Associate Human Rights Officer

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.

On 4 May 2015, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights signed an agreement with the Government of Honduras to establish a country office. The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Honduras became operational in 2016. In accordance with its comprehensive mandate of promoting and protecting human rights, the Office monitors the human rights situation in Honduras, assists State institutions to comply with international human rights laws and standards, and promotes awareness and knowledge of human rights, including through capacity building of civil society.

OHCHR-Honduras is seeking two International UN Volunteers to consolidate its team. One position will focus on the protection of human rights defenders, freedom of expression and the democratic space. The second on economic, social and cultural rights, with a specific focus on gender and women’s rights.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the coordinator of the assigned unit or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer Associate Human Rights Officer will:

Gather information on the human rights situation related to the assigned thematic area(s) (inclusive of legislation, policies and programmes), including through contacts with State authorities and institutions, civil society, other United Nations actors, and other stakeholders;

Participate in and conduct monitoring missions and report thereon;

Receive complaints of alleged human rights violations, interview victims and advise them and/or their families on possible courses of action;

Document allegations of human rights violations and abuses, including by entering them in OHCHR’s database;

Contribute to the analysis of human rights concerns, violations and abuses in light of international human rights norms and standards, including with the objective of contributing to prevention and early warning;

Draft and contribute to drafting a variety of reports and correspondence relating to assigned thematic area(s); Support the design and delivery of technical assistance and capacity building to State institutions, civil society and other stakeholders on the assigned thematic area to strengthen the promotion and protection of human rights in the country; Participate in meetings, working groups, seminars, etc., on assigned thematic area(s); Contribute to the development and implementation of OHCHR’s strategy in relation to the assigned thematic area; Ensure the integration of a gender perspective and attention to gender and women’s human rights in all activities; Perform other related duties as required.

Accountability Adaptability and Flexibility Commitment to Continuous Learning Communication Integrity Planning and Organizing Professionalism Technological Awareness Working in Teams

of professional experience at the national and/or international level in the fields of human rights, rule of law and/or conflict prevention is required; experience working in or knowledge of the Latin American region would be an asset. Solid knowledge of international human rights law and mechanisms is required. Experience working with human rights defenders and on issues related to the democratic space is desired. Experience working on access to justice, accountability for human rights violations and other rule of law issues is desired. Experience working on women’s rights and gender-related issues is desired. Experience working on conflict prevention and human rights issues in electoral context would be an asset. Excellent communication, advocacy and written skills. Excellent interpersonal skills: culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including human rights defenders, grassroots community members, women, LGBTI and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels. Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel. Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines. Have affinity with or interest in the promotion and protection of the human rights of all, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

Honduras is a tropical country in the middle of central America, bordered to the north with to Caribbean Sea, to the south with El Salvador, to the west with Guatemala and to the East with Nicaragua. Climate varies, but is fairly moderate with regular sunshine making temperatures climb from 15- 20 C(59-68 F) to up around 28 C(low 82e F) during the middle of the day. Rainfall is quite low to moderate with a patchy wet season from May to October. Low-land and coastal regions experience less of a temperature range with warmer nights and slightly less rainfall. The threat against UN system staff members from political activity is considered low. The threat from common criminal elements is considered highly critical in certain areas of the country. Violent crime is a serious and growing problem, especially in certain zones of Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula, and to a lesser degree throughout the country. Pickpockets and purse-snatchers are prevalent in major cities at tourist sites, especially in parts of Comayaguela and the central market surroundings of Tegucigalpa. Highway, road and street robberies, carjacking and assaults of pedestrians by armed thieves are still high. Roadblocks and demonstrations on the main highways and border countries customs offices have decreased. In the past, demonstrations have ended in street violence, requiring intervention by national police, for which precaution is requested. Threats against the public transportation system by gangs have been reported in Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula, supposedly related to Organized Crime, for which caution should be maintained at all times on the street. A security briefing will be provided upon arrival to provide all the information and recommendations to take in consideration in the daily life and areas in which it will be recommended to search for an apartment. Tegucigalpa is a family duty station and the office is close to some restaurants, malls and the main hotels of the city. Visitors are specially advised to protect against mosquitoes bites in affected areas, due to insect-borne diseases such as Malaria and Dengue Fever (both serious, potentially fatal diseases). In general mosquitoes in Honduras are most bothersome from dusk to dawn, especially in the countryside. Other infectious diseases are common such as Diarrhoea, Amoebic and food. Some specific health cares must be considered especially hygienic practices avoid eating in places where cleaning is not ensured and pay special attention to the hygiene of fruits and vegetables, wash fruits and vegetables carefully if you eat them raw or peel them before eating.