Human Rights Officer

Volunteering Legal

Overview

Gather information and report on human rights situation in the DRC.

You have:

• Demonstrated expertise in human rights field and ability to apply good judgment; high degree of autonomy, initiative and ownership.
• Ability to work independently under established procedures in a politically sensitive environment, exercising discretion, impartiality and neutrality.
• Ability to plan, coordinate and monitor work effectively with multiple concurrent projects and deadlines.
• Willingness to accept and manage responsibilities in potentially hazardous environments.
• Proficiency in communicating and maintaining effective relationships with diverse groups.
• Ability to engage in community outreach and coordination with local authorities.
• Commitment to continuous learning about developments in human rights and related fields.

Contract

This is a UNV contract. More about UNV contracts.

This United Nations Volunteers (UNV) assignment is part of MONUSCO (United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo) MONUSCO took over from an earlier UN peacekeeping operation – the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC) – on 1 July 2010. It was done in accordance with Security Council resolution 1925 of 28 May to reflect the new phase.

Between 2021 and 2025, the Mission entered a new phase characterized by a dual dynamic: continuing to carry out its core responsibilities—particularly the protection of civilians—while preparing for a gradual and responsible transition, in close coordination with the Congolese authorities and international partners.

In 2025, the Mission operated in an increasingly complex environment marked by a renewed deterioration of the security situation in eastern DRC, including the capture of Goma by the M23, which significantly exacerbated the humanitarian and protection crisis in North Kivu. In this challenging context, MONUSCO continued adapting its posture to support civilian protection efforts, coordinate with national authorities and maintain engagement with international partners.

More information: https://monusco.unmissions.org/en

Under the overall supervision of the Director of the UNJHRO and the direct supervision of the Coordinator of the Reporting Unit, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

• Gather information and report on the human rights situation in a designated geographical area, including through close cooperation with other United Nations actors and the community; • Keep the supervisor regularly informed on developments concerning the human rights situation in the area of responsibility (AOR); • Prepare case files for submission to the authorities and for inclusion in the UNJHRO database; • Participate in the establishment and maintenance of contacts with local authorities as well as international organizations operating in the country, and civil society; • Facilitate the implementation of the human rights mandate in the designated AOR, aiming at the establishment of an environment of mutual understanding among the population; • Draft, review, and coordinate the timely delivery of a variety of reports, briefings, and other types of communications in compliance with established standards, including with regards to public human rights reports; • Ensure, coordinate, and supervise the timely entry of accurate and verified human rights cases into an established database; conduct quality control and deliver statistics and trend reports as required; • When working with (including supervising) national staff of (non-) governmental counterparts, including Implementing Partners (IPs), the incumbent is strongly encouraged to allocate dedicated time for capacity development through coaching, monitoring, and formal and on-the-job training; • Perform any other related duties as may be required.

Integrity and professionalism: demonstrated expertise in area of specialty and ability to apply good judgment; high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; willingness to accept wide responsibilities and 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.

Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment.

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 operate effectively across organizational boundaries; 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 conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; ability to maintain composure and remain helpful towards the staff, but objective, without showing personal interest; 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 the area of operations; willingness to transfer to other duty stations 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.

Human Rights

The Democratic Republic of Congo is the second largest country in Africa, and as a result is quite diverse.

Living conditions therefore vary between MONUSCO duty stations, with all usual amenities present in the capital Kinshasa, but only very basic conditions in remote duty stations in the provinces, where, for instance, there may be no guarantee of public power supply nor running water. The ability to live and work in difficult and harsh conditions of developing countries is essential.

Accommodation is very expensive in both Kinshasa and Lubumbashi. Supermarkets exist in the large towns, but consumer items are generally very expensive (as everything is imported). For food, local markets offer a much cheaper alternative.

All MONUSCO duty stations are considered non-family duty stations, except for Kinshasa which is now considered a family duty station. Beni is a non-family duty station. In addition to insecurity related to the relatively volatile political situation as well as various conflict situations, certain places are subject to increasing street and residential crime, including in Kinshasa and Goma.

Some degree of medical service is provided in all MONUSCO duty stations. Certain vaccinations are mandatory for MONUSCO personnel to enter the DRC, while others are compulsory for all other incoming persons. It is possible for incoming MONUSCO personnel, including UN Volunteers, to be asked to provide proof of some or all vaccinations, though this is unlikely. All UN Volunteers must ensure that they are up-to-date with all appropriate vaccinations, which should be clearly and properly endorsed in the International Certificate of Vaccination (“carte jaune”). Malaria is present virtually throughout the DRC, and it is therefore recommended to take prophylaxis.

The unit of currency is the Congolese Franc. The US dollar is the other preferred currency. It may be impossible to exchange traveller’s checks away from the capital city. Credit cards are usually accepted in major hotels only in Kinshasa. In larger towns and cities (e.g. Kinshasa, Goma, Bukavu, Kisangani). In addition to French, there are four major spoken languages in DRC, namely Lingala, Kikongo, Tshiluba and Swahili.

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Potential interview questions

Added 2 days ago - Updated 7 hours ago - Source: unv.org