Assistant Human Rights Officer

This UNV assignment is offered in the context of a pilot 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 cannot have residency in Switzerland at the time of application.

• 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 during July 2024, for a period of six (6) months. 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.

The position is a full-time opportunity and the volunteer must adhere to the established weekly working hours of the duty station where the assignment is located, including one hour for lunch.

APPLICANTS ARE REQUESTED TO INDICATE THEIR PERIOD OF AVAILABILITY IN THE COVER-LETTER OF THEIR APPLICATION.

Under the direct supervision of the Chief of Section, the International University Volunteers will:

• Research a broad range of issues relating to the right to water and sanitation, food and to adequate housing, including constitutional provisions, legislation, administrative regulations, policies, and practices, and contribute to analytical briefs and assessment reports;
• Assist in drafting a wide range of documents, notably correspondence with Governments, in follow-up to information submitted to the Special Rapporteurs from individuals, groups, and other stakeholders, on alleged violations of the rights to safe drinking water and sanitation, food and adequate housing, as well as briefing notes and talking points to assist the Special Rapporteurs to participate in key events and media releases;
• Assist in preparing country visits of the Special Rapporteurs, including timely preparation of comprehensive country-assessments, designing the programme of the visit with all parties involved, and assist in handling logistics;
• Assist in the organization of consultations and other expert meetings to inform the Special Rapporteurs’ thematic research;
• Ensure that routine correspondence is tracked and responded to as well as maintenance of the Special Rapporteurs’ outreach tools, most notably its webpage and social media channels when applicable;
• Other tasks as required by her/his supervisors in order to ensure comprehensive and effective support of the mandate of the Special Rapporteur and participate in activities carried out by the Branch and Office as a whole.

As part of the programme, the volunteers are encouraged to provide feedback on OHCHR’s UUNV programme aimed at bringing qualified candidates from the developing economies to volunteer with OHCHR, including suggestions how it could be further improved.

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 - Provide annual and end of assignment reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities using UNV’s Volunteer Reporting Application - 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.

PROFESSIONALISM: Shows pride in work and in achievements; Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; Remains calm in stressful situation.

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.

Applicants are not required to have professional work experience for this assignment however relevant academic and/or practical experience, in particular in the area of law, human rights, social and political sciences, sustainable development and/or development cooperation or in a related area is required. This could include for example having completed relevant internships or having been engaged in relevant work in a civil society organization on a non-remunerated basis before, during or after the university studies. Experience on issues relating to the right to water and sanitation, food or adequate housing would be a particular asset. Demonstrated research and drafting skills are highly desirable.

Other skills: Applicants should be computer literate in standard software applications; Applications should have a demonstrated interest in the work of the United Nations with a commitment to the ideals of the Charter and have the demonstrated ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs - which includes willingness to understand and be tolerant of differing opinions and views.

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 2017.01 Entry lump sum (one-time payment): USD 4000 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