Human Rights Monitoring and Reporting 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.

Host Institute: The OHCHR/HRMMU was deployed on 14 March 2014 to monitor and report on human rights situation throughout Ukraine and to provide recommendations to the Government and other actors to address human rights concerns. The HRMMU currently has presences in Kyiv (capital), Donetsk and Luhansk (areas controlled by the armed groups), Kharkiv, Kramatorsk, Mariupol and Odessa. Despite persistent denial of access to the Autonomous Republic of Crimea (hereinafter Crimea) by the Russian Federation authorities controlling it, HRMMU monitors human rights situation in Crimea from mainland Ukraine - in accordance with General Assembly Resolution 68/262 - and using a framework of analysis based on international human rights and humanitarian law, pursuant to the General Assembly resolution 71/205 and 72/190.

Organizational Context & Project Description: Almost seven years since its onset, the violent conflict in eastern Ukraine continues, distressing the country. The conflict affects 4.4 million people, taking a heavy toll on ordinary civilians. HRMMU has recorded cases of grave conflict-related human rights abuses, including torture, ill-treatment, abductions, enforced disappearances, arbitrary arrests, summary executions, and sexual violence. The conflict has led to dramatic country-wide human, social and economic losses, all aggravated by persistent corruption and systemic human rights challenges, including insufficient accountability for human rights violations, a judiciary lacking independence and the absence of effective remedy for victims. In addition, the territories under the control of armed groups have experienced a breakdown of the rule of law, resulting in serious human rights violations, with no mechanism for victims to seek redress. Increasingly, HRMMU noted a shrinking space for civil society, with an atmosphere that is not conducive to the enjoyment of the fundamental freedoms, such as freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, association and religion

Under the direct supervision of Human Rights Officer (Reporting), the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

Participate, as part of a team, in monitoring the human rights situation, including identifying emerging trends and patterns of human rights violations, particularly in eastern Ukraine;
Provide support to liaising with relevant partners and stakeholders, including civil society organizations, national human rights institutions and international organizations, and foster and maintain their active engagement in the work of OHCHR in Ukraine;
Facilitate engagement with communities and human right defenders, particularly youth, to raise awareness of human rights and advocate for compliance with international human rights norms and standards;
Assist in conducting monitoring, research and information/data assessment to help produce analytical papers, reports, press briefing notes and other advocacy material in relation to the human rights situation in Ukraine;
Contribute to OHCHR’s periodic and ad hoc reports, bearing in mind OHCHR’s guidance on results-based management;
Provide inputs to various written communications such as talking points and briefing notes on relevant substantive/thematic issues;
Provide administrative and logistical support, including organizing events/meetings and filed visits;

, Accountability, Building Trust, Client Orientation, Commitment and Motivation, Communication, Ethics and Values, Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity, Self-Management, Working in Teams

Demonstrated interest and/or experience (ideally one year) in human rights, political affairs, international relations, law or related area. Experience working in a conflict or post-conflict setting is desirable. Human rights monitoring and/or reporting experience is desirable.
Excellent drafting and editing skills in English.
Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture, (i.e. studies, volunteer work, internship) would be highly regarded;

Ukraine has reasonable health, education and transportation facilities with the exception of the eastern part of the country, due to an on-going conflict.

Kyiv is a family duty station and safe from the security perceptive and offers wide opportunity for good professional and social life. Ukraine has reasonable health, education and transportation facilities. It is the largest country entirely within Europe, with population of 43,8 million. Ukraine has a mostly temperate continental climate, although the southern coast has a humid subtropical climate. The security level is low (2) in Kyiv according to the classification by the UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS). According to the most recent data average monthly cost of living in Kyiv is 11,000 UAH without rent, accommodation options range from 8 000 – 13 000 UAH/month.

Before arriving to the Duty Station, the UN Volunteer should obtain entry visa to Ukraine (“D03” type) for subsequent accreditation with MFA to reside and work with UN organizations in Ukraine. Initial entry visa can be issued by the Diplomatic Mission or the Consulate General of Ukraine. It cannot be issued upon arrival or within Ukraine. MFA accreditation will be arranged by the office upon arrival at the Duty Station as per applicable MFA regulations.