Human Rights Program Assistant

Contract

This is a UNV International Youth contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Youth contracts.

to support peace and development worldwide. Volunteerism can transform the pace and nature of development and it benefits both society at large and the individual volunteer. UNV contributes to peace and development by advocating for volunteerism globally

Under the direct supervision of the OHCHR Head of Office in Tunis, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks: • Research and collect information pertaining to human rights matters from a variety of data sources (e.g. field visits, communications, publications, the press) to keep abreast of issues/events and provide up to date information. • Draft a variety of reports and correspondence relating to human rights matters. • Assist in the verification and analysis of information, to include the impact on the country and thematic mandates on the human rights situation in assigned area. • Support awareness raising on current human rights issues, to include relevant political and legal developments in the country. • Participate and serve in human rights training programmes for national officials, national human rights institutions and representatives of civil society in order to promote national capacity building. • Review human rights issues, including gender considerations, and work with relevant partners in the integration of these issues into political, humanitarian and economic efforts and programmes; • Assist in drafting specific programmes to strengthen capacities for implementing a rights-based approach to development for national, regional and UN partners. • Participate with the Human Rights Officers in discussions with relevant authorities and other actors with the aim of stopping or preventing human rights violations or seek other remedial action by the authorities to prevent similar violations occurring in the future. • Contribute to Office programme development, monitoring and evaluation. • Perform other related duties as required.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities:

• 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 instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day). • Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country. • Provide annual and end of assignment self- reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities.
• 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

• Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to OHCHR; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to OHCHR procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented;• Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues; • 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; • 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; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups; • Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or authority; • Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary; • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards OHCHR’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values

a) Qualifications, skills, experience:

• At least two-year of relevant work experience in the areas of human rights, political affairs, international relations, law, or related area. • Good interpersonal skills in relationships with partners: government authorities, UN agencies, NGOs, and others. • Good computer skills using MS Office applications; knowledge of legal and human rights terminology is an asset.

• Prior experience or strong interest in one of the following fields would be considered as an asset: civil and political rights, development and human rights; environment and human rights. • Human rights monitoring and reporting experience • Knowledge and understanding of human rights-related matters; ability to identify problems, i.e. political, ethnic, gender-based, social, economic, etc., causing civil unrest in a country or geographic area. • Demonstrated research and analytical skills, including ability to identify and participate in the resolution of relevant human rights issues/problems; basic knowledge of institutional mandates, policies, guidelines, etc., related to human rights; skill in developing sources for data collection; • Commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of the work of the Office.

b) Competencies and values:

• Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to OHCHR; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to OHCHR procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented; • Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues; • 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 • Communication: proven interpersonal skills;

Geography and Climate: Tunisia, the smallest country of the North African coast, with a population of slightly over 10 million of which about 60% live in urban locations, has one of the highest living standards on the continent. Tunis is the capital of the country and the largest city (population of approximately two million in and outside the city proper). As a small country, all destinations within Tunisia can be reached in a day drive. Tunisia borders with Libya (Southeast) and with Algeria (West). Tunisia has a Mediterranean climate. Along the coast of northern Tunisia, summers are hot and dry, and winters are warm and rainy. In the northwest, there is occasional snowfall in the mountains. In southern Tunisia, it is hotter and drier. Southern Tunisia, where the Sahara begins, is semi-desert. In some parts, there are oases with giant palm trees and small market gardens. Religion: About 99 percent of the population is Muslim, especially Sunni Islam, as it is the major and state religion. Tunisia has also a small Christian population, composed of Roman Catholics, members of the Greek Orthodox Church, and French and English Protestants. In addition, there is a small population of Sephardic Jews. Economy: The country does not have vast stocks of hydrocarbons like its neighbours Algeria and Libya but has prospered under long-standing government policies to develop manufacturing, tourism, and agriculture. At the same time, social programs limit population growth, provide a high standard of education, and ensure a relatively decent standard of living for all. The largest percentage of Tunisia’s exports are agricultural and mining products, which generate over 11 billion dollars a year. Tunisia's biggest export partners are France and Italy. Tunisia is a member of the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development (AFESD), the Arab Monetary Fund, and the Union of the Arab Maghreb (UMA). Public transportation: In addition to the private taxi services, the state runs a reliable and cost-effective public transport system. Safety and security: The crime rate is low, but there have been cases of theft. Walking alone during daylight hours is permitted, but you may want to be more careful at night. Tunisia is still undergoing a critical period of democratic and social transition. The heated political debate has, at times, developed into a localized confrontation among ideological opponents. Although these tensions are unrelated to foreigners, it is nevertheless important to remain updated on the political situation. Therefore, security advice is sent systematically by UNDSS and UNHCR security staff