Human Rights Field Officer

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.

• Contribution to the improvement of human rights situation; • Capacities of local institutions and NGOs for the protection of human rights enhanced; • Individual cases are addressed, investigated and documented; • Fact-finding missions are carried out; • Planning and implementation of capacity building activities are carried out; • Supervisor is kept abreast of the human rights situation and well advised;

Under the direct supervision of the Head of the Human Rights Field Office and the overall supervision of the Director of MINUSMA Human Rights and Protection Division, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

• Gather information and report on the human rights situation in a designated geographical area, including through close cooperation with other United Nations actors and the community; • Monitor and keep the supervisor regularly informed on developments concerning the human rights situation; • Visit and monitor detention centres for compliance with international human rights norms; • Monitor trials for compliance with international human rights norms; • Conduct fact-finding missions; Participate in monitoring activities; • Carry out investigations into abuses/violations of human rights or humanitarian law; • Prepare case files for submission to the authorities and for inclusion in the OHCHR da-ta base; • Assist in the designing and the delivery of capacity building activities; • Participate in the establishment and maintenance of contacts with local authorities as well as international organizations operating in the country and civil society; • Use the OHCHR database to enter cases and document allegations and violations of human rights violations; • Perform other related duties as required by the head of field office or the Director of the Human Rights Division;

• Integrity and professionalism: demonstrated expertise in area of specialty and ability to apply good judgment; high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures in a politically sensitive environment, while exercising discretion, impartiality and neutrality; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented. • Accountability: mature and responsible; ability to operate in compliance with organizational rules and regulations. • 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 con-current projects/activities. • Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity and gender;

human rights. Knowledge of international mechanisms to seek redress for Human Rights violations is an asset. Experience in drafting various documents, including reports on human rights issues, and in research will be an asset.

Mopti is non-family duty station. Living conditions are acceptable, but security instructions need to be strictly complied with. The national currency is the Franc CFA (April 2020 exchange rate is 1 US$ = 600 FCFA). Visa credit cards are acceptable in some hotels and larges shops in Bamako. Mali is a country prone to malaria, so mosquito nets are highly recommended. Basic medicines are available from UN Medical Section or from pharmacies, but provision need to be made for specialized medication.

Toumbouctou is a non-family duty station, category E, with a difficult security and working environment. Due to the security situation, movements around the city are often restricted. Accommodation is provided inside the integrated camp. The living conditions in, Toumbouctou is very harsh with extreme heat (Temperature up to 50°C) in the months of May to August, sandstorms in July to August, Newcomers are recommended to carry appropriate clothing. In the months of December to February, it is winter (Temperatures down to 7-8°C) with a lot of mosquitos and other insects. Heavy jackets and other appropriate clothing are recommended.

Accommodation: Like all UN personnel, UN Volunteers based in Toumbouctou/Menaka/Kidal/Gao/Mopti/Tessalit are accommodated in UN premises, for which they contribute by 100 USD/month. UN provided accommodation in Mali is compliant with wellbeing standards, i.e. female/male bathrooms. Hospital Facilities: The Level I for TCC/PCC is accessible for staff. If needed, an evacuation to Gao where Level I and Level II are located will be done. Security recommendations from the UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) must be followed by all UN Staff in the course of their assignments in Mali. Appropriate measures are in place to mitigate the current security risk for UN personnel in the country. All UN Volunteers, like all UN personnel, undergo a security briefing and the 3-day mandatory training “Safe and Secure Approaches in Field Environments” (SSAFE) upon arrival, where practical guidance and recommendations are provided regarding security threats in Mali. An additional security briefing is provided upon arrival to the final duty station. Welfare: A welfare committee is also active in all duty stations to ensure sufficient access to welfare commodities, including food supplies. The welfare committee organizes activities depending on the security situation. Emergency contacts (security, medical, staff counselling, UNV Office) are made available for all UN Volunteers upon arrival, and each individual is provided with a VHF radio and a call sign, which can be used at all time. For the sake of rewarding experience, UN volunteers in MINUSMA carry out their duties with flexibility, commitment, and a willingness to live and work in challenging conditions including heat and limited water and electricity supply.