Human Rights Assistant

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 Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights is the leading UN entity on human rights. The Regional Office is mandated to promote and protect human rights in the region for all, leading efforts, speaking out objectively in the face of human rights violations and providing a forum to identify, highlight and develop responses to today's human rights challenges.

The Regional Office, located in Beirut, Lebanon, currently covers 11 countries: Algeria, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and United Arab Emirates.

Believing in action to protect and promote human rights as an inherent preventive power to foster efforts for sustainable peace, the Regional Office addresses root causes of unrest and conflicts and prioritizes normative frameworks that provide a sound basis for addressing issues of serious concern in a pre-emptive manner.

The Regional Office focuses on:

• Monitoring and reporting on the human rights situation in the region and recommends an adequate action by OHCHR.

• Providing technical advice and support for increased compliance of laws, policies and institutions with international human rights standards in relation to economic and social rights.

• Providing advice to governments, rights-holders and others, to promote human rights-based approach to accountability, implementation and assessment of the 2030 Agenda, including by assessing the impact of laws, policies, programmes, national development plans, and practices on the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

• Promoting transparent and inclusive processes for participation and consultation in the development of national and regional strategies to achieve the SDGs.

Under the direct supervision of the Regional Representative, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

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;
As part of a team the youth volunteer will 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;
Assist in establishing 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.

, Communication, Professionalism, Working in Teams

Demonstrated interest and/or experience (ideally one year) at the national and/or international level in writing reports, or other relevant programmes;
Experience with ministries is an asset, as is experience working in the UN or other international development organization.
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.
Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture, (i.e. studies, volunteer work, internship) would be highly regarded;

The UN Security System in Lebanon is divided into two UN area of operation. One is the southern area of the country which lies to the south of Litani River (SLR) under the responsibility of the peace keeping force (UNIFIL) according to the UN resolution 1701/2006. The rest of the country is called North Litani River (NLR).

Rafik Hariri International airport is located in the southern suburbs of Beirut, less than 10km away from downtown. A taxi from the airport to downtown Beirut can be anywhere between $20-$30 and make sure to agree on the price before stepping in the taxi.

All public transportation vehicles in Lebanon have a red license plate. For transportation within Beirut, you have 3 options: “Service” car (taxi off the street with a lower cost than the private taxi), private taxi or minibus. However, only Taxis are securely advised to use as a mean of transportation.

Lebanon has a Mediterranean climate - hot and dry in summer (June to August), cool and rainy in winter (December to February). In summer humidity is very high along the coast and daytime temperatures average 30°C, with night temperatures not much lower. Winter is mild, with daytime temperatures averaging 15°C. In the mountains, summer days are moderately hot (26°C on average) and the nights cool. Winters are cold, with snowfall above 1300m.

The minimum lease duration in Lebanon is generally one year, where tenants usually have to pay a minimum of 6 months’ rent in advance and in some cases even one year. In addition, an amount of one month rent is usually required by the landlord as a security deposit in case of property damage. Additionally, tenants who sign a one -year contract has the right to hold onto the property for three consecutive years. Thereafter, the landlord is entitled to end the contract, or to renegotiate. For rental contracts with a diplomatic clause, individuals have the right to terminate the lease before the end of the agreement. In the event of early termination of the lease, the landlord shall reimburse the tenant the monetary value of the remaining months of the contract.

Your rental amount will most probably not cover electricity, telephone, Internet, or cable television service. These are all additional charges, which you should consider when calculating your monthly budget. In addition to the rent, expect to pay common charges for the building, which cover the electricity of the common areas of the building, fees for the concierge and fuel for the generator. This is subject to negotiation with landlord.

Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for services. Staff can use credit card or cash, Lebanese Pounds and USD, to pay for the services. Also, Cigna is well recognized in hospitals, listed in the next section, in case of emergency. Most hospitals are well equipped, and doctors are generally well qualified. Also, most medical staff speak both French and English.

Upon arrival, you may purchase a SIM card from any of the two main cell phone providers in the country: Touch and Alfa. Although you might find it challenging to find fast Internet in Lebanon, there are many internet providers in Lebanon that offer DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) and wireless internet services. The standard DSL monthly subscription prices vary depending on the speed and the monthly consumption (in GB) you select.

You can click on the link below to view the list of banks in Lebanon: www.bdl.gov.lb/downloads/download/82/en

For meetings and official activities taking place in Lebanon, normal business attire is expected. During the rainy season, the pavements can become a bit slippery and so, if walking to and from the Office ensure you have shoes with a decent grip.

It is considerably colder in the mountains and in the north, so remember to bring warm clothes in winter. Sturdy shoes may also be required if going to the field and to informal settlements as these can get very muddy.

Useful information could be found here: UN staff Orientation Handbook.