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.

The Human Rights Officer reports to the Team Leader of the HRD Mobile and Investigation Unit. The incumbent monitors the full implementation of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) on individual protection, other operational procedures, and practices.

• Contribute to the coordination of timely and effective individual protection responses and identify opportunities to mainstream protection methodologies and integrate protection safeguards in operational responses in all Sectors;
• Support the management of all individual protection cases including those involving children; monitor and intervene in cases of temporary and long-term solutions including relocation of victims;
• Regular engagement with relevant Mission components, the Mission leadership, the United Nation Country Team and other humanitarian actors to coordinate individual protection cases;
• Conduct/coordinate confidential threat and risk assessment of individuals seeking MINUSCA protection and submit reports including recommendations;
• Timely respond to human rights violations, patterning to physical integrity and fundamental freedoms;
• Ensure timely and appropriate protection mechanisms [temporary shelters, patrols etc.] are established by MINUSCA Military, UNPOL, MSD and UNDSS to guarantee the protection of individuals seeking MINUSCA protection;
• Facilitate effective information sharing and the provision of data on individual protection cases;
• Facilitate access to medical and psychological assistance as needed;
• Participate in initiatives to reinforce the capacity of other Mission components to strengthen MINUSCA capacity on individual protection;
• Build local capacity, through awareness raising and sensitization sessions on individual protection for the benefit of local human rights defenders, protection / early warning networks, protection actors, local mechanisms and members of the civil society;
• Build and maintain effective interfaces with people of concern, human rights defenders or other individuals who are threatened because of their work/activities in the promotion human rights;
• Analyze trends and patterns on potential threats to civilians that could lead to cases of individual protection and alert the mission including proposing mitigating measures;
• Establish and maintain a network of partners and other actors (internal and external) who can support on cases of individual protection;
• Design any specific training tools on the subject colleagues and partners involved in the treatment and assistance of the direct beneficiaries;
• Perform other related duties as required by direct supervisor.

• Integrity and professionalism: demonstrated expertise in area of specialty and ability to apply good judgment; ability to work independently under established procedures in a politically sensitive environment, while exercising discretion, impartiality and neutrality; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented. • Accountability: mature and responsible; ability to operate in compliance with organizational rules and regulations. • Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities. • Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity and gender; • Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups; • Flexibility, adaptability, and ability and willingness to operate independently in austere, remote and potentially hazardous environments for protracted periods, involving physical hardship and little comfort, and including possible extensive travel within area of operations as may be necessary; • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards the UN core values.

a field related to protection and/or human rights. Knowledge of international human rights instruments and tools for the promotion and protection of human rights is required. Knowledge of international humanitarian law is desirable. Experience in human rights monitoring and reporting is desirable. Experience in research and drafting documents, such as reports, is desirable. Experience working in a developing, conflict or post-conflict setting is an advantage. Experience in working in a United Nations common system field operation (inclusive of peacekeeping, political missions and UN agencies, funds, and programmes) – or similar international organization or non-governmental organization – in a conflict or post-conflict setting is an advantage. Experience working on thematic issues relevant to the MINUSCA mandate and/or work experience in Central Africa is desirable.

Assignment is renewable on an annual basis (1 July - 30 June) up to a maximum of 4 years. Contract renewals are granted based on Mission mandate, availability of budget, operational necessity and satisfactory performance.

Duty station can change in the course of an assignment based on operational necessity; UN Volunteers may be required to work anywhere in the area of operations of the host organization, including in remote locations.

The Central African Republic is a non-family duty station with a difficult security and working environment. Security instructions from the UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) need to be strictly complied with in all duty stations. The country security level is 4, restricting movement to official travel only. Currently a curfew applies from 10 pm to 5 am.

The country is landlocked, with very limited travel possibilities, and surrounded by countries with volatile and security problems (Cameroon, Chad, DRC, Sudan, South Sudan). There is an unstable socio-political situation and social unrest and grievance, in particular in the capital city Bangui, with frequent civil servant strikes causing interruption of health, education and civil service, due to years of unpaid salaries. Power cuts are a norm, causing insecurity in the city. The population in Bangui, including the expatriates, is concerned about increasing crime as a direct result of the March 2013 coup by the SELEKA, a coalition of rebel groups, and events in December 2013 that carried the country into chaos. The country is entirely dependent on the Cameroon seaport, situated 1500 km away, causing regular shortage of basic domestic goods.

This situation puts tremendous stress on personnel. There are very limited medical infrastructures and services do not function properly. Living conditions are difficult due to the high cost of living and the scarcity of basic products and food. Supermarkets having a variety of food and consumer goods are available, but are costly. Fresh vegetables and fruits are available in the market.

There is no MINUSCA guesthouse in Bangui. Private accommodation possibilities are limited and getting a house that is compliant with UN security measures can take several weeks. UN personnel in Bangui live on the local economy by renting apartments and houses. In comparison to a few years ago, more accommodation is available now, but at high cost. Sharing accommodation is recommended. Currently all serving UN Volunteers have access to decent accommodation ensuring minimum standards of comfort. The average monthly cost for accommodation varies from around 1000 USD for a small apartment with basic furniture, but no power generator and interrupted running water supply, to 2,000+ USD with all commodities.

A UN dispensary provides basic medical care for UN personnel and a UN hospital has been operational since August 2014. A Level II Hospital run by a military medical team exists as well.

Only four airlines officially recognized by the UN System serve the country: Air France (twice a week), Royal Air Maroc (twice a week), Kenya Airways (three flights per week) and Asky (three flights per week). Flights are sometimes subject to cancellation when security situation volatility increases.

A Rest & Recuperation (R&R) scheme has been re-established since August 2013 and maintained for all CAR duty stations at a 6-week frequency.

The Central African Republic is a unique country and MINUSCA is a unique operation. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural and security awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential.