17/07/2025
*Opportunity Alert!!!*
Calls for applications for 16 mandate holder positions of the HRC - deadline 28 August 2025 at noon GVA time
Dear Colleague,
FYI – the call for applications below.
Feel free to distribute widely within your networks.
Regards
Fiona
The Secretariat of the Human Rights Council is now accepting applications for 16 mandate holder vacancies. These positions are expected to be filled during the Council’s 61st session (23 February – 3 April 2026, dates to be confirmed).
VACANCIES:
Expert Mechanism on the Right to Development (four vacancies: members from African States, Asia-Pacific States, Eastern European States, Western European and other States);
Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (two vacancies: members from: Asia and the Arctic);
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of all human rights by older persons;1
Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Somalia;1
Special Rapporteur on adequate housing as a component of the right to an adequate standard of living, and on the right to non-discrimination in this context;1
Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery, including its causes and consequences;1
Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights;
Special Rapporteur on the negative impact of unilateral coercive measures on the enjoyment of human rights;
Special Rapporteur on the right to food;
Special Rapporteur on the sale, sexual exploitation and sexual abuse of children;1
Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders;1
Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar.1
1The appointment of this mandate holder will be made provided that the mandate itself is extended by the Council.
Individuals seeking appointment as mandate holders should possess extensive and recognized professional experience and expertise in the field of human rights, with an emphasis on the specific human rights themes covered by the mandate for which they are applying.
The work of mandate holders is unpaid. Those appointed as mandate holders serve in their personal capacity. They are not United Nations staff members and therefore do not receive a salary or any other form of financial compensation. They are not based at United Nations offices in Geneva or any other United Nations location but may be required to undertake official travel in their capacity as mandate holders, for which they will only receive travel expenses and daily subsistence allowance in accordance with applicable United Nations rules and regulations. The specific functions and responsibilities of each mandate are defined in the Human Rights Council resolutions that establish or extend the mandate.
Candidates must be available to effectively carry out the functions of the mandate and respond to its requirements. These may include, according to the Human Rights Council resolution on the mandate: participating in Human Rights Council sessions in Geneva and General Assembly sessions in New York; undertaking two country visits per year; drafting reports within established deadlines; organizing and participating in consultations and meetings; addressing allegations of human rights violations with all relevant stakeholders; providing advice to States and other stakeholders on issues related to the mandate; and engaging with a broad range of stakeholders. Candidates should be able to dedicate an estimated four to six months per year to the work of the mandate, depending on its workload.
HOW TO APPLY:
Deadline to receive complete applications: 28 August 2025 (12 noon Geneva time) – Early applications are encouraged
All applicants must submit by the deadline, both:
(1) a short online survey (https://survey.ohchr.org/337342)
and
(2) a mandate-specific Word application form. Application instructions and forms available at https://www.ohchr.org/en/hr-bodies/hrc/sp/hrc61
• For information on how to prepare a complete application, please visit: https://www.ohchr.org/en/hr-bodies/hrc/sp/application-guidelines
• For general information about the application and selection process, and for frequently asked questions, please visit: https://www.ohchr.org/en/hr-bodies/hrc/sp/basic-information-selection-independent-experts
• In case of technical difficulties, the Secretariat may be contacted by email at:
ohchr-hrcspecialprocedures@un.org
Information on the selection and appointment process for independent United Nations experts of the Human Rights Council Overview of the selection and appointment processSpecial procedures mandate holders and members of Expert Mechanisms of the Human Rights Council are appointed through a competitive...
