment subject to mandate continuation and funding availability.
Closes 8/4/2026Trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants – Internship
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime · 🇸🇳 Dakar, Senegal
This internship is located within the Anti-Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling (TIPSOM) Unit of the UNODC Regional Office for West and Central Africa in Dakar. The intern supports the Associate Programme Officer and Regional Coordinator in coordinating, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating the TIPSOM programme portfolio, specifically the PROMIS project. Key responsibilities include assisting with work plan preparation, tracking programme progress, documenting bottlenecks, and strengthening partner networks. The role involves collecting data for project implementation, managing correspondence and filing, and providing administrative support for workshops and training seminars related to combating trafficking and migrant smuggling. The intern must also provide guidance to partners on expense documentation. The ideal candidate is a graduate student or recent graduate with a keen interest in UN ideals, cultural tolerance, and strong computer literacy. Fluency in both English and French is mandatory. The position is unpaid for three months, with the intern responsible for their own travel, visa, and living expenses.
Closes 8/4/2026Investigator (Temporary Job Opening), P4
Independent Investigative Mechanism for Afghanistan · 🇦🇹 Vienna, Austria
The Independent Investigative Mechanism for Afghanistan (IIMA) is seeking an Investigator (P4) to collect, consolidate, preserve, and analyze evidence of international crimes and serious violations of international law in Afghanistan. Based in Vienna, the role involves supervising investigations into genocide, war crimes, and sexual and gender-based violence, ensuring the integrity of evidence chains, and preparing case files for potential criminal proceedings. The Investigator will coordinate with government, UN, and civil society actors, manage security risks, and represent the IIMA in briefings. The ideal candidate possesses advanced university degrees in law or criminal investigation, or equivalent professional certifications combined with significant experience. They must have a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible work experience in law enforcement or criminal investigations involving serious breaches of international humanitarian law, including experience with an international or multilateral public institution. Fluency in English is required, with Dari desirable. The position is a temporary job opening, subject to mandate continuation and funding availability, with potential restrictions to internal candidates or those based in Vienna.
Closes 8/4/2026HUMAN RIGHTS OFFICER/SECURITY SECTOR ADVISER (Temporary Job Opening), P3
Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights · 🇦🇹 Vienna, Austria
The Human Rights Officer/Security Sector Adviser (P3) supports the Group of independent experts on the human rights situation in Belarus, based in Vienna. The role involves researching and analyzing human rights and international criminal law violations, mapping state police structures, and advising on security sector procedures. Key responsibilities include conducting investigations through interviews with victims and witnesses, utilizing monitoring tools and open-source intelligence for geolocation and authenticity assessment, and identifying alleged perpetrators. The incumbent ensures the protection of victims and witnesses, preserves investigative documentation, and drafts analytical documents and reports, integrating gender perspectives throughout. The position requires strong research, analytical, and investigative skills, along with knowledge of international human rights and criminal law. The officer must work collaboratively, demonstrate professionalism, and adhere to strict accountability standards. This is a temporary assignment until December 31, 2026, subject to funding. The role demands fluency in English and Russian, with a preference for candidates with experience in the region or specific expertise in police procedures and ballistics.
Closes 8/4/2026HUMAN RIGHTS OFFICER / INVESTIGATOR P3 - Two positions - (Temporary Job Opening), P3
Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights · 🇦🇹 Vienna, Austria
The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is seeking two Human Rights Officers/Investigators at the P3 level to support the Group of independent experts on the situation of human rights in Belarus, based in Vienna, Austria. The role involves researching, collecting, and analyzing information on human rights, international humanitarian, and criminal law violations. Key responsibilities include conducting investigations through victim and witness interviews, monitoring violation trends, and utilizing multi-source data including open-source material and satellite imagery for geolocation and authenticity assessment. The incumbent must identify alleged perpetrators, ensure the protection of victims and witnesses, and preserve investigation documentation. The position requires drafting analytical documents, including gender analyses, and contributing to the Group's reports. The ideal candidate possesses strong research and analytical skills, knowledge of institutional mandates, and the ability to integrate gender perspectives into all stages of investigation and reporting. This is a temporary position available until December 31, 2026, subject to funding and mandate extension.
Closes 8/4/2026HUMAN RIGHTS OFFICER/SGBV INVESTIGATOR (Temporary Job Opening), P3
Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights · 🇦🇹 Vienna, Austria
The Human Rights Officer/SGBV Investigator serves as a key member of the Group of independent experts on the situation of human rights in Belarus, based in Vienna. The role focuses on investigating sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and other human rights violations. Responsibilities include leading research and analysis of SGBV allegations, designing information gathering plans, and conducting investigations through victim and witness interviews. The officer utilizes monitoring tools, open-source intelligence, and satellite imagery to geolocate incidents and verify testimonies. Key duties involve identifying perpetrators, monitoring violation trends, and ensuring the protection and safety of victims and witnesses in accordance with the 'do no harm' principle. The incumbent drafts analytical reports, conducts gender analysis, and integrates gender-sensitive approaches throughout the investigation and reporting process. The role requires strong professional competencies in international human rights, humanitarian, and criminal law, alongside research and analytical skills. The officer must work collaboratively, plan effectively, and maintain high standards of professionalism. This is a temporary position available until December 31, 2026, subject to funding and mandate extension.
Closes 8/4/2026Staff Assistant (Temporary Job Opening), G6
Independent Investigative Mechanism for Afghanistan · 🇦🇹 Vienna, Austria
The Independent Investigative Mechanism for Afghanistan (IIMA) is seeking a Staff Assistant (G6) to provide comprehensive administrative and substantive support to the Head, Deputy Head, and the Executive Office. Based in Vienna, this temporary role involves managing priorities, coordinating diverse activities, and ensuring timely delivery of management directives. Key responsibilities include compiling and analyzing data from sources like UMOJA, serving as a communications link between senior staff and external/internal stakeholders, and handling complex information requests. The incumbent will manage time, scheduling, and representational duties, including screening correspondence and preparing background materials for reports and briefs. The role also entails establishing administrative procedures, organizing official events, processing confidential information, and handling a wide range of administrative tasks such as travel arrangements, visa applications, and expense statements. The ideal candidate possesses strong professionalism, communication skills, and planning capabilities, with the ability to perform analysis and modeling of data. Proficiency in English is required, with French desirable. The position is subject to local recruitment rules and funding availability, with no guarantee of extension.
Closes 8/4/2026Assistant Human Rights Officer, Noa
United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan · 🇦🇫 Kabul, Afghanistan
The Assistant Human Rights Officer supports the UNAMA Human Rights Service in Kabul by assisting in the planning, coordination, and implementation of activities related to the mission's human rights mandate. Key responsibilities include monitoring the human rights situation, integrating gender perspectives, and analyzing data from open sources and field missions. The role involves liaising with de facto authorities, civil society, and UN agencies to promote and protect human rights, including the rights of women, children, and vulnerable groups. The officer assists in fact-finding violations of international human rights and humanitarian law, verifies cases in databases, and conducts detention monitoring visits. Additionally, the position requires drafting reports, briefings, and recommendations, as well as organizing awareness-raising seminars. The candidate must demonstrate professionalism, analytical skills, and the ability to work collaboratively in a complex security environment. The role is temporary until December 31, 2026, with a possibility of extension, and may be limited to internal candidates or those based at the duty station depending on funding.
Closes 8/5/2026Programme Management Assistant, G4
United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan · Gardez
The Programme Management Assistant (G4) provides comprehensive administrative and office support to the Human Rights Service within the UNAMA Regional Office in Gardez. Reporting to the Human Rights Officer/Team Leader, the incumbent manages routine correspondence, schedules team outputs, and ensures compliance with legal and financial requirements. Key responsibilities include researching and compiling information for reports and briefings, assisting with data collection and analysis for human rights monitoring, and generating statistical reports. The role involves maintaining electronic filing systems, managing distribution lists, coordinating shipments, and providing software and office equipment support. The assistant also proofreads documents, translates materials, and interprets in meetings as needed. The ideal candidate possesses strong organizational skills, proficiency in Microsoft Office, and experience in general office support, database management, and research. Fluency in English, Pashto, and Dari is mandatory. This is a temporary position available until December 31, 2026, requiring candidates to be based at the duty station.
Closes 8/5/2026Protection Caseworker AVR+MHPSS
International Organization for Migration · 🇩🇴 Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
The Protection Caseworker AVR+MHPSS role supports the Global Voluntary Assisted Return (GAVR) program in Asunción, Paraguay, focusing on assisted voluntary return and mental health/psychosocial support for migrants. The incumbent conducts individual protection assessments upon arrival in the Dominican Republic, identifying vulnerabilities such as gender-based violence, trafficking, and unaccompanied minors. Key responsibilities include case management, coordinating post-arrival assistance, facilitating referrals to legal, health, and psychosocial services, and maintaining accurate case records in systems like MiMOSA. The role requires liaising with government authorities, NGOs, and UN agencies to strengthen referral networks and ensure dignified, safe returns. The candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, adaptability in challenging conditions, and proficiency in MS Office and case management tools. Fluency in Spanish is mandatory, with English desirable. The position involves field travel for monitoring and service delivery.
Closes 7/27/2026National Project Officer (WASH)
International Organization for Migration · 🇻🇪 Caracas, Venezuela
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is recruiting a National Project Officer (WASH) based in Caracas, Venezuela, for a special short-term contract until December 31, 2026. This role focuses on the coordination and monitoring of operational, administrative, and financial aspects of humanitarian projects, specifically within shelter, land, housing, and community infrastructure. The officer will support project implementation by developing work plans, budgets, and monitoring tools, while ensuring compliance with donor requirements and IOM policies. Key responsibilities include coordinating with government institutions, humanitarian actors, and local authorities; supervising and training project staff; and contributing to capacity-building activities. The position requires strong data collection and analysis skills, as well as the ability to prepare narrative and financial reports. The ideal candidate possesses a Master’s degree in a relevant field or a Bachelor’s degree with two years of professional experience in humanitarian assistance programs. Fluency in Spanish is mandatory, with working knowledge of English required. The role involves duty travel for monitoring visits and assessments, demanding adaptability and a deep understanding of the Venezuelan context, particularly border areas and human mobility dynamics.
Closes 7/23/2026Movement Operations Associate (Beneficiary-Facing Activities)
International Organization for Migration · 🇬🇾 Georgetown, Guyana
The Movement Operations Associate facilitates and coordinates migrant and refugee movements by providing direct support to beneficiaries, managing travel-related processes, and ensuring compliance with IOM operational and protection standards. This role serves as a key point of contact for safe, orderly, and dignified movement operations across various stages including resettlement, relocation, humanitarian admissions, family reunification, and voluntary repatriation. Responsibilities include undertaking beneficiary-facing activities, monitoring teams of Movement Operations Assistants, and coordinating field support with relevant units and service providers at locations such as airports, seaports, and camps. The associate assists vulnerable individuals, ensures the provision of food and essential items, and handles sensitive cases, including unaccompanied children. Duties also involve pre-departure formalities, data entry, interpretation services, and visa application assistance. The role requires maintaining confidentiality, adhering to SOPs and protection standards, and alerting supervisors to non-compliance. The ideal candidate possesses experience in movement operations, transportation, or management, with strong communication skills and the ability to handle sensitive information. Airport experience is advantageous. The position may require extended periods, overnight work, weekends, and duty travel.
Closes 8/3/2026UNFPA Expert and practitioner on Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV) from justice sector
United Nations Population Fund · 🇲🇩 Chisinau, Moldova
UNFPA Moldova is seeking an international expert and practitioner in Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV) from the justice sector to provide technical assistance to the National Agency for the Prevention and Combating of Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (ANPCV) and the National Institute of Justice (NIJ). The consultant will design and deliver a Training of Trainers (ToT) programme for justice professionals, review and strengthen existing training curricula, and develop a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for responding to TFGBV cases. The role requires integrating international standards, such as the Istanbul Convention, into national frameworks. The assignment involves remote work with one mission to Chișinău for in-person training delivery. The ideal candidate is a judge, prosecutor, or criminal investigation officer with practical expertise in investigating and adjudicating TFGBV cases, developing training materials, and delivering capacity-building programmes. The consultant will work under the supervision of the UNFPA Programme Analyst on GBV, collaborating closely with national partners to ensure survivor-centred and trauma-informed responses. The position focuses on strengthening the justice sector's capacity to handle digital evidence, prosecute offenders, and protect victims in line with European and international legal standards.
Closes 8/3/2026General Counsel
North Atlantic Treaty Organization · 🇧🇪 Brussels, Belgium
The General Counsel serves as the lead legal advisor to the BICES Group Executive (BGX), a NATO entity facilitating intelligence and information sharing among member nations. Reporting directly to the BGX Director, the incumbent provides strategic legal counsel on international law, personnel issues, commercial contracting, and litigation. This newly established role requires developing the inaugural Terms of Reference and ensuring compliance with the BGX Charter and MOU. The General Counsel advises the Board of Directors and governance bodies, coordinates with NATO legal offices, and represents BGX in negotiations and legal proceedings. The position demands independent work on a demanding portfolio, strong analytical skills, and the ability to navigate multi-jurisdictional issues. The ideal candidate possesses extensive expertise in international law, HR-related legal matters, and governance, with proven experience in drafting legal instruments and managing litigation. The role involves policy development, stakeholder management, and supporting BGX’s agile operational approach. The incumbent must uphold integrity and transparency, working closely with diverse stakeholders across NATO and allied nations. The position is based in Brussels, Belgium, and requires proficiency in English and French.
Closes 9/13/2026Programme Intern, Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Unit
United Nations Population Fund · 🇱🇧 Beirut, Lebanon
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Lebanon office is seeking a Programme Intern for its Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Unit. Under the supervision of the GBV Programme Specialist, the intern will support the branch team in programme planning, coordination, monitoring, documentation, research, and event organization. Key responsibilities include assisting with workplans, tracking progress, coordinating meetings, preparing briefing notes, and maintaining programme databases. The role also involves contributing to knowledge management by documenting lessons learned and conducting desk reviews on gender equality and GBV issues. Additionally, the intern will support advocacy and resource mobilization by assisting with donor reports, concept notes, and advocacy materials. The position offers a structured learning environment with periodic progress meetings and a defined work-plan. The ideal candidate is a recent graduate or current postgraduate student in Public Health, Social Sciences, Gender Studies, or Development Studies, with some experience in development agencies. Fluency in English and Arabic is required, along with strong analytical and writing skills. The internship is unpaid but may include a stipend if not financially supported by an institution. Medical insurance is mandatory.
Closes 8/3/2026
Top organisations
- Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights32
- Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe30
- United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime22
- International Organization for Migration21
- International Committee of the Red Cross19
- UNICEF18
- International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies8
- UN High Commissioner for Refugees8
- World Bank Group7
- International Civil Aviation Organization6
Top countries
- Austria56
- Switzerland33
- United States22
- Ukraine8
- Netherlands7
- Kenya6
- Belgium5
- Jordan5
- Thailand5
- Mexico4
Frequently asked questions
What counts as a human rights role on UNlockit?
UNlockit's classifier reads each job description and tags the role with one or more domains. Human rights corresponds to the following internal tags: human_rights_legal.
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