Working within the human rights sphere is not only highly rewarding and intellectually stimulating, but it also offers professionals in this field the opportunity to interface with a number of different corporate disciplines. This does mean that the skills and qualifications expected from candidates are often quite varied and some may argue that they are expected to be polymaths! But if you are the type of person who has extensive knowledge across all areas of corporate governance, then human rights can offer a very fulfilling career path.
If you aspire to work in human rights, here are the 9 different skills and qualifications which are frequently sought by hiring companies.
1. Legal Expertise in Human Rights Law
One of the foundational qualifications for corporate human rights roles is a solid understanding of human rights law. Professionals in this field often need to navigate international standards such as the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs), the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and local laws pertaining to labour, environment and community rights, including Mandatory Human Rights Due Diligence (MHRDD).
- Qualifications: A degree in law, particularly with a focus on international human rights, labour law, or corporate law, is highly beneficial. Many companies seek professionals with a Juris Doctor (JD) or a Master's in International Law, along with certifications related to human rights compliance and ethics.
- Skills: Proficiency in understanding and interpreting legal frameworks, drafting compliance policies and managing legal risks related to human rights issues.
2. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Knowledge
A background in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is definitely an asset for anyone looking to break into human rights roles, since there is a lot of crossover between the two disciplines.
· Qualifications: Higher qualifications in Business, Sustainability, Public Policy, or a related field are well regarded. Specialised certifications in CSR, sustainability, or environmental management are also beneficial.
- Skills: Knowledge of global sustainability frameworks, such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and experience in sustainability reporting, stakeholder engagement and developing socially responsible initiatives.
3. Stakeholder Engagement and Communication
Human rights roles often involve interacting with multiple stakeholders, including employees, communities, government agencies, NGOs and investors. The ability to engage these stakeholders and manage often-competing interests is essential.
- Qualifications: A degree in communications, public policy, or international relations can be useful. Experience working in multi-stakeholder environments, such as within NGOs, is also highly regarded.
- Skills: Strong interpersonal skills, the ability to foster relationships with a range of internal and external stakeholders, and negotiation skills. Professionals should also be proficient in advocacy, diplomacy and public speaking.
4. Risk Management and Due Diligence
A crucial aspect of human rights work involves identifying and mitigating risks, particularly in global supply chains
- Qualifications: Professionals often have a background in risk management, compliance, or business ethics. Certifications in compliance (e.g., Certified Compliance and Ethics Professional) and specific training courses in human rights due diligence are increasingly preferred.
- Skills: Expertise in supply chain audits, human rights impact assessments, risk evaluation tools and developing mitigation strategies. Familiarity with auditing tools like the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and ISO standards is also valuable.
5. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Expertise
DEI has become a core component of corporate human rights strategies. Companies are placing greater emphasis on ensuring equitable treatment for all employees, and human rights roles focus on creating an inclusive workplace culture, advancing equal opportunities and addressing systemic discrimination.
- Qualifications: Degrees in human resources, sociology, psychology, or organisational behaviour are well received. Professional certifications such as Certified Diversity Professional (CDP) or SHRM-CP are also valuable in this space.
- Skills: Experience in developing DEI policies, conducting diversity training and promoting inclusive hiring practices
6. Supply Chain and Sustainability Expertise
Understanding the environmental and human rights impacts across complex supply chains is a critical skill for corporate human rights professionals.
- Qualifications: Professionals with degrees in supply chain management, sustainability, or environmental science are increasingly in demand. Certifications like the Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) or Global Sustainable Supply Chain Management (GSSCM) are valuable.
- Skills: Ability to conduct environmental and social impact assessments, track sustainability metrics and work closely with suppliers to enforce human rights policies.
7. Ethical Leadership and Corporate Governance
Leadership in corporate human rights is not just about adhering to laws but fostering an ethical corporate culture that promotes long-term responsibility. Understanding corporate governance - particularly in relation to social justice and human rights - is vital for senior-level roles.
- Qualifications: A Master’s in Business Administration (MBA), with a focus on ethical leadership or corporate governance, is common. Additionally, governance certifications (such as Chartered Governance Institute credentials) or corporate ethics training are key.
- Skills: Strong leadership, strategic thinking, experience in board-level decision-making and the ability to implement ethical frameworks across departments. Knowledge of corporate accountability standards and practices is also necessary.
8. Data Analysis and Reporting
As companies are increasingly required to report on human rights issues, data analysis is becoming a critical component of the job. Measuring human rights impacts, collecting data on DEI initiatives, and reporting on sustainability goals are all essential tasks.
- Qualifications: A background in data science, statistics, or business analytics is valuable. Many professionals complement this with experience in human rights reporting frameworks like the GRI, the UNGPs Reporting Framework, or Integrated Reporting (IR).
- Skills: Ability to gather and analyse qualitative and quantitative data, track key performance indicators (KPIs) related to human rights and write clear and transparent reports for investors and stakeholders.
9. Cultural and Global Awareness
Corporate human rights professionals often work across different countries, cultures, and legal frameworks. Therefore, a strong sense of cultural sensitivity and global awareness is critical for success. This includes being able to navigate the ethical and human rights challenges specific to various regions.
- Qualifications: Degrees in international relations, anthropology, or development studies are helpful. Proficiency in multiple languages is also a significant advantage.
- Skills: Cross-cultural communication, adaptability to different regulatory and cultural environments, and experience working in international settings.
Final thoughts
When it comes to hiring in human rights, corporations today are not just looking for compliance officers; they are seeking leaders who can drive positive social change while ensuring the long-term sustainability and profitability of the business. If you’re passionate about human rights and social justice, these roles offer a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on the world through the corporate lens.
We expect demand for human rights professionals to continue rising, in tandem with the evolution of mandatory human rights due diligence legislation across the globe.