Human Rights and Gender Associate

Volunteering Elections & Governance

Overview

Support human rights and gender equality initiatives in Uruguay.

You have:

• Demonstrated interest or experience (up to 2 years) in development cooperation, human rights monitoring, public policy analysis or gender equality mainstreaming, or other thematic areas.
• Knowledge of international human rights standards and UN normative frameworks is considered an asset.
• Fluency in Spanish and English is required. Knowledge of any other official UN languages is considered an asset.
• Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation and reporting skills;
• 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 Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, among others), familiarity with database management.
• Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines;

Contract

This is a UNV contract. More about UNV contracts.

This UNV assignment is part of the efforts undertaken by the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office (UNRCO) in Uruguay to enhance the coordination and coherence of the UN Country Team (UNCT) in advancing human rights, gender equality and the Leave No One Behind (LNOB) principle, in line with the UN Reform and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The assignment contributes to strengthening inter-agency collaboration and supporting the integration of international human rights standards, gender equality and women’s empowerment (GEWE), and the inclusion of people in vulnerable situations in joint UN programming, policy dialogue, and advocacy. In particular, this UNV assignment will support the implementation of the new UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (2026–2030), ensuring that human rights and GEWE are systematically reflected across the UNCT’s strategic priorities.

Under the supervision of the Head of the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office, the UN Volunteer Specialist will provide technical support and coordination in the design, monitoring, and evaluation of inter-agency initiatives, including programs, projects and joint advocacy actions. The role requires active engagement with UN agencies, national institutions, civil society organizations, and other key stakeholders to advance inclusive, rights-based, and sustainable development outcomes in Uruguay.

Under the supervision of the Head of the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office, the UN Volunteer Associate will carry out the following tasks:

• Support the integration of a human rights-based approach (HRBA), gender equality and women’s empowerment (GEWE), and the Leave No One Behind (LNOB) principle across UNCT programming, planning processes and joint initiatives.

• Provide support to the RCO and the UNCT to collect and analyse qualitative information about the human rights and GEWE indicators, particularly focus on most vulnerable people, including through engagement with relevant stakeholders, NGOs and community-based organizations.

• Support UNCT initiatives related to peacebuilding, dialogue and international mediation.

• Participate in and support inter-agency thematic working groups within the UNCT, including those related to gender equality, rights of persons of African descent, disability inclusion and youth, contributing to the implementation of joint activities.

• Serve as the Youth Focal Point within the RCO, supporting the promotion of meaningful youth engagement and participation, in line with the Youth 2030 Strategy.

• Support the RCO and the UNCT in identifying opportunities for the implementation of joint ini-tiatives, programmes and projects to promote the human rights of marginalized and vulnerable groups.

• Assist in the preparation of briefing notes, background materials, reports and other knowledge products to support UN advocacy and stakeholder engagement efforts.

During the first month of the assignment, the UN Volunteer will work closely with his/her direct supervisor to finalize an agreed-upon work plan. The work plan should outline key objectives and activities and include regular check‑ins with the supervisor to review progress and receive performance feedback.

· Commitment and motivation

· Commitment to Continuous Learning

· Communication

· Knowledge Sharing

· Planning and Organizing

· Respect for Diversity

· Working in Teams

Demonstrated interest or experience (up to 2 years) in:

· Development cooperation, human rights monitoring, public policy analysis or gender equality mainstreaming, or other thematic areas;

· Knowledge of international human rights standards and UN normative frameworks is considered an asset.

· Fluency in Spanish and English is required. Knowledge of any other official UN lan-guages is considered an asset.

· Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation and 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 person-nel;

· Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various Microsoft Office appli-cations (Excel, Word, among others), familiarity with database management.

· Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines;

Uruguay is a safe country in the context of the Latin American region. The country ranks in the 51° position in the human development index, being classified as very high developed country. Also, the country is ranked by the WB as high-income country. Uruguay is also ranked as a full democracy country by the Intelligence Unit of The Economist. Finally, it is important to highlight that the country has very good infrastructure (availability of water, electricity, and communication services), an ample offer of fly connections with the regional countries and beyond. Uruguay provides for an interesting and enriching environment.

Contract Conditions: The contract lasts for the period indicated above with possibility of extensions subject to availability of funding, operational necessity, and satisfactory performance.

The applicable Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) is provided monthly to cover housing, utilities, and normal cost of living expenses. Life, health, and permanent disability insurance are included (health insurance for up to 3 dependents), as well as deployment and final repatriation travel, and entry / exit allowance.

Specific UN Volunteer entitlements, including insurance coverage, Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA), Entry / Exit lump sums, among others, are available at: https://app.unv.org/calculator.

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Potential interview questions

Added 3 days ago - Updated 4 hours ago - Source: unv.org