Assistant Human Rights Officer

This announcement broadcasts international assignment within the Human Rights Council Branch of the Human Rights Council and Treaty Mechanisms Division, Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the incumbent reports to the Chief of the Human Rights Council Branch. The HRC Branch acts as secretariat for the Human Rights Council, an inter-governmental body within the United Nations system made up of 47 States responsible for the promotion and protection of all human rights around the globe. The HRC meets for three regular sessions every year, in March, June and September

Based in Geneva, Switzerland, under the overall direction of the Chief of Branch and general guidance the Head of Section, the volunteer reports to the Human Rights Officer and/or respective Committee Secretary in the assigned work unit. The assignment shall be for a combined period of six (6) months, upon further approval by the supervisor, with a commencement date ranging/starting May through October 2024.

UN University Volunteer assignments are always without family.

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.

Under the direct supervision of the Chief of the Human Rights Council Branch, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks: • Assists in the organization of and provides substantive and technical support to the regular and special sessions of the Human Rights Council, as well as meetings of the Human Rights Council Advisory Committee (HRCAC), the Working Groups on Communications and Situations of the HRC Complaint procedure; • Provides direct assistance to the Secretary of the Human Rights Council and to the Secretaries of HRC subsidiary bodies and mechanisms supported by the Branch; • Contributes to drafting analytical summaries and notes on the debates and discussions of the HRC and the above-mentioned subsidiary bodies and mechanisms; • Assists in the drafting of correspondence, notes verbales or other relevant texts in respect of the work performed by the HRC and its subsidiary bodies; • Performs other duties as may be directed by the Chief of Branch.

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: Deepened knowledge and understanding of the work and functioning of the Human Rights Council and its subsidiary bodies and mechanisms. Participate in the advocacy for Fair Internship Initiative (FII) in the UN Secretariat. The development of capacity through coaching, mentoring and formal on-the-job training, when working with (including supervising) national staff or (non-) governmental counter-parts, including Implementing Partners (IPs). 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.

• Integrity and professionalism: demonstrated expertise in area of specialty and ability to apply good judgment; high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures in a politically sensitive environment, while exercising discretion, impartiality and neutrality; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented.

• Accountability: mature and responsible; ability to operate in compliance with organizational rules and regulations.

• Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment.

• Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities.

• Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity and gender.

• Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; ability to maintain composure and remain helpful towards the staff, but objective, without showing personal interest; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups.

• Flexibility, adaptability, and ability and willingness to operate independently in austere, remote and potentially hazardous environments for protracted periods, involving physical hardship and little comfort, and including possible extensive travel within the area of operations; willingness to transfer to other duty stations within area of operations as may be necessary.

• Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards the UN core values.

(Demonstrated interest and/or experience (up to 2 years) in the work of international human rights mechanisms.
Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture, (i.e. studies, volunteer work, internship) would be highly regarded

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, customs and health requirements while entering/exiting the country. The incumbent is responsible for finding and securing their own accommodation. Geneva is a cosmopolitan metropolis with modern amenities, cultural attractions, public transportation 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 2058.24 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: UN Volunteers are entitled to up to 30 days of certified sick leave based on a 12-month cycle. This amount is reset every 12-month cycle. 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