Junior Human Rights and Democracy Officer

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.

The Centre is headed by a director who doubles as Regional Representative of the High Commissioner for Central Africa. Following the 2020 organigram, the office operates with eight Units namely Capacity Building, Democracy, Human Rights Mechanisms, Equality and Non-discrimination, Monitoring and Reporting, Emergency Response, Communication and Advocacy and Administration and Finance. The UN Volunteer will work primarily with the Equality and Non-discrimination Unit with close interactions with other Units, including Democracy, Emergency Response, Monitoring and Reporting. Since a decade, the Central Africa sub region has witnessed a lot of social and political instability, violence and insecurity particularly linked to issues of poor governance, corruption and retrograding economic environment, especially with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite legal and institutional improvements in some countries, the human rights situation in the Central Africa sub region has regressed especially in the context of elections. The exercise of freedom of opinion and expression, particularly for trade unions and human rights organizations, and freedom of association and peaceful assembly were hindered in the context of the electoral processes; for example, Internet services were interrupted, and social media were blocked by the authorities during the electoral periods. In some cases, freedom of movement was restrained by measures taken by the authorities to deal with the post-election violence. The Centre has contributed to the consolidation of democratic processes to ensure accountability in the subregion; by supporting groups that face discrimination in the political sphere such as persons with disabilities, indigenous persons, and women to participate in electoral processes; promoting respect for freedom of opinion and expression; and enhancing the legal protection of human rights. Justice and rule of law systems remain weak in all focus countries. The executive’s influence over the judiciary and legislative bodies undermines objectivity and fairness in the delivery of justice and drafting and adoption of legislation, thus increasing impunity. Poverty has been exacerbated by these conflicts, coupled with poor governance, corruption, and mismanagement of public funds in Cameroon, Congo, Gabon and Equatorial Guinea. The non-realization of economic, social and cultural rights has continued to generate social tensions and protests by rights holders against degrading standards of living. The lack of independence and effectiveness of national human rights institutions in the subregion has impeded promotion and protection efforts.

Under the direct supervision of the Representative of OHCHR Regional Office and the day-to-day direct supervision of the Regional Democracy and Human Rights Advisor, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks: - Assist in the development and implementation of training programs in the field of human rights, international humanitarian law, democracy, and the rule of law, with attention to gender perspectives for countries' security bodies, judiciary, national institutions, civil society organisations. - Participates in research and collection of information pertaining to the human rights situation within the sub region, including their gender dimensions from a variety of 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 - Contributes to monitor civic space participation in countries covered by OHCHR Regional Office - Contributes to the drafting of substantive documents, reports, briefings, background notes and correspondence relating to human rights matters for various targets including Governments, donors and partner organizations - Participate in meetings of interagency groups on human rights and consultations; prepare summaries of outcome and propose follow-up actions. - Support capacity building activities

☒ Adaptability and Flexibility ☒ Commitment and Motivation ☒ Commitment to Continuous Learning ☒ Communication ☒ Ethics and Values ☒ Integrity ☒ Respect for Diversity ☒ Working in Teams

demonstrated interest in political affairs, diplomacy, electoral management, civic space monitoring Experience in an international organization or a non-governmental organization would be an asset.
Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture, (i.e. studies, volunteer work, internship) would be highly regarded.

This position is located within the OHCHR Office in the capital of Cameroon, Yaoundé. A number of services (banks, schools international, etc.), restaurants and supermarkets can be found nearby. The transportation in Yaoundé can be done by taxi, although it is recommended to call private taxis rather than street taxis for safety reasons.

The security situation in the city of Yaoundé is partially satisfactory, although it should be noted that petty crime is the main threat in the city of Yaoundé. As the political capital and seat of the institutions of the Republic of Cameroon, Yaoundé has a large Police and Gendarmerie presence. The main crimes concern burglaries in houses, robberies perpetrated by small groups of bandits. These criminal acts are mostly perpetrated overnight. In the country, travel to the Far North, North and Adamaoua regions as well as to the South and North-West, require a UNDSS authorization and are limited to official business travel.

Cameroon is a unique country and with mixed of Development-Humanitarian unique operation. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live, work and travel in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential.