Human Rights Officer

Volunteering Legal

Overview

Conduct research and analysis on human rights issues in Haiti.

You have:

• A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, political affairs, international relations, law or related area is required.
• Experience working in a law enforcement entity is desirable.
• Experience implementing Human Rights Due Diligence Policy (HRDDP) is desirable.
• Fluency in French (both oral and written) is required.
• Knowledge of English is desirable.

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.

This position is located within the Joint Human Rights Service (HRS) of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), Port-au-Prince, Haiti. The incumbent reports to the Head of Unit in the thematic area of assignment under the overall supervision of the Chief of the HRS.

Within delegated authority, the Human Rights Officer/UNV will be responsible for the following duties,

• Research and collect information pertaining to human rights matters, including their gender dimensions from a variety of data sources (e.g. communications, publications, the press) to keep abreast of issues/events and provide up-to-date information; assist in the analysis of information, to include the impact on the countries and thematic mandates on the human rights situation in assigned area. • Plan and coordinate activities related to the UN human rights due diligence policy (HRDDP) on UN Support to non-UN Security Forces including from a gender perspective. • Conduct substantive research and analysis of human rights issues/events and assess their impact on the human rights situation in Haiti. • Collect and analyse human rights data and indicators in Haiti on HRDDP implementation, including gender-specific data and indicators. • Ensure that human rights issues, including their gender equality dimensions considerations, are integrated into political, humanitarian and economic efforts and programme. • Define work plan for area assigned in accordance with established terms of reference. • Assist Haitian national police to develop and implement a training program in the field of human rights, democracy and the rule of law, with attention to gender perspectives. • Supervise field verification work through periodic visits; follow up on different cases and situations. • Represent UN human rights programme at working level meetings. • Draft a variety of reports, communications, briefings, statements, etc., including to policy making bodies. • Maintain awareness of current human rights issues, to include relevant political and legal developments. • Participate in human rights training programmes for the multinational security forces and national law enforcement officials, representatives of the civil society and human rights non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in order to promote national capacity building. • Review human rights issues, including their gender dimensions, and participate in discussions with other Human Rights Officers (HROs) on the integration of these issues into political, humanitarian and economic efforts and programmes. • Assist in promoting efforts for community mobilization and those that focus on exercise of rights of population. • Participate with other Human Rights Organizations 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. • Liaise with government, NGOs, Civil Society organizations, UN agencies and other partners to create baseline data on the human rights situation, with special attention to vulnerable groups. • Design and maintain database to track project progress. • Contribute to the collection and analysis of data as well as identification of trends or patterns and provide draft insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports, using data visualization methods for data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. • Perform other related duties as required

• Professionalism: Knowledge of human rights issues and ability to identify related problems in their political, ethnic, racial, gender equality and socio-economic dimensions. Knowledge of institutional mandates of human rights organizations, prevailing policies and procedures including the Human Rights Due Diligence Policy (HRDDP) on United Nations Support to Non-United Nations Security Forces. Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to law enforcement and human rights compliance framework; knowledge of international human rights law, in assessing the actions/operations of security forces. Research and analytical skills, including ability to identify and participate in the resolution of human rights issues. Ability to identify sources for data collection, research and analyze information and draft human rights reports. Ability to evaluate and integrate information from a variety of sources and assess impact on the human rights situation in the area of assignment. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Able to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management.

• Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

• Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

• Planning& Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, political affairs, international relations, law or related area is required. Experience working in a law enforcement entity is desirable. Experience implementing Human Rights Due Diligence Policy (HRDDP) is desirable. English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in French (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of English is desirable.

Haiti, especially the capital Port-au-Prince, is a bustling and crowded country with high levels of poverty and unemployment throughout. While much of the infrastructure is somewhat lacking, and much of it is in the process of development, Haiti nonetheless has many areas of stunning natural beauty; it has a rich and diverse cultural heritage that is an enticing draw for foreign staff and expats alike. Haiti is affected by problems in terms of safety and security, and many governments advise avoiding certain areas of the capital of Port-au- Prince. Due to the instability of the political system in Haiti, there are frequent protests, some of which run the risk of turning violent and are therefore best avoided. While the end of 2019 was marked by nearly four months of “peyi lok” – widespread civil unrest, insecurity and political turmoil translating in recurrent teleworking arrangements – the beginning of 2020 started by a deadlocked political dialogue and then the onset of the COVID-10 pandemic in mid-March. UNDP in Haiti has become adept with regard to risk management. This has taken the form of proactively planning in advance in order to anticipate and prevent a negative impact of the volatile country context on programme and staff. For example, UNDP Country Office took the initiative to facilitate voluntary evacuation for high-risk UNDP and UNV personnel at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Strengthening security capacity within UNDP Country Office and an adaptive and proactive approach to the security environment has enabled UNDP to remain operational while ensuring the maximum safety for personnel. https://www.unv.org/

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Potential interview questions

Added 9 months ago - Updated 8 months ago - Source: unv.org