Human Rights Officer

Volunteering Legal

Overview

Monitor and report on human rights situation in Haiti.

You have:

• Knowledge of the UN International human rights standards and mechanisms.
• Experience working in and/or knowledge of the human rights situation in Haiti is considered an advantage.
• Experience on monitoring and reporting on human rights desirable.
• 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 an advantage.
• Excellent oral and written skills in French; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive.
• Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment.
• Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications and familiarity with database management.
• Self-motivated; ability to work with tight deadlines.

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 Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) started on 15 October 2019, with a mandate to assist the government in strengthening the rule of law, policing and human rights protection. The Human Rights Service (HRS) serves as the entity within BINUH with primary responsibility for implementing the human rights tasks assigned to BINUH by the Security Council. The HRS also represents the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. The HRS monitors respect for civil and political rights as well as economic, social, and cultural rights; conducts investigations into emblematic violations; works to build the capacity of Haitian institutions to protect and promote human rights; prepares reports on the human rights situation; and works with State authorities, the National Human Rights Institution and civil society to address specific and systemic human rights concerns. Respect for human rights by State authorities and the State’s protection and realisation of human rights are essential to the consolidation of the democratic institutions of Haiti, and therefore central to BINUH’s and OHCHR’s mandate. OHCHR contributes to the Humanitarian Country Team (HCT) to ensure that the protection dimension continues to be integrated in the humanitarian response, especially regarding the nexus between humanitarian response, recovery and development and is co-leading the protection group with the National Human rights institution (Office de Protection du Citoyen).

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, 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, local authorities and the OHCHR Office in Haiti on measures to promote 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.

☐ Accountability ☒ Adaptability and Flexibility ☐ Building Trust ☐ Client Orientation ☒ Commitment and Motivation ☐ Commitment to Continuous Learning ☒ Communication ☐ Creativity ☐ Empowering Others ☐ Ethics and Values ☐ Integrity ☐ Judgement and Decision-making ☐ Knowledge Sharing ☐ Leadership ☐ Managing Performance ☒ Planning and Organizing ☒ Professionalism ☐ Respect for Diversity ☐ Self-Management ☐ Technological Awareness ☐ Vision ☒ Working in Teams

• Knowledge of the UN International human rights standards and mechanisms. • Experience working in and/or knowledge of the human rights situation in Haiti is considered an advantage. • Experience on monitoring and reporting on human rights desirable. • 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 an advantage. • Excellent oral and written skills in French; 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 members, 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 office technology equipment; • Self-motivated; ability to work with tight deadlines.

Haiti, especially the capital Port-au-Prince, is a bustling and crowded country with high levels of poverty and unemployment throughout. While much of the infrastructure is somewhat lacking, and much of it is in the process of development, Haiti nonetheless has many areas of stunning natural beauty; it has a rich and diverse cultural heritage that is an enticing draw for foreign staff and expats alike. Haiti is affected by problems in terms of safety and security, and many governments advise avoiding certain areas of the capital of Port-au-Prince. Due to the instability of the political system in Haiti, there are frequent protests, some of which run the risk of turning violent and are therefore best avoided. While the end of 2019 was marked by nearly four months of “peyi lok” – widespread civil unrest, insecurity and political turmoil translating in recurrent teleworking arrangements) – the beginning of 2020 started by a deadlocked political dialogue and then the onset of the COVID-10 pandemic in mid-March. UNDP in Haiti has become adept with regard to risk management. This has taken the form of proactively planning in advance in order to anticipate and prevent a negative impact of the volatile country context on programme and staff. For example, UNDP Country Office took the initiative to facilitate voluntary evacuation for high-risk UNDP and UNV personnel at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Strengthening security capacity within UNDP Country Office and an adaptive and proactive approach to the security environment has enabled UNDP to remain operational while ensuring the maximum safety for personnel.

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Potential interview questions

Added 3 years ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: unv.org