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 OHCHR Cambodia Country Office is one of oldest field presences of OHCHR. It is based in the capital city of Phnom Penh. It currently has 23 staff members. In fulfilling its mandate to promote and protect human rights, the Country Office is focusing on the following five thematic areas: - Strengthening international human rights mechanisms, - Enhancing participation and protecting civic space, - Progressive realization of economic and social rights, - Enhancing equality and countering discrimination, - Strengthening the rule of law and accountability for human rights violations.

Under the direct supervision of the Country Representative, and in close coordination with programmatic units as relevant, the UN Volunteer will support the OHCHR Cambodia Office work on the promotion and protection of human rights with a focus on economic, social and cultural rights.

In particular, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

• Collect, manage, and analyze both primary and secondary data and information pertaining to human rights matters with focus on economic, social and cultural rights, including their gender dimensions from a variety of data sources (e.g. survey, communications, publications, the press) to keep abreast of issues/events and provide up-to-date information; assists in the analysis of information, to include the impact on the countries and thematic mandates on the human rights situation in assigned area. • Prepare draft risk analysis pertaining to economic, social, and cultural rights. • Undertakes research on various topics relating to thematic areas of focus of the Office; • Participate in the monitoring work conducted by the Office and assist in drafting the monitoring reports; • Draft a variety of reports and correspondence relating to human rights matters. • Contribute to the preparation of conferences and workshops; • Take notes during meetings and events and assist in drafting the respective reports; • Proofread and compile reports and materials in English for distribution during events; • Participates in human rights training program for government officials, representatives of the civil society and human rights non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in order to promote national capacity building. • Reviews human rights issues, including their gender dimensions, and participates in discussions with other Human Rights Officers (HROs) and economists on the integration of these issues into political, humanitarian and economic efforts and programs. • Participates with other HROs in discussions with relevant authorities and other influential actors with the aim of stopping or preventing human rights violations or seeks other remedial action by the authorities to prevent similar violations occurring in the future. • Designs and maintains database to track project progress. • Performs other related duties as required.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are required to: • Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for in-stance in events that mark International Volunteer Day); • Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country; • Reflect on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including participation in ongoing reflection activities; • Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.; • Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers; • Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering, or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

☒ 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

Law including on economic, social and cultural rights, economics or other relevant fields • experience in development economics, data analysis, human rights, and related fields;
• Computer skill (Office package with strong command over Excel); • Knowledge of public budget analysis and social protection is desirable;
• Experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture, (i.e. studies, volunteer work, internship), especially in a relevant field would be highly regarded; • Excellent written and oral communications skills, including experience in drafting and presenting in professional English.;
• Experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture, (i.e. studies, volunteer work, internship), especially in a relevant field would be highly regarded; Excellent written and oral communications skills, including experience in drafting and presenting in professional English.

The climate of Cambodia is tropical, monsoonal and is characterized by heat and humidity. The rainy season lasts from May to October and the hot, dry season from November until April. Houses and apartments are available to suit most budgets and preferences. House hunting is not difficult in Phnom Penh. The usual means of locating suitable accommodation is through estate agents/realtors. International UN Volunteers are required to follow the UN residential security requirements as per the local Residential Security Measures (RSM) when choosing their accommodation.

There are few taxi operators in Phnom Penh, so for daily transportation the cheapest, fastest and most frequent mode of travel is by a tuk-tuk (a motor-powered rickshaw) or motodop (you sit behind a driver of a motorbike). Some UN volunteers chose to purchase their own mode of transportation, be it a car, a motorbike or a pushbike. They are strictly recommended by UN security to wear seatbelts in cars and helmets when traveling on motorbikes, motodops or bicycling.

In terms of health, common diseases in Cambodia are those which exist in other tropical countries like diarrhea, malaria, dengue and HIV/AIDS. Most of the serious cases have been reported contracted in hilly, rural and densely forested areas. City dwellers like in Phnom Penh can also be at risk due to poor disposal of waste. Generally, in cities, people use purified water for drinking and cooking. The recommended vaccinations are those against typhoid, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Tuberculosis and Japanese Encephalitis.

While medical facilities in Cambodia are sufficient for the treatment of most routine ailments and minor accidents, illnesses and accidents of more serious nature require medical evacuation, usually to Bangkok or Singapore