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Chris Mburu


Nationality: 
Kenya
Position: 
Senior Human Rights Advisor
Organization: 
OHCHR
Previous job: 
I have held a number of positions in the human rights area. I have worked as the head of the human rights section in Burundi, and as a Human Rights Officer for OHCHR in Geneva and Cameroon.

HOW DID YOU GET TO THE UN?

My previous roles have also been very human rights focused as I identified an interest in human rights at a young age. In the past, I have worked for Amnesty International, Global Rights and as a journalist for the prolific Nairobi Law Monthly in Kenya. I studied law at the University of Nairobi, then was fortunate enough to do a Master’s degree at Harvard University, where I specialized in human rights. I later started working for human rights NGOs. This prepared me for my career at the UN, and provided me with the background required to obtain a position at the UN.

WHAT DOES YOUR POSITION ENTAIL?

My position involves a range of different activities but mostly involves supporting human rights programmes conducted by government, national human rights commissions and NGOs.

WHAT DOES YOUR AVERAGE DAY LOOK LIKE?

My average day consists of trainings of law professionals, co-ordination and research on issues related to human rights.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT WORKING FOR THE UN?

Working for the UN gives me great satisfaction because I’ve always been incredibly passionate about human rights, and the UN provides me with a great platform to follow this passion.

WHAT IS THE KEY PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WOULD GIVE TO SOMEONE INTERESTED IN WORKING AT THE UN?

My biggest piece of advice would be this: do not join an agency whose work doesn’t interest you just to get a job. Find an agency that allows you to do what you have always wanted to do and focus in on it. I’ve found that gives a much greater sense of fulfillment.

ANYTHING ELSE?

Be passionate in whatever it is you do and you will always get far!

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