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.

The Country Office is based in N’Djamena. The UN Volunteer will contribute to the scaling up of OHCHR presence in Chad and will be an asset to strengthen the gender mainstreaming activities of the Office, particularly in the framework of implementation of the Gender Observatory Project financed by the Peacebuilding Fund. The incumbent will interact with the members of the Gender Observatory, the Ministry of women, national judicial authorities, political and administrative authorities, the National Human Rights Commission, national and international civil society organizations and UN agencies, traditional and religious leaders, victims of human rights violations and their families, and witnesses. Information on OHCHR mandate, results and activities is available at www.ohchr.org.

Under the direct supervision of the Project Coordinator and under the overall direction of the Head of Office or his/her designated representative(s), the UN Volunteer Human Rights Officer will perform the following tasks:

• Systematically collect and analyze information on the human rights situation in the country and draft reports, documents and other materials as required; • Respond to requests for information on the human rights situation in the country; • Coordinate with local and national authorities, as well as international NGOs and UN Agencies, the handling of individual cases of alleged human rights violations in the country; • Contribute to the establishment of effective judicial and individual protection measures for victims & witnesses of human rights violations including survivors of sexual violence and human rights defenders; • Provide substantive technical support to the Office and its partners on gender mainstreaming; • Draft reports on the human rights situation in Chad (daily, weekly, monthly and ad hoc reports) including human rights situation assessment reports regarding Boko Haram activism and counter terrorism interventions; • Conduct research and analysis on gender issues and human rights violations affecting women in particular. • Contribute to briefing notes for the OHCHR HQ, RMR analysis on Chad, HC reports, reports of the Representative of the Secretary General for Central Africa, etc.; • Support the visits of the special rapporteurs in Chad; • Conduct promotion activities in the field of Human Rights; disseminate Human Rights materials to governments, education sector and national institutions; • Update information on human rights implementation projects in Chad and advises the Country Office’s Management on future projects; • Perform other related tasks as assigned by his/her superiors.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities:

• Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day); • Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country; • Provide annual and end of assignment self- reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities.
• Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.; • Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers; • Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering, or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

• Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to OHCHR; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to OHCHR 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; • Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and OHCHR in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or authority; • 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; • 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 concurrent projects/activities; • Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise

• at the national and/or international level in the field of human rights or other relevant programmes; experience with victims & witnesses of human rights violations including survivors of sexual violence is an asset, as experience working in the UN or other international development organization; • At least one year of experience in mainstreaming gender in policy, programs and activities at national or international level; • Demonstrated ability to work within the geographical area of assignment in the field of human rights • 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 protection and promotion, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and

Living conditions in Chad are generally very difficult. Although the post is based in N’djamena, frequent travel will be expected. Limited amounts of fruits, vegetables and fish are available, and provision should be arranged from big cities like Ndjamena. However, there are plenty of meat and chicken which consist of main meal in the region. A market operates daily and some non-food items can be found. The main religion is Islam. In terms of communication, the main GSM operators are AIRTREL and MOOV Africa (former TIGO). Internet connection is available from the office. Regarding security situation, this is a phase 3 area and staff are requested to remain vigilant and not stay outside during the night. Chad is a unique country that provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving