Human Rights Officer

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OHCHR - Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights

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Application deadline 11 months ago: Sunday 16 Apr 2023 at 00:00 UTC

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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.

Since 2019, the UN Human Rights Office works in Venezuela as part of the Office of the United Nations Resident Coordinator. The presence in Venezuela allows the Office to provide support for the effective implementation of recommendations issued in these reports, as well as those from other UN human rights mechanisms, and continue to credibly assess the human rights situation and challenges from the ground. In accordance with the terms established in the agreement signed by de Government of Venezuela and the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the main functions of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Venezuela are the following:

  • To provide technical assistance to state institutions to assist in the implementation of policies, programs and measures to promote and protect human rights;
  • To mainstream human rights amongst the UN Country Team and humanitarian work;
  • To accompany and support civil society organizations;
  • To monitor, document and analyze the human rights situation in the country, including through field visits and visits of detention centers; share and exchange with relevant authorities related human rights concerns;
  • 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 according to the mandates given by the Human Rights Council and the man-date of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.

The UN Volunteer will contribute to the strengthening of the strategic thematic priorities for the current planning cycle, including the implementation of a gender perspective. The UN 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.

Under the direct supervision of Unit Coordinator or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

• Gather information and report on the human rights situation in the thematic area, including through contacts with other United Nations actors, humanitarian actors, state authorities and civil society, • Prepare and undertake field missions including the timely drafting of reports and follow up. • Conduct analysis of compliance of national legal framework and/or public policies with international human rights standards. • Promote dialogue between local human rights and civil society networks, humanitarian actors, local authorities and the OHCHR Office in Venezuela on measures to pro-mote the observance of human rights in their locality. • Use the OHCHR database to enter cases and document allegations and violation of human rights violations. • Provide technical assistance and follow up to activities with counterparts and partners at different levels within the framework of the Office´s Mandate.

Adaptability and Flexibility

Commitment and Motivation

Communication

Planning and Organizing

Professionalism

Working in Teams

the application of international human rights law, standards and protections mechanisms (highly desirable). • Experience working in the Latin American Region and/or knowledge of the human rights and humanitarian situation in Venezuela is considered an advantage. • Knowledge of the UN International human rights standards and mechanisms. • Experience on monitoring and reporting on human rights desirable. • Commitment to volunteerism, previous experience as a volunteer or with human rights volunteer organizations is an advantage. • Excellent oral and written skills in English and Spanish; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills; • Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community mem-bers, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; • 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 and to deliver under pressure; • Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and of-fice technology equipment; • Self-motivated; ability to work with tight deadlines.

The volunteer will be based in the city of Caracas, which is Venezuela's largest urban agglomeration (the population of Caracas is approximately 6 million people) and the country's main center of industry, commerce, education, and culture. The city is the seat of the national government and of most of Venezuela's commercial and industrial enterprises. Spanish is the most widely spoken language, although English is also common.

Caracas has many options for apartment rentals. It is advisable to rent a place close to the office, within walking distance. The area where the OHCHR office is located has different options of supermarkets, shopping malls, plazas and medical centers that provide health care to the inhabitants of the capital. There are many buses, but it is not advisable to take them because of their deterioration and insecurity; cabs from private and well-known lines can provide safe transportation. Internet and other services fail continuously. There are frequent power, water, and Internet outages. Banking services are limited and insufficient in the context of hyperinflation; only very small amounts can be withdrawn from ATMs or banks, which are insignificant for their use. Staff relies on the use of debit cards and transfer agreements. Although the use of the U.S. dollar is officially restricted in the country, it unofficially circulates in the local market. International staff live in hotels and rented accommodations, prices are high and are currently converted to U.S. dollars.

Venezuela is a beautiful country with very friendly people who are always willing to help and show solidarity. Serving as a volunteer in Venezuela, in the context of the humanitarian and COVID-19 crisis, offers a very enriching experience, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than in other places to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially dangerous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential.

Added 1 year ago - Updated 11 months ago - Source: unv.org