Associate Human Rights - Focal Point Indigenous Peoples

Contract

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

OHCHR-Mexico is divided into several functional units: Administration, Grave Human Rights Violations, Gender and ESCR, Democratic Space, Vulnerable Groups, Indicators and Public Communications. The UNV would be part of the Vulnerable Groups Unit, which currently consists of a coordinator and two International UNVs. The Vulnerable Groups Unit personally receives complaints of alleged human rights violations and gives legal orientation to victims, particularly indigenous people. The Vulnerable Groups Unit also participates in field missions to follow up cases of alleged human rights violations, meeting with victims, family members of victims, local NGO´s and government authorities.

The UN Volunteer will support the following activities: receiving complaints of alleged human rights violations; participating in field missions and meetings with authorities, civil society organizations and victims; promoting legislative harmonisation and the development of comprehensive public policies; technical assistance to federal and state governments; among others.

Under the direct supervision of the Coordinator of the Vulnerable Groups Unit, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

• Research and collect information pertaining to human rights issues through monitoring human rights situations at the field level and from a variety of data sources (e.g. publications and the press) to keep abreast of issues/events and provide up-to-date information; • Interview human rights victims, particularly indigenous people, relevant authorities, and civil society organizations as part of the documentation of cases; • Assist in the analysis of information regarding substantive matters in the field of human rights, particularly related to indigenous peoples, and recommend actions to be taken; • Coordinate activities and strategies related to priority issues with other Units of OHCHR-México; • Establish working relationships with state and federal authorities and provide them with technical assistance to strengthen the level of compliance with international human rights obligations; • Document cases of indigenous people’s human rights violations; • As a part of the good offices mandate of OHCHR-Mexico, act as an observer and/or facilitator in prior consultation processes organized by the federal government, providing detailed advice to the authorities about the implementation of their international obligations and strengthening the rights holders’ knowledge about their rights; • Dialogue with private companies and businesses related to their projects, which might affect the rights of indigenous peoples and their adherence to the UN guiding principles on business and human rights; • Assist in the analysis of information regarding substantive matters in the field of human rights and recommend actions to be taken; • Draft a variety of reports and correspondence relating to human rights matters/cases; • Participate in human rights training programmes for government officials, representatives of civil society, human rights non-governmental organizations and rights holders; • Liaise with representatives of the federal and local legislative powers to ensure that the legislation affecting indigenous peoples and communities is in line with international standards and is created with the right perspective and methodology; • Work with UN and non-governmental partners in the country to integrate human rights in their programmes, including gender considerations; • Assist in the consolidation of knowledge and necessary tools within the United Nations system in Mexico, in order to mainstream human rights in its actions;
• Assist in establishing working-level cooperation with relevant government ministries and State institutions to assist in strengthening their capacity for the protection and promotion of human rights; • Receive complaints of alleged human rights violations and give legal advice to victims; • Perform other tasks as required.

Adaptability and Flexibility, Client Orientation, Commitment and Motivation, Communication, Ethics and Values, Integrity, Knowledge Sharing, Planning and Organizing, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity and Working in Teams.

general. Minimum 2 years work experience in the protection/promotion of human rights and related areas. Field experience and knowledge of the Latin American Region and indigenous people’s rights is an asset.

Mexico City has a very good infrastructure; health, housing, schools, banking transportation, telecommunications, and recreational facilities. The current security situation in Mexico is considered as stable, nevertheless common crime activities as robbery, theft and "express kidnapping", among others, represent a serious threat to any citizen living in Mexico. There is no direct threat to UN Staff or other international organization. Movements within Mexico City can be done without restrictions; however, staff must adopt basic precautions. Any movement outside from Mexico City must be cleared by UNDSS system in place.