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 United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) was established by Security Council resolution 2100 of 25 April 2013 to support political process in that country and carry out a number of security-related tasks. The Mission has been asked to support the transitional authorities of Mali in the stabilization of the country and implementation of the transitional roadmap, focusing on major population centers and lines of communication, protecting civilians, human rights monitoring, the creation of conditions for the provision of humanitarian assistance and the return to displaced persons, the extension of State authority and the preparation of free, inclusive and peaceful elections. The mandate of the Human Rights Division, following Security Council Resolutions 2100, 2164, 2227, 2295 and 2364 is (i) To assist the Malian authorities in their efforts to promote and protect human rights, in particular in the areas of justice and reconciliation, including to support, as feasible and appropriate, the efforts of the Malian authorities, without prejudice to their responsibilities, to bring to justice those responsible for serious abuses or violations of human rights or violations of international humanitarian law, in particular war crimes and crimes against humanity in Mali, taking into account the referral by the transitional authorities of Mali of the situation in their country since January 2012 to the International Criminal Court; (ii) To monitor, help investigate and report to the Security Council and publicly, as appropriate, on violations of international humanitarian law and on violations and abuses of human rights, including all forms of sexual and gender based violence and violations and abuses committed against women and children throughout Mali and to contribute to efforts to prevent such violations and abuses.

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 geograph-ical 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; • Perform other related duties as required by the head of field office or the Director of the Human Rights Division; • Use the OHCHR database to enter cases and document allegations and violations of human rights violations; • When working with national personnel or (non-)governmental counterparts, the Volun-teer is strongly encouraged to set aside dedicated time for training, coaching, mentor-ing and capacity development.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are required to: • Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activi-ties (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; • Reflect on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, includ-ing participation in ongoing reflection activities; • Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publica-tions/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 rele-vant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

11. Results/Expected Outputs:

• Contribution to the improvement of human rights situation; • Capacities of local institutions and NGOs for the protection of human rights en-hanced; • 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; • The development of capacity through coaching, mentoring and formal on-the-job training, when working with (including supervising) national staff or (non) govern-mental counterparts, including Implementing Partners (IPs); • Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated, and documented in all activities throughout the assignment • A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and develop-ment during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobi-lized, activities participated in and capacities developed.

• 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 organiza-tional 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 pres-sure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent 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 re-spect for diversity and gender; • Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presenta-tions, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommen-dations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), mili-tary personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very di-verse backgrounds; ability to maintain composure and remain helpful towards the staff, but objective, without showing personal interest; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups; • Flexibility, adaptability, and ability and willingness to operate independently in austere, remote and potentially hazardous environments for protracted periods, involving physi-cal hardship and little comfort, and including possible extensive travel within the area of operations; willingness to transfer to other duty stations within area of operations as may be necessary; • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity, and self-reliance; and commitment towards the UN core values.

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.

Mali, including Gao, is a non-family duty station with a difficult security and working environ-ment. International staff member and UN Volunteers are required to stay in MINUSMA super camp. Visa credit cards are accepted in some hotels. Mali is a country prone to malaria, so mosquito nets are highly recommended. Basic medicines are available from pharmacies, but provision needs to be made for specialized medication.

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 days 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.

Like all UN personnel, UN Volunteers based in northern regions are accommodated in UN premises. UN provided accommodation in Mali is compliant with wellbeing standards, i.e. female/male bathrooms. A welfare committee is also active in all duty stations to ensure enough access to welfare commodities, including food supplies.

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 times.

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.