Associate Human Rights Officer

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.

The position will focus on enhancing political participation of youth with a specific focus on prevention the social conflict affecting peasant and indigenous youth in Honduras.

Under the direct supervision of the Coordinator of the assigned unit, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks: •Support the gathering of information on the human rights situation related to youth in Honduras (inclusive of legislation, policies and programmes), including through con-tacts with State authorities and institutions, civil society, other United Nations actors, and other stakeholders. •Participate in and help conduct monitoring missions and report thereon. •Coordinate actions to further enhance the Office´s engagements in cross-cutting is-sues related to youth within Equality and Non-Discrimination pillar. •Coordinate actions to strengthen the strategic partnerships with youth organizations and platforms, student organizations, State institutions in charge of public policies on youth and human rights. •Mapping and monitoring of the situations, concerns and challenges for youth in Hon-duras. •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 con-tributing to prevention and early warning; •Draft and contribute to drafting a variety of reports and correspondence relating to youth. •Support the design and delivery of technical assistance and capacity building to State institutions, civil society, and other stakeholders on human rights education for youth. 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 youth and Peace Building Fund projects. •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 and Motivation, Communication, Integrity, Planning and Organizing, Professionalisim, technological Awareness, Working in teams.

and/or demonstrated interest in the fields of human rights, youth and conflict prevention; 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 young people and on issues related to the political participation of youth 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, with specific focus on political participation of youth 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, grass-roots 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. •Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture, (i.e. studies, volunteer work, internship) would be highly regarded.

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 Teguci-galpa 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 Comayague-la 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 Orga-nized Crime, for which caution should be maintained at all times on the street. A security brief-ing 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 mosquito 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 Diarrhea, 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.