Human Right Associate

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.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights is mandated by General Assembly Resolution 48/141 of December 1993 to promote and protect all human rights for all. This mandate also includes the lead within the United Nations to coordinate all human rights-related activities and to cooperate with member states on implementing human rights. The project is designed to successfully support the implementation of the provisions of UNSC Resolution 2391 related to the obligations of Sahel States to ensure the protection of populations, especially women and children, when countering terrorism and transnational organized crimes. Moreover, the mechanisms and measures implemented under the proposed project are relevant as they should both enable the reduction of violations of human rights and international humanitarian law by internal security forces.

Description of tasks

Within the delegated authority the overall supervision and guidance of the Representative of the Country Office and under the direct supervision of the deputy-head of office and coordinator of the project, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks: • Facilitate the implementation of human rights mandate in the designated area of responsibility (AOR); • Gather information, analyse and report on the human rights situation in the designated AOR, including through close cooperation with other United Nations actors and the community; • Follow up on individual cases of violation of human rights and related 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; • Contribute to the design and implementation of strategies aiming at enhanced protection of human rights in the AoR; Establish and maintain 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; • Conduct fact-finding missions and investigations into abuses/violations of human rights; • Ensure, coordinate and supervise 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 human rights mainstreaming within UN planning and programming; Ensure the integration of gender perspectives, with specific attention to issues related to women and girls, including gender based violence, within all assigned human rights activities; • Represent the UN human rights component at working level meetings, as relevant; • Participate in monitoring cases of human rights violations • Prepare drafts of monitoring missions reports as well as weekly reports

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities:

• Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day); • Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country; • Provide annual and end of assignment self- reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities.
• Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.; • Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers; • Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering, or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

Results/expected outputs

As an active UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including: • Contribution is made towards improving the human rights situation; • An overview of the human rights situation within the area of responsibility (AOR) is maintained; Mission human rights leadership, through the immediate supervisor, is informed of human rights developments within the AOR; • Accurate analytical reports on the human rights situation are produced and submitted on time and the database is updated; • Good relationships are developed and effective advocacy conducted with the local authorities; • Contact with a variety of stakeholders is established, maintained and expanded; • Human rights awareness and training programmes relevant to the human rights issues in the AOR are conducted; • The capacities of local NGOs for the protection of human rights is increased; Capacity is developed through coaching, mentoring and formal on-the-job training, when working with (including supervising) national staff or (non-) governmental counterparts, including Implementing Partners (IPs); and A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed. • The development of capacity through coaching, mentoring and formal on-the-job training, when working with (including supervising) national staff or (non-) governmental counter-parts, including Implementing Partners (IPs); • Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated and documented in all activities throughout the assignment • A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed.

• Professionalism ; • Integrity ; • Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues; • Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment. • Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities; • Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups; • Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary; • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

Two years of work experience in a field related to human rights. Knowledge of international human rights instruments and tools for the promotion and protection of human rights is required. Knowledge of international humanitarian law is desirable. Experience in human rights monitoring and reporting is desirable. • Experience in research and drafting documents, such as reports, is desirable. Experience working in Sahel is desirable. Experience working in a developing, conflict or post-conflict setting is an advantage • At least 2 years of professional work experience at the national and/or international level in training, detention, or operational communication, or other relevant programmes; experience working in the UN or other international development organization is an asset; • 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; • Desirable: valid national driver’s license and proven ability to drive manual gear 4x4 over rough terrain; (if not applicable, delete) • Sound security awareness; • Have affinity with or interest in promotion and protect of human right for all, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

Mauritania, officially the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, is a country in the Maghreb region of North western Africa. It is the eleventh largest country in Africa and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west, Western Sahara in the north, Algeria in the northeast. Mauritania has a mixed Arab, Peuls, Wolof and Soninke population of 4 million inhabitants (in 2018), about one third of its people live in Nouakchott, the capital and largest city, situated between the dunes and the ocean. Services and infrastructures that have been improving lately. The healthcare system in Mauritania mainly consists of administrative centers and emergency health facilities. The healthcare system in the country is predominantly public, however, over the past decade the private medical sector has experienced a steady increase. The country has hospital in all the 15 regions. Some of those hospitals are suitable for medical emergencies; however they are not fully equipped to house inpatients. The UN system has a list of hospital and private structures for the needs of the UN staff and families. There is a lack of adequate schools in the country. However, they are two main international. Mauritania is a stable contry with a multicultural population rich in ethnic brazing. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential.