Assistant Human Rights Officer

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OHCHR - Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights

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Application deadline 1 year ago: Sunday 26 Jun 2022 at 00:00 UTC

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Contract

This is a UNV International Youth contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Youth contracts.

Considering the adjusted priorities of OHCHR Tunisia for 2022, combined with the continuing developments at the political and institutional fronts, which have significant impact on the actual enjoyment of human rights, the UN Youth Volunteer will primarily support the Office activities geared towards reinstating the rule of law and restoring the democratic functioning and balance of power of institutions in Tunisia. The UN Youth Volunteer will also support activities related to addressing pre-existing human rights concerns, notably in relation to the realization of the civil and political rights, which have further exacerbated as of the 25 July 2021 presidential decisions. These include the disrespect of applicable laws and regulations including the Constitution, in particular concerning the separation of powers and the independence of the judiciary; violations of due process and fair trial guarantees and effective remedy; and undue restrictions of rights to liberty and religion, as well as freedoms of expression, association and movement. Furthermore, last year’s presidential decisions had a detrimental impact on the process of transitional justice that already was advancing in a slow pace.

Under the direct supervision of the Human Rights Officer in charge of the rule of law portfolio (on delegation of the Deputy Representative), the UN Youth Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

  • Contribute to the Country Office’s mandate and efforts to promote peace and security and/or prevent conflict notably through activities to combat impunity and strengthen accountability and the rule of law;
  • Support the Country Office activities in relation to widening the democratic space, in-cluding online;
  • Support the Country Office, notably on its thematic priorities 1 (Strengthening rule of law & accountability for human rights violations) and 3 (Enhancing and protecting civic space and people’s participation) by contributing to human rights investigations and reporting, participating in meetings and follow up, conducting research, analysis and other related tasks;
  • Contribute to thematic reports or studies, including data collection; research of related literature, international law and jurisprudence;
  • Assist in the verification and analysis of information to include the impact on the coun-try and thematic mandates on the human rights situation in assigned area;
  • Support awareness raising on current human rights issues, to include relevant political and legal developments in the country;
  • Assist in developing and implementing activities to strengthen the capacities of institu-tional and civil society partners.

  • Adaptability and Flexibility

  • Commitment and Motivation
  • Communication
  • Integrity
  • Planning and Organizing
  • Professionalism
  • Respect for Diversity
  • Technological Awareness
  • Working in Teams

or demonstrated interest in one of the following fields would be considered as an asset: civil and political rights, civic space and civil society, human rights defenders; human rights monitoring and reporting;

• Knowledge and understanding of human rights-related matters; ability to identify problems, i.e. political, ethnic, gender-based, social, economic, etc., causing civil unrest in a country or geographic area;

• Demonstrated research and analytical skills, including ability to identify and participate in the resolution of relevant human rights issues/problems; basic knowledge of institutional mandates, policies, guidelines, etc., related to human rights; skill in developing sources for data collection;

• Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture, (i.e. studies, volunteer work, internship) would be highly regarded.

Tunisia, the smallest country of the North African coast, with a population of slightly over 10 million of which about 60% live in urban locations, has one of the highest living standards on the continent. Tunis is the capital of the country and the largest city (population of approxi-mately two million in and outside the city proper). As a small country, all destinations within Tunisia can be reached in a day drive. Tunisia borders with Libya (Southeast) and with Algeria (West).

Tunisia has a Mediterranean climate. Along the coast of northern Tunisia, summers are hot and dry, and winters are warm and rainy. In the northwest, there is occasional snowfall in the mountains. In southern Tunisia, it is hotter and drier. Southern Tunisia, where the Sahara be-gins, is semi-desert. In some parts, there are oases with giant palm trees and small market gardens.

Religion: About 99 percent of the population is Muslim, especially Sunni Islam, as it is the major and state religion. Tunisia has also a small Christian population, composed of Roman Catholics, members of the Greek Orthodox Church, and French and English Protestants. In addition, there is a small population of Sephardic Jews.

Economy: The country does not have vast stocks of hydrocarbons like its neighbours Algeria and Libya but has prospered under long-standing government policies to develop manufactur-ing, tourism, and agriculture. At the same time, social programmes limit population growth, provide a high standard of education, and ensure a relatively decent standard of living for all. The largest percentage of Tunisia’s exports are agricultural and mining products, which gener-ate over 11 billion dollars a year. Tunisia's biggest export partners are France and Italy. Tuni-sia is a member of the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development (AFESD), the Arab Monetary Fund, and the Union of the Arab Maghreb (UMA).

Public transportation: In addition to the private taxi services, the State runs a relatively relia-ble and cost-effective public transport system.

Safety and security: The crime rate is low, but there have been cases of theft. Walking alone during daylight hours is permitted, but you may want to be more careful at night. Tunisia is still undergoing a critical period of democratic and social transition. The heated political debate has, at times, developed into a localized confrontation among ideological opponents. Although these tensions are unrelated to foreigners, it is nevertheless important to remain updated on the political situation. Therefore, security advice is sent systematically by UNDSS and UN-HCR security staff.

Added 1 year ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: unv.org