Associate in Human Rights

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OHCHR - Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights

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Application deadline 2 years ago: Friday 12 Nov 2021 at 00:00 UTC

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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-Colombia was established, upon request of the Commission on Human Rights and the initiative of the Government of Colombia, on 29 November 1996 by an Agreement between the Government of Colombia and the High Commissioner for Human Rights, (E/CN.4/1997/11). OHCHR has been present in Colombia since 1997. OHCHR-Colombia operates from the capital city, Bogotá, and ten offices across the country. It implements a comprehensive strategy that includes:1) monitoring of the human rights situation with a view to advising the authorities on the formulation and implementation of policies, programmes and measures to promote and protect human rights, also in the context of violence, including through the presentation of annual reports on the human rights situation in Colombia to the Human Rights Council; 2) cooperation and technical assistance and advice to the Government to promote respect and observance of human rights and international humanitarian law in Colombia; 3) provision of technical assistance and advice to civil society and non-governmental human rights organizations and individuals, and 4) promotion of human rights to the general public and dissemination of information on international human rights and humanitarian law standards.

The historical Peace Agreement signed in November 2016, by the Government of Colombia and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC-EP) has provided OHCHR with additional responsibilities on a wide range of human rights related components. This includes to monitor and report on public policies for the dismantling of criminal organizations and protecting human rights defenders, security for FARC members as they transition from ex combatants to fully fledged political party members, case review of detained FARC members, and accompanying victims in their search for truth, justice, reparation and guarantees of non-recurrence.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of Coordinator of the field presence, the UN Volunteer contribute to the following tasks:

Facilitate the implementation of human rights mandate in the designated area of responsibility (AOR);
Assist in monitoring the human rights situation from a given thematic priority and geographical responsibility;
In close coordination with the field office coordinator, prepare and undertake fact-finding field missions including the timely drafting of reports and follow-up;
Support follow up on individual cases and issues with authorities with the aim of stopping or preventing human rights violations or seeking remedial action by the authorities to prevent similar violations occurring in the future;
Support in the establishment and maintenance contacts with government representatives, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), civil society organizations, UN agencies and other partners operating in the AOR;
Assist in conducting human rights capacity-building activities and in developing and implementing human rights training programmes;
Contribute to and/or draft various reports, communications, briefing notes, statements or other products;
Ensure the timely entry of accurate and verified human rights cases into an established database; conduct quality control and deliver statistics and trend reports as required;
Ensure the integration of gender perspectives, with specific attention to issues related to women and girls, including conflict related sexual violence, within all assigned human
Help with occasional basic administrative tasks when needed
Perform other related duties as required.

Adaptability and Flexibility, Commitment to Continuous Learning, Communication, Integrity, Planning and Organizing, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity, Working in Teams

At least 3 years of progressively professional experience in a field related to human rights.
Experience in human rights monitoring and reporting is required.
Excellent knowledge of international human rights instruments and tools for the promotion and protection of human rights is required.
Experience working in Colombia is an asset.
Experience working in a developing, conflict or post-conflict setting is an advantage.
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;

Colombia is a large country (1,141,748 km2); its population rises to 47,000,000 citizens. Quibdó is the capital city of Chocó Department, in Western Colombia, and is located on the Atrato River. The municipality of Quibdó has an area of 3,337.5 km² and a population of 129,237, predominately Afro Colombian and Indigenous communities. The city is located in one of the most biodiverse regions of Colombia, close to large ecological reserves such as the Emberá National Natural Park. It is also one of the regions with the largest number of indigenous reserves. Quibdó has an extremely wet and cloudy tropical rainforest climate without noticeable seasons. It has the highest amount of rainfall in South America and of any city of its size or greater. Quibdó is served by El Caraño Airport with flights by three commercial airlines.

On the other hand, Quibdó faces issues of poverty, unemployment, security and low health system coverage. In accordance with the most recent SRA informed by UNDSS, Quibdó is classified on a “medium–high” risk level of living and working standards. In general, this city has standard conditions of living, however, in the last few years security incidents have been increased in urban and rural areas (before the starting date of the assignation, the UN Volunteer will receive a security briefing and training, housing advice and a residential allowance - MORSS from the UNDP)

Added 2 years ago - Updated 2 years ago - Source: unv.org