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.

UNAMA is a political mission that provides political good offices in Afghanistan; works with and supports the government; supports the process of peace and reconciliation; monitors and promotes human rights and the protection of civilians in armed conflict; promotes good governance; and encourages regional cooperation.

UNAMA was established by the UN Security Council Resolution 1401 in March 2002 at the request of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. Its mandate is reviewed annually with the latest mandate renewal being on 17 September 2019 when the Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2489

Resolution 2489 (2019) calls for UNAMA and the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, within their mandate and in a manner consistent with Afghan sovereignty, leadership and ownership, to continue to lead and coordinate international civilian efforts in full cooperation with the Government of Afghanistan.

UNAMA maintains a permanent and extensive field presence across Afghanistan, as well as liaison offices in Pakistan and Iran. The Mission has more than 1, 211 staff - comprised of 833 Afghan nationals, 310 international staff and 68 UNVs. (Figures from December 2018.)

Under the general supervision of the Human Rights Officer/Team Leader, the UNV Associate Human Rights Officer will work with the Human Rights Team in the UNAMA South East Regional Office – Gardez

Within delegated authority, the Associate Human Rights Officer will be responsible for:

Providing substantive guidance and operational monitoring support on issues related to protection of civilians, elimination of violence against women, children affected by armed conflict, monitoring places of detention/prohibition of torture and human rights aspects of peace and reconciliation/transitional justice;
Drafting substantive analysis based on field monitoring and research undertaken by the Team at the direction of the Team Leader or of the Human Rights Service – Headquarters thematic Team Leaders;
Supporting preparation of weekly and other internal reports and submissions to the Human Rights Service;
Providing substantive advice and organisational leadership, under the supervision of the Team Leader to prepare consultations and advocacy with local governmental officials, community leaders, civil society activists, and communities affected by civilian casualty incidents;
Organizing visits to places of detention, including facilities run by the National Directorate of Security, Afghan National Police, Afghan National Army, juvenile rehabilitation centres, and provincial prisons;
Ensuring close internal coordination between the Human Rights Team, the Head of Field Office and other UNAMA entities through information-sharing, and providing guidance and advice on the work of the Human Rights Service;
Representing the Human Rights Service, as appropriate, at specific official functions, meetings and thematic events related to the mandate, including protection of civilians, children affected by armed conflict, women’s rights and violence against women, detention-related issues and human rights aspects of peace processes with other UN agencies, civil society groups, humanitar

, Accountability, Communication, Planning and Organizing, Professionalism, Working in Teams

Two years progressively responsible experience in human rights, socio-economic development or law in a conflict/crisis setting; Relevant professional experience in the promotion of women’s rights and elimination of violence against women and girls, as well as conducting investigations into serious human rights violations and/or abuses, including persons deprived of their liberty; Knowledge and work experience with government, inter-governmental organisations, international NGOs and/or national NGOs in the areas of human rights, gender and development; Experience in policy dialogue with sub-national stakeholders is an asset.

Afghanistan is a hardship duty station with a volatile security. Living and working conditions for UN volunteers in UNAMA are similar to the living conditions of all other internationally recruited staff members. UN volunteers are provided with safe accommodation in an extensive compound in Kabul with good infrastructure and amenities. The mission has three compounds in Kabul: Compound Alpha, and UNOCA (UN Operational Complex in Afghanistan) the largest one.

UNAMA has three different locations in Kabul, most of the substantive offices, including the SRSG’s are located at the so-called alpha Compound and Palace #7, which is close to the city center, while most of the administrative and technical support offices are located at the UNOCA compound on Jalalabad Road, at some distance from central Kabul.

Generally speaking stringent security measures are in place throughout the country and UN volunteers as other UN staff, are quite limited to duty stations when it comes to movement. Walking is virtually not allowed. The movement is done inside the “green zone” (only) in armored vehicles driven by national qualified UN drivers.

The single unit accommodation in UNOCA and other field locations are fully furnished; this includes, furniture, washing machine dryer, hot plate, iron and iron stand, microwave, plates, cups, spoons, cooking utensils, electric kettle. One bedsheet and pillow cover is provided. The monthly charge for UN provided accommodation is USD 300 which is deducted from the monthly Volunteer Living Allowance.

Inside the UNOCA compound are two cafeterias, a restaurant, a Supermarket and 3 small shops which provide a variety of imported canned and frozen food on offer. There is a Fresh vegetable market daily. There is also a social center, a gym hall and a small library with books and DVDs, run by the welfare Office, within the same compound. UNOCA has a new minimarket where basic goods can be bought also. There are also a number of UN cleared supermarkets in Kabul, in Jalalabad, and in Mazar-I-Sharif. The Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own towel and other personal accessories including toiletries and medicines which they may not find easily within the super markets inside the UNOCA Compound.

Some degree of medical service is provided in all UNAMA duty stations. There is a UN clinic in UNAMA/UNOCA complex and access is granted in Kabul to other private international clinics (when and if needed).

Contact with and outreach to the local community is usually limited. As mentioned, many places are off-limits and the choice of recreational facilities are very poor. For all these reasons, bring a stock of books, DVDs/VCDs, computer games, etc., is highly recommended.

Summer in Afghanistan is hot and dry but winter is the opposite – cold and wet. Therefore, both summer and winter clothing and comfortable boots with insulation are necessary.

Afghanistan is a unique country and UNAMA is a unique UN mission. It requires more stamina, commitment, and flexibility than elsewhere to make life comfortable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in hazardous and harsh conditions involving physical hardship and little comfort is essential.