Human Rights Reporting 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 United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) was established by Security Council resolution 2100 of 25 April 2013 to support political process in that country and carry out a number of security-related tasks. The Mission has been asked to support the transitional authorities of Mali in the stabilization of the country and implementation of the transitional roadmap, focusing on major population centers and lines of communication, protecting civilians, human rights monitoring, the creation of conditions for the provision of humanitarian assistance and the return to displaced persons, the extension of State authority and the preparation of free, inclusive and peaceful elections. The mandate of the Human Rights Division, following Security Council Resolutions 2100, 2164, 2227, 2295 and 2364 is (i) To assist the Malian authorities in their efforts to promote and protect human rights, in particular in the areas of justice and reconciliation, including to support, as feasible and appropriate, the efforts of the Malian authorities, without prejudice to their responsibilities, to bring to justice those responsible for serious abuses or violations of human rights or violations of international humanitarian law, in particular war crimes and crimes against humanity in Mali, taking into account the referral by the transitional authorities of Mali of the situation in their country since January 2012 to the International Criminal Court; (ii) To monitor, help investigate and report to the Security Council and publicly, as appropriate, on violations of international humanitarian law and on violations and abuses of human rights, including all forms of sexual and gender based violence and violations and abuses committed against women and children throughout Mali and to contribute to efforts to prevent such violations and abuses.

• Draft, review, and edit daily, weekly, monthly and quarterly reports on the human rights situation as well as thematic and investigation reports in compliance with established standards
• Contribute to the drafting of the SG and HC reports in the Mission area
• Ensure timely review of information provided by field teams, thematic units, and other components or entities
• Contribute to regular briefing notes, background notes, talking points, and other materials for the Human Rights and Protection Division’s meetings with the Mission leadership and other actors
• Design, provide inputs and deliver briefing notes for visiting delegations, as appropriate
• Liaise with OHCHR Geneva and New York on reporting issues
• Conduct human rights monitoring activities and investigations in compliance with UN methodology and relevant to the observance of international human rights and humanitarian law in the Mission area;
• Analyze and synthesize significant amounts of information of relevance to human rights, including from open sources
• Contribute to the integration of gender perspectives/considerations in all activities, pro-grams and strategies;
• Contribute to the integration of human rights in the Mission's protection of civilians (PoC) efforts and, where relevant, coordinate such efforts including by, inter-alia, mapping and reporting protection risks and issuing early warning whenever necessary
• Analyze the legal system and its compliance with international human rights instruments and advise, where appropriate, relevant authorities including on the implementation of UN recommendations

• Regularly maintain databases and archival systems

• 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 own-leadership; 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, re-mote 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.

Computer skills:

Mastery of Microsoft Office, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Outlook, PowerPoint is required.

Mali, including Bamako, is a non-family duty station with a difficult security and working environment. Living conditions are however acceptable in Bamako, but security instructions need to be strictly complied with. Adequate housing is available for rent at US$ 500-1500 per month. The national currency is the Franc CFA (March 2022 exchange rate was US$1 = 585FCFA). Visa credit cards are accepted in some hotels. Mali is a country prone to malaria, so mosquito nets are highly recommended. Basic medicines are available from pharmacies, but provision needs to be made for specialized medication.

Security recommendations from the UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) must be followed by all UN Staff in the course of their assignments in Mali. Appropriate measures are in place to mitigate the current security risk for UN personnel in the country. All UN Volunteers, like all UN personnel, undergo a security briefing and the 3 days mandatory training “Safe and Secure Approaches in Field Environments” (SSAFE) upon arrival, where practical guidance and recommendations are provided regarding security threats in Mali. An additional security briefing is provided upon arrival to the final duty station.

Like all UN personnel, UN Volunteers based in Mopti and Menaka are accommodated in UN premises. UN provided accommodation in Mali is compliant with wellbeing standards, i.e. female/male bathrooms. A welfare committee is also active in all duty stations to ensure enough access to welfare commodities, including food supplies.

Emergency contacts (security, medical, staff counselling, UNV Office) are made available for all UN Volunteers upon arrival, and each individual is provided with a VHF radio and a call sign, which can be used at all times.

For the sake of rewarding experience, UN Volunteers in MINUSMA carry out their duties with flexibility, commitment and a willingness to live and work in challenging conditions including heat and limited water and electricity supply.