Human Rights 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.

In accordance with the terms established in the agreement signed by de Government of Guatemala and the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the main functions of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Guatemala are the following:

• To monitor the human rights situation in the country in order to provide technical assistance to state institutions and civil society to assist in the implementation of policies, programmes and measures to promote and protect human rights; • To promote the observance of human rights and the implementation of recommendations made by international human rights bodies and mechanisms; • To report on the activities of the Office and the general human rights situation in the country, not only through the High Commissioner's annual report, but also through press releases, public pronouncements, thematic reports, etc.

The UNV professional will be incorporated into one of the thematic units (Justice, Civic Space and Political Rights, Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and Non-Discrimination) and will contribute to the strengthening of the strategic thematic priorities for the current planning cycle, including the implementation of a gender perspective. All units carry out monitoring, reporting and technical assistance activities according to the priorities and planning defined by the Office.

The UNV Volunteer will interact with other UN agencies, funds and programs, as well as with public institutions, authorities and civil society, particularly those dedicated to the promotion and protection of human rights.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the unit coordinator or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

• Monitor, analyze and report about the human rights situation in the country o Assist in the elaboration of reports that provide qualitative and quantitative information on human rights situation in the country, including monthly reports, in line with OHCHR´s Performance Monitoring System. o Prepare and undertake fact-finding field missions and monitoring of human rights situations, including the timely drafting of reports and follow up. o Conduct analysis of compliance of national legal framework and/or public policies with international human rights standards. o Provide technical assistance and follow up to activities with counterparts and partners at different levels within the framework of the Office´s Mandate. o Monitor and document violations of the human rights, especially against human rights defenders and journalists, analyzing local and regional trends, civil society organisations and State institutions and with Special Procedures, Treaty Bodies, OHCHR Desk Officers of relevant departments at Geneva HQ.

• Facilitate, assist and carry out trainings on human rights standards and monitoring, international human rights mechanisms, shadow reporting, advocacy and planning with a human rights-based approach and assist the Office in the preparation of training materials.

o Promote dialogue between local human rights and civil society networks, local authorities and the OHCHR Office in Guatemala on measures to promote the observance of human rights in their locality. o Assist in other duties relevant to the post, as requested by the Coordinator of the Unit

b) Competencies and values:

• Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to OHCHR Guatemala; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to OHCHR Guatemala procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented; • Teamwork: and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues; • 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 concurrent projects/activities; • Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups;

the field of human rights or justice at the local, national or international level, including experience with civil society organizations and experience in human rights analysis and reporting cases.

• Experience in working in the Latin American Region and/or knowledge of the human rights situation in Guatemala is considering an advantage. • Experience on monitor and reporting on human rights is required. • Experience in the application of international human rights law, standards and protections mechanisms is highly desirable. • Commitment to volunteerism, previous experience as a volunteer or with human rights volunteer organizations is considered an advantage • Knowledge of the UN International human rights standards and mechanisms • Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills; • Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing • 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- • 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; • Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines;

Guatemala City is the capital of Guatemala. It is categorized as a United Nations family duty station, hardship category B. To learn more about hardship category ratings, visit https://icsc.un.org/Home/DataMobility. This location is classified as Cwb (Dry-winter subtropical highland climate) by Köppen and Geiger. Temperatures average 19.4 °C | 66.9 °F. Official language is Spanish and is spoken in Guatemala City. The two other official languages are Xinka and Garifuna. Over 40 percent of Guatemalans are indigenous. Much of Guatemala City is safe during the day. The city is subdivided into Zones, which resemble neighborhoods or administrative districts in other countries. Zone 10, where the OHCHR office is located and most businesses, hospitality industry are found, is also among the safe areas. It is not recommended to walk alone after dark as some areas or zones can get dangerous. Uber is widely used for transportation and the usual safety precautions apply. Most crime consists of theft of cell phone and laptops. It is advisable not to flaunt them in public. Guatemala City offers banking, transportation, health and communications services, which are easy to obtain. Credit cards are widely used and accepted. There are numerous shopping malls, restaurants, gyms and cinemas. A large variety of accommodation options can be found. Road network is good both in terms of spread and quality. Traffic, however, can be overwhelming. It is advised to live near the OHCHR Office in Zone 10. The UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials.