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.

Eligibility criteria

Minimum age: 25 years old. Nationals of the country of assignment are not eligible, except the assignments in Headquarters duty stations.

Description of task

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the coordinator of the assigned unit or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer Human Rights Officer will:

• Gather information on the human rights situation related to the assigned thematic area(s) (inclusive of legislation, policies and programmes), including through contacts with State authorities and institutions, civil society, other United Nations actors, and other stakeholders;
• Participate in and conduct monitoring missions and report thereon;
• Receive complaints of alleged human rights violations, interview victims and advise them and/or their families on possible courses of action;
• Document allegations of human rights violations and abuses, including by entering them in OHCHR’s database;
• Contribute to the analysis of human rights concerns, violations and abuses in light of international human rights norms and standards, including with the objective of contributing to prevention and early warning;
• Draft and contribute to drafting a variety of reports and correspondence relating to assigned thematic area(s);
• Support the design and delivery of technical assistance and capacity building to State institutions, civil society and other stakeholders on the assigned thematic area to strengthen the promotion and protection of human rights in the country;
• Participate in meetings, working groups, seminars, etc., on assigned thematic area(s);
• Contribute to the development and implementation of OHCHR’s strategy in relation to the assigned thematic area;
• Ensure the integration of a gender perspective and attention to gender and women’s human rights in all activities;
• Perform other related duties as required.

Qualifications/Requirements

Required degree level:

Master degree or equivalent

Education - Additional Comments:

Degree level: Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law, political science, international relations, social sciences or related field, preferably with a specialization in human rights. A first-level university degree in combination with relevant training and/or qualifying professional experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree

Type of degree: Law, political science, international relations, social science, or another discipline relevant to human rights.

Required experience:

24 Months

Experience remark:

• At least 2 years of professional experience at the national and/or international level in the fields of human rights, rule of law and/or conflict prevention is required; experience working in or knowledge of the Latin American region would be an asset.
• Solid knowledge of international human rights law and mechanisms is required.
• Experience working with human rights defenders and on issues related to the democratic space is desired.
• Experience working on access to justice, accountability for human rights violations and other rule of law issues is desired.
• Experience working on women’s rights and gender-related issues is desired.
• Experience working on conflict prevention and human rights issues in electoral context would be an asset.
• Excellent communication, advocacy and written skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills: culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including human rights defenders, grassroots community members, women, LGBTI 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.
• Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines.
• Have affinity with or interest in the promotion and protection of the human rights of all, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

Language skills:

• Spanish(Mandatory), Level - Fluent
• English(Mandatory), Level - Fluent

Area of expertise:

Human rights

Area of expertise details:

Computer skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, etc.) is required. Experience entering, managing and analysing large quantities of data/case information, including in databases, is desirable.

Driving license:

No

Competencies values:

Accountability, Adaptability and Flexibility, Commitment to Continuous Learning, Communication, Integrity, Planning and Organizing, Professionalism, Technological Awareness, Working in Teams

Application procedure:

You can only apply if you have created your profile at https://vmam.unv.org/candidate/signup

Watch this video for the specific steps you must follow: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VT5uJ_FolWU

If you are already registered in UNV's Talent Pool, make sure your profile is up to date before applying.

Application deadline: 21-Oct-2020 at 23:59hrs, Germany time