Associate Human Rights Officer

Contract

This is a UNV National Youth contract. This kind of contract is known as National UN Volunteer. It is normally only for nationals. More about UNV National Youth contracts.

In the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Region, over half the population is under the age of 25. Yet the percentage of children of primary school age currently in school is the lowest in the developing world. Youth unemployment is the highest amongst developing regions, with 29 percent of individuals between 15 and 24 out of a job. The region is considered to have the highest youth unemployment rate and the lowest share of primary school age children attending school. A stronger focus on youth and others excluded – particularly women and girls, rural dwellers, and those living in conflict-affected areas – is now needed to ensure sustainable human development for all.

The above analysis explains why the youth in Arab countries propelled the so-called Arab spring, demanding more inclusivity, transparency, human rights, and democracy. Whilst in some countries some progress was made concerning the enjoyment of civil and political rights, some Arab countries witnessed a setback in the enjoyment or limited progress in the area of social and economic rights. Others also went through internal violent conflict, which lead to an increased marginalization of youth, which in turn resulted in an increase of the appeal of joining radical groups in these conflict zones. It is therefore clear that one of the contributing factors for proliferation of violent extremism and radicalization among youth in some of the Arab countries is their very limited participation in the public sphere and their inability to contribute to decision-making processes at local and national levels.

Within the context of the 2030 Agenda, States are encouraged to pay special attention to youth. Efforts towards the realisation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) should take specific account of the needs of young people to ensure this category is not left behind. In this context, it is crucial to ensure young people are not only beneficiaries of development policies, but also and foremost the driving force behind the development of such policies and in efforts to realise the SDGs at a national level and within their local communities.

Noting the above, and in line with the Office Management Plan 2021-2023 and its commitment to shine a spotlight on youth, Regional Office for the Middle East and North Africa (ROMENA) intends to enhance its efforts to make human rights and the SDGs more relevant to young people as they strive for dignity for themselves and their community. The Office will thus invest in increasing its ability to engage with young people and developing tools and platforms to increase meaningful participation in public processes and push for an increase realization of their rights.

Under the direct supervision of Regional Representative or his/her designated mandated representative(s), and under the direct supervision of the ROMENA Human Rights Officer, the National UN Youth Volunteer will: • Participate in the implementation of the Regional Office work plan and assist the office in strengthening and promoting of human rights; • Assist in implementing capacity building programmes and conduct actives related to human rights monitoring and reporting on countries assigned by the Regional Representative; • Provide substantive and organizational support for trainings, workshops and conferences; including drafting of concept notes, coordination with external trainers/speakers, drafting of reports and recommendations; contacting the participants to provide documents;
• Provide technical assistance to different HR stakeholders in the assigned countries; • Contribute to the implementation of ROMENA Youth Program and participate in designing a plan for future activities; • Support the youth team in promoting youth participation in public affairs and enhance activism of young CSOs and human rights defenders; • Establish contacts with different human rights stakeholders and maintain networks of NGOs focusing on various human rights topics; • Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor.

• Professionalism • Integrity • Teamwork and respect for diversity • Commitment to continuous learning • Communication • Flexibility • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement

writing reports, or other relevant programmes is a plus; experience working with ministries, the UN and or other international development organization at the national and/or international level is desirable; • Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills; • Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing; • Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development; • 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; • Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment; • Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines; • Sound security awareness; • Have affinity with or interest in Human Rights field, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System. • Motivated to contribute towards peace and development and to serve others; • Good interpersonal, networking and communication skills; • Willingness to contribute and work as part of a team; • Flexible and open to learning and new experiences; • Respect for diversity and adaptability to other cultures, environments and living conditions; • Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture, (i.e. studies, volunteer work, internship) would be highly regarded; • Computer skills (i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, social media, and others).

As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. This position is based in Beirut, Lebanon. National UN Volunteers are part of the malicious insurance plan. National UN Volunteers are expected to be culturally sensitive and adjust to the prevailing culture and traditions.