Human rights officer
Also known as: human rights project officer, human rights lawyer, human rights program officer, human rights programme officer
About this occupation
Human rights officers investigate and handle human rights violations, as well as develop plans to reduce violations and to ensure compliance to human rights legislation. They investigate complaints by examining information and interviewing victims and perpetrators, and communicate with organisations involved with human rights activities.
Essential skills and knowledge
- investigate human rights violations
- promote social awareness
- support victims of human rights violations
- speak different languages
- advise on legal decisions
- establish collaborative relations
- social justice
- conduct research interview
- international human rights law
- facilitate official agreement
- scientific research methodology
- promote human rights implementation
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Compliance Managers (O*NET 11-9199.02). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Report violations of compliance or regulatory standards to duly authorized enforcement agencies as appropriate or required.
- Identify compliance issues that require follow-up or investigation.
- Discuss emerging compliance issues to ensure that management and employees are informed about compliance reporting systems, policies, and practices.
- File appropriate compliance reports with regulatory agencies.
- Maintain documentation of compliance activities, such as complaints received or investigation outcomes.
- Consult with corporate attorneys as necessary to address difficult legal compliance issues.
- Typical education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Preparation
- Job Zone 4 of 5
- Interests
- Conventional, Enterprising, Social
Top skills: Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking, Active Listening, Writing, Speaking, Active Learning
US median pay: US$141,900 a year (2025), 622,190 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- Government and PoliticsO*NET: Law and GovernmentExtremely important (4.6)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageExtremely important (4.5)
- Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementVery important (4.1)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsVery important (3.6)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Regulatory Affairs Specialists
- Management Analysts
- Regulatory Affairs Managers
- Compliance Officers
- Environmental Compliance Inspectors
- Security Managers
- Administrative Services Managers
- Security Management Specialists
- Government Property Inspectors and Investigators
- Information Security Engineers
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.