Assistant Human Rights Officer

This announcement broadcasts international assignment within the Office of the Director of the Human Rights Council and Treaty Mechanisms Division (CTMD), Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the incumbent reports to the Special Assistant to the Director and to the Programme Management Officer. The Office of the Director of CTMD, headed by the Division Director, ensures overall coordination and guidance on a range of strategic, policy, programmatic and other matters pertaining to the Division, and represents the Division in Office-wide discussions and fora, including at the leadership level.

This UNV assignment is offered in the context of a programme bringing qualified candidates from the developing economies to volunteer with OHCHR. Candidates with disabilities from developing economies in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, Middle East and North Africa are encouraged to apply.

Candidates must have completed their first degree from a university in the developing economies for them to qualify.

The expected starting date of this assignment is 01.05.2024 until 31.10.2024 with no possibility of extension. Please, note that this UN University Volunteer assignment is limited to a maximum duration of 6 months;

Applicants are encouraged to apply for this position if it relates directly to their studies, expertise and/or skills. You can explain why you are a suitable candidate for this OHCHR assignment while applying.

Applicants will have to meet the age-related requirements for University UNVs, i.e., 18-26 years during the entire duration of the assignment.

UN International University Volunteer assignments are always without family.

Under the overall direction of the and general guidance of the Division Director, the volunteer reports to the Special assistant and/or the Programme management coordinator., Human Rights Council and Treaty Mechanisms Division, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

• Contributing to thematic reports or studies, including research of related literature, international law and jurisprudence and in particular, the intern may:
• Assist in the preparation of treaty body sessions;
• Provide support in annual reporting;
• Collect information and conduct research for the preparation of briefing notes, statements and other documents;
• Take notes of meetings with different stakeholders;
• Attend sessions of the Treaty bodies, Universal Periodic Review, Human Rights Council (HRC) and assisting with the preparation of related activities and events;
• Perform other related duties as requested by supervisor.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are required to: • Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day); • Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country; • Reflect on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including participation in ongoing reflection activities; • Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.; • Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers; • Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering, or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

Results/Expected Outputs: • Strengthened capacity through coaching, mentoring and formal on-the-job training, when working with colleagues or (non-) governmental counterparts. • Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated and documented in all activities throughout the assignment. A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed.

COMMUNICATION: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

TEAMWORK: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

CLIENT ORIENTATION: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients ” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

or (0-2 years) in international relations and human rights Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture, (i.e. studies, volunteer work, internship) would be highly regarded. Knowledge of another UN official language is desirable.

The UN Volunteer will be based in Geneva, Switzerland. Currently, there are no direct threats to UN personnel or assets within the country. It is the incumbent’s responsibility to comply with immigration while entering/exiting the country, customs and subscribe to a health insurance plan that satisfies the Swiss authorities’ requirements. The incumbent is responsible for finding and securing their own accommodation. Geneva is a cosmopolitan metropolis with modern amenities, cultural attractions, public transportations, restaurants, and nightlife.

The duration of this assignment is six months.

UN Volunteer entitlements and allowances: The purpose of the allowances and entitlements paid to UN Volunteers is to enable UN Volunteers to sustain a secure standard of living at the duty stations in line with United Nations standards without incurring personal costs. The allowances are in no way to be understood as compensation, reward, or salary in exchange for the UN Volunteer’s service. Contingent on specific eligibility criteria, location of the volunteer assignment and contractual type and category, the payment of allowances will begin from the date of Commencement of Service For more information on entitlements please read the Condition of Service (https://explore.unv.org/cos). For information specific to your assignment please see below:

Please note that the amounts can vary according to fluctuations of the monthly post adjustment. Monthly Living Allowance (Per month): USD 2061.5 Entry lump sum (one-time payment): USD 4,000 Exit allowance (for each month served, paid on completion of contract): USD 225 Medical and life insurance: Cigna Private Insurance

Leave entitlements: Annual leave: 2.5 days accrued per calendar month Certified sick leave: 30 days for 12 months Uncertified sick leave: 7 days for 12 months and 4 days for shorter assignments Learning leave: 10 working days per consecutive 12 months (shorter assignments are prorated) Maternity Leave: 16 weeks Paternity Leave: 10 days