Vacancy: Human Rights Policy Officer

Position: Human Rights Policy Officer (1 FTE, 40 hours per week)
Contract duration: 1 September 2026 – 31 December 2026
Department: Political Affairs Section
Permanent Mission of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the United Nations in Geneva

JOB DESCRIPTION

Geneva is the UN's global hub for human rights, and the Kingdom of the Netherlands is an active member of the Human Rights Council (HRC), on which it will serve as a member until the end of 2026. In recent years, the Netherlands has achieved significant results as an HRC member and has played a leading role in negotiations on a wide range of human rights issues, both thematic and country-specific. The Dutch human rights agenda is guided by the Human Rights, Democracy and International Rule of Law (MDIR) policy framework, but the work of the Council requires expertise across a much broader range of issues, including numerous politically sensitive country situations.

The locally recruited Policy Officer will join a small team consisting of seconded diplomats and one locally recruited policy officer, supported by a management assistant.

This is not an entry-level position. The successful candidate must have prior knowledge and experience in order to be able to quickly integrate into the team and assume their duties. Demonstrable experience working in a multilateral environment—preferably in the field of human rights and/or in Geneva—is essential. A proactive, entrepreneurial, and outward-looking attitude is also a key requirement.

The exact portfolio will be determined in consultation with the successful candidate, taking into account their knowledge and experience, as well as the duties of the existing members of the Political Affairs Section. Teamwork, collegiality, and flexibility are guiding principles.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

The successful candidate should have completed an academic degree, preferably in international law, human rights, or international relations.

Applicants should have professional experience with multilateral organisations, preferably in the field of human rights. They must have an excellent command, both written and spoken, of Dutch and English, as well as outstanding drafting skills. Knowledge of French is not essential but would be considered an asset.

The candidate should possess strong political awareness, cultural sensitivity, excellent networking skills, and strong organisational abilities.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The Permanent Mission of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the United Nations in Geneva currently consists of approximately 18 diplomatic staff and 9 locally recruited employees. The Mission has three policy sections, close cooperation between the Economic Affairs Section, the Political Affairs Section, and the Disarmament Delegation is part of daily practice. Human rights are also an important priority for the Economic Affairs Section, for example in relation to responsible business conduct.

The Human Rights Policy Officer will work within the Political Affairs Section of the Permanent Mission.

The Netherlands has traditionally pursued a proactive human rights policy, reflected in Geneva through an intensive and visible role in the many negotiations and meetings of the Human Rights Council. The Human Rights Council holds three regular sessions each year, lasting four to six weeks. In addition, the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process, during which all UN Member States are reviewed, takes place three times a year and receives considerable attention from the Netherlands.

Working days are generally long, and the workload is consistently high. At the same time, the Permanent Mission has a flat organisational structure and a highly collegial working atmosphere. The Human Rights Policy Officer works closely with colleagues within the human rights team, as well as with counterparts from other diplomatic missions, particularly beyond the European Union. The position also involves frequent interaction with the United Nations (OHCHR), international NGOs, various departments of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and other Dutch diplomatic missions.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

The successful candidate should demonstrate the following competencies:

      *     Analytical thinking

• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Negotiation skills
• Teamwork
• Initiative
• Networking

DIVERSITY

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs pursues an active diversity policy and is committed to fostering an inclusive organisation. We value and seek to make the best possible use of the diversity of our staff. In recruiting new colleagues and building teams, we strive for diversity in age, sexual orientation and gender identity, cultural background, experience, knowledge, and competencies. Applicants are invited to explain in their motivation letter how they would contribute to this objective.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

The successful candidate will be employed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs under a local employment contract, governed by the Terms and Conditions of Employment for Locally Engaged Staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The position is classified at salary scale 10.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

This vacancy will be published simultaneously for internal and external candidates. The recruitment process will consist of one or more interviews.

Interested candidates are invited to submit a motivation letter and curriculum vitae to GEV-HR@minbuza.nl by 14 August 2026.

FURTHER INFORMATION

For more information about the position, please contact the Mission via the email address above.