Human Rights Representative – Central Asia

About the role

The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is seeking a Representative, Human Rights to lead its Central Asia Multi‑country Office based in Bishkek. Reporting to the Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia, the incumbent will provide strategic human‑rights advice and oversee programme implementation across the region.

Key responsibilities

• Monitor human‑rights developments in Central Asia and advise the Regional Director on emerging issues.
• Develop and maintain strategic relationships with UN Country Teams, supporting human‑rights‑based planning and inter‑agency cooperation.
• Expand OHCHR’s network of partners and provide advice to Resident Coordinators and UN partners.
• Formulate work programmes, budgets and medium‑term plans, ensuring timely delivery of outputs.
• Advise on strategic interventions in countries without an OHCHR field presence, including coordination of special‑procedure visits.
• Manage the Multi‑Country Office, supervising and training international and national staff.
• Represent OHCHR in national, regional and international forums on human‑rights matters.
• Design policies and programmes to address regional human‑rights issues and support governments with technical cooperation.
• Promote ratification and implementation of international human‑rights treaties and engage with UN mechanisms such as the UPR and Treaty Body processes.

Required profile

• Extensive experience in human‑rights advocacy and UN mechanisms.
• Proven ability to manage multi‑country programmes and supervise diverse teams.
• Strong analytical skills to assess human‑rights situations and formulate strategic advice.
• Excellent communication and networking abilities with UN agencies, governments and civil‑society partners.

Required skills