Human Rights Officer

Contract

This is a UNV National Expert contract. This kind of contract is known as National UN Volunteer. It is normally only for nationals. More about UNV National Expert contracts.

The UN Human Rights Regional Office for Central America was established in Panama City (Panama), following the signature of an agreement between the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Government of Panama, on 15 February 2007.

In line with the mandate of the HC/OHCHR (General Assembly resolution 48/141), the UN Human Rights Regional Office engages with and supports States in the promotion and protection of all human rights. It provides support and technical assistance, advice and capacity building. At present, it engages with countries of Central America that do not have any other type of OHCHR field presence, i.e., Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Panama and the Caribbean.

The National UNV will be part of a Team of national/international staff working in/on Panama, with a particular focus on the human rights situation of migrants, monitoring human rights violations and supporting efforts for the protection of human rights and prevention of violations, as well as mainstreaming of human rights in the UN response in case of humanitarian crisis and other emergency situations.

Under the direct supervision of the Coordinator of the Emergency Response Team in Panama, and overall responsibility of the OHCHR Regional/Deputy Regional Representative for Central America and in coordination with the OHCHR international staff working in the Regional Office for Central America in Panama and the Emergency Response Section international staff working at Geneva Headquarters, the National UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

• Contribute to gather and analyze information on human rights and assess its impact at the national and/or regional level in the countries covered by the Regional Office. • Conduct monitoring and follow-up activities in relation to the observance of human rights through field monitoring missions, networking with human rights defenders and other relevant stakeholders, as relevant. • Conduct analysis of compliance with the national legal framework and/or public policies with international human rights standards. • Conduct training workshops and training according to the work plan of the Regional Office. • Provide technical assistance and follow-up to activities with counterparts and partners within the framework of the Office's Mandate. • Contribute to regular reporting, including identification of trends, early warning analysis and regular reports on activities. • Contribute to supporting UNCT initiatives for the mainstreaming of human rights within the framework of the HRUF and SG’s Agenda on Prevention, including in case of humanitarian crisis and other emergency situations. • Ensure the integration of gender perspectives and attention to specific women/girls and children’s rights issues within all OHCHR activities. • Participate in the development/delivery of work plans and monitor activities, to ensure objectives and targets are met and achieved. Perform other related duties as requested by supervisor, as appropriate.

Results/Expected Outputs

• Efficient tracking, collection and organization of data, mainly from open sources, conducive to human rights risk analysis and impact assessment. • Effective contribution to the development and functioning of a tracking system on social media networks to harvest relevant information for human rights risk analysis. • Identification of human rights risks and their impacts, including their gender dimensions, through good research and analysis and timely preparation of reports. • Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated and documented in all activities throughout the assignment. • Effective interaction with colleagues and other concerned parties internally and externally.

• Accountability • Adaptability and Flexibility • Commitment to continuous learning • Communication • Technological Awareness • Ethics and Values • Integrity • Planning and Organizing • Working in Teams

progressively professional at national and/or international levels in the human rights field is required. Experience in monitoring human rights violations and in open sources investigation.
Experience in UN field operations would be an asset but is not a requirement. Analytical skills and drafting skills. Knowledge of technology, multiple social media networks and use of office computer applications. Good communication and advocacy skills.

Panama is a family duty station and considered to be a safe place to live. However, like in any city around the world, it is always good to be aware of your surroundings and to be alert. There is a wide range of goods available in Panama and many modern shopping complexes as well as department stores and designer stores.

There are suitable residential areas, accommodation options, good hospitals, schools, universities, banks, and a wide selection of restaurants There are beaches, mountains and national parks in the rainforest that it is said to have the broadest range of flora and fauna in the world.

Panama does not have any serious health concerns to worry about, however, it is important to note that in some areas such as the Darien province, it is recommended to take precautions for malaria. The Centers for Disease Control website also recommends the yellow fever vaccination for travel to Darien province and the San Blas islands.

Weather: Panama has two seasons, the dry season, which is from January until late April or early May, and the rainy season which is the rest of the year. The daytime temperature ranges between 80- and 90-degrees Fahrenheit with the evenings being cooler by 5 to 10 degrees.

The average humidity is 70%.

Average cost of living: USD1,120

Currency: Panama Balboa; pegged 1:1 with the US dollar.

Internet: High-speed internet is readily available in cities like Panama City, Colon, and David. In remote areas, 'you'll find DSL, cable, or satellite internet.

Panama is a unique country. It 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 physical hardship and little comfort, are essential.