Business and Human Rights Officer

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Background

Rapid and continued economic dynamism has translated into growth and reduced poverty levels in several countries in Asia and the Pacific. Greater foreign direct investments and capital movements, accentuated by higher regional mobility, are reasons for further optimism for future regional growth. This progress has often come at the expense of the human rights of minorities, marginalized and disadvantaged and at-risk groups in the interest of investments and financial gains

UNDP’s Rule of Law and Human Rights Team, as part of the Asia Pacific Governance and Peacebuilding Unit of the Bangkok Regional Hub, is currently engaged in promoting the implementation of the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs). The UNGPs clarify the duty of states and the responsibility of businesses to uphold international norms and treaties on human rights. These Guiding Principles rest on three pillars: 1) the State’s duty to protect human rights; 2) the corporate responsibility to respect human rights and; 3) the joint-responsibility of both the State and businesses sector to provide access to remedy for victims of business-related abuses. UNDP’s Business and Human Rights (B+HR) Asia Portfolio (2025–2030) provides a regional framework for strengthening responsible business conduct and embedding human rights across fast-changing Asian economies. Building on a decade of experience and established multi-stakeholder platforms, the portfolio supports governments, businesses, civil society, youth, and the media to navigate growing global due-diligence expectations, environmental and digital risks, and evolving trade and investment dynamics. Its work spans policy and regulatory reform, sector-specific human rights due diligence, access to remedy, responsible supply chains, and capacity building for companies, rights holders, and state institutions.

The Portfolio delivers this mandate through four interlinked pillars: amplifying state and corporate accountability; expanding inclusive and gender-responsive participation; strengthening rights-holder agency and civic space; and enhancing rights-aligned business systems. These efforts are grounded in practical tools, country-level implementation, and strong regional partnerships across 15 countries.  By 2030, the portfolio aims to help institutionalize responsible business practices across sectors, resulting in stronger governance, safer and more ethical supply chains, empowered communities, and transparent markets that support resilient, sustainable, and equitable economic development across Asia.

The Business and Human Rights Asia Portfolio (B+HR Asia) intends to hire a Business and Human Rights Officer to support to provide coordination and logistics support for regional and country level activities including the production and delivery of regional conferences, coordination on knowledge products, and any other tasks required within the portfolio. Under the overall guidance of the Business and Human Rights Portfolio lead, the Business and Human Rights Officer ensures effective coordination with country offices within the Portfolio, as well as partners and stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Business and Human Rights Officer will work under the overall guidance of the Business and Human Rights Portfolio Manager, Governance and Peacebuilding Team, UNDP Bangkok Regional Hub.

The Business and Human Rights Officer, in close cooperation with the portfolio team and under the direct guidance and supervision of the Business and Human Rights in Asia - Portfolio Manager will ensure the provision of coordination and technical support functions contributing to the design, planning, implementation, management, and monitoring to the highest quality and standards.

The specific duties and responsibilities of the Business and Human Rights Officer during the assignment will include, but not be limited to, the following:

1. Coordination of Portfolio and Regional Activities

2. Coordination with UNDP Country Offices

3. Documentation, Communication of Portfolio Results and knowledge management 

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization

Competencies

Core Competencies:

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies:

Business Direction & Strategy    

Business Development    

Business Management    

Partnership management    

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Experience:

Required skills:

Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section:

Required Languages:

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

Right to select multiple candidates

UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

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