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.

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 assisting the implementation of policies, programs and measures to promote and protect human rights;
To mainstream human rights amongst the UN Country Team;
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 to detention centers; sharing and exchanging 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 mandate of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.
The UNV professional will contribute to the strengthening of the strategic thematic priorities for the current planning cycle, including the implementation of a gender perspective.
The UNV 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.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the 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 its 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 Venezuela, 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;
Provide technical assistance and follow up to activities with counterparts and partners, at different levels within the framework of the Office´s Mandate.
Assist in other duties relevant to the post, as requested by the Coordinator of the Unit.

Adaptability and Flexibility, Commitment and Motivation, Communication, Planning and Organizing, Professionalism, Working in Teams

the field of human rights at the national or international level. Experience working with/supporting civil society organizations, conducting human rights analysis, documenting individual cases of human rights violations, and technical assistance and promotion of human rights; desirable.

Experience in the field of freedom of expression, freedom of peaceful assembly, freedom of association, protection of human rights defenders, digital security, strengthening of civil society or related areas are an asset

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 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.