Human Rights Associate – Rule of Law

Volunteering Legal

Contract

This is a UNV contract. More about UNV contracts.

Mexico is undergoing one of the most significant transformations of its justice sector in decades. In 2025, the country held its first-ever popular elections for federal and local judicial posts. These reforms are reshaping the administration of justice and generating significant debate regarding their potential impact on judicial independence, due process, accountability, and access to justice.

The reforms are unfolding in a broader context marked by persistent challenges to the rule of law, including high levels of impunity for serious human rights violations, concerns regarding the autonomy of justice institutions, and the need to preserve effective democratic checks and balances and guarantee legal certainty and access to justice. International and regional human rights mechanisms have raised concerns about aspects of the reforms that could weaken judicial independence and procedural guarantees.

Within this context, OHCHR-Mexico works on monitoring, technical cooperation, advocacy, and engagement related to justice sector reforms, judicial independence, accountability for serious human rights violations, disappearances, and due process guarantees. The Office maintains dialogue with judicial authorities, prosecutors’ offices, legislators, public human rights institutions, civil society organizations, and victims’ groups, and has identified growing openness among some institutions to receive technical assistance and strengthen capacities in line with international standards.

The overall objective of this UN Volunteer assignment is to support OHCHR’s work on rule of law, judicial independence, and accountability of new judicial institutions through legal research, monitoring, analysis, and technical cooperation. The assignment will provide exposure to OHCHR’s work on justice sector reform, accountability for serious human rights violations, and the application of international human rights standards in the administration of justice.

Under the direct supervision of the Coordinator of the Justice and Security Unit, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

• Support monitoring and analysis of justice sector reforms, including reforms related to judicial independence and disciplinary systems. • Conduct legal and policy research related to international human rights standards applica-ble to the administration of justice. • Assist in drafting background notes, analytical documents, talking points and summaries related to rule of law issues. • Support engagement with judicial authorities, prosecutors’ offices, civil society organiza-tions and victims’ groups. • Monitor recommendations and jurisprudence from UN and regional human rights mecha-nisms related to justice and accountability. • Support organization of workshops, trainings, consultations and technical meetings, to provide technical assistance to judicial authorities.

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.

• Accountability • Adaptability and Flexibility • Commitment and Motivation • Communication • Ethics and Values • Integrity • Respect for Diversity • Working in Teams

Demonstrated interest and/or experience (ideally one year) in:

• Human rights monitoring and reporting. • Knowledge of institutional mandates, policies, and guidelines related to human rights. • Exposure to a range of human rights issues, including sensitivity to addressing com-plex or sensitive situations. • Research, basic analysis, discussion, and drafting of human rights–related documents.
• Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture, (i.e. studies, volunteer work, internship) would be highly regarded

Skills in: • 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;

Family duty station A

Mexico City has well-developed infrastructure, including high-quality healthcare services, diverse housing options, banking services, public transportation, telecommunications, and a broad range of cultural and recreational facilities.

Adequate educational facilities are available, including international, bilingual, and bicultural private schools, although places in some of the most sought-after schools may be limited.

Mexico City is a major political, economic, and cultural hub in Latin America, offering a wide range of restaurants, cultural venues, museums, and public spaces. The city is located at an altitude of approximately 2,240 meters above sea level and generally has a mild climate throughout the year.

Benito Juárez International Airport provides extensive domestic and international connections, facilitating travel within Mexico and abroad.

The current security situation in Mexico is considered stable; however, common crime, including robbery, theft, and express kidnapping, remains a concern, particularly in large urban areas. Certain regions of the country continue to face elevated levels of violence linked to organized crime and insecurity.

There is no direct threat specifically targeting UN personnel or other international organizations in Mexico. Nevertheless, personnel are expected to remain security-conscious and comply with applicable UN security guidance and protocols at all times.

Movements within Mexico City can generally be carried out without restrictions, although staff members are advised to adopt standard security precautions, including maintaining situational awareness and avoiding high-risk areas or activities.

Travel outside Mexico City, including field missions to states affected by insecurity, organized crime, social tensions, or institutional fragility, may require prior security clearance through the UNDSS system and must be undertaken in accordance with UN security procedures.

The assignment may involve periodic travel to areas with heightened security risks or limited institutional presence. Flexibility, cultural sensitivity, and strict adherence to security protocols are essential.

Conditions of Service

The Conditions of Service, available here: https://explore.unv.org/cos, outline the policies and rules governing UN Volunteer assignments. Full information on entitlements at the duty station can be accessed here: https://app.unv.org/calculator.

Apply now

Added 25 days ago - Updated 16 days ago - Source: unv.org