Junior Human Rights Officer

Volunteering Admin Crisis & Emergency Response Communications & PR

Overview

Support human rights monitoring and engagement with communities in Ukraine.

You have:

• Ideally 1 year of experience in the sphere of human rights combined with other experience relevant to the position.
• Experience of work in a conflict or post-conflict setting is desirable.
• Human rights monitoring and/or reporting experience is desirable.
• Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture (i.e. studies, volunteer work, internship) would be highly regarded.
• Advanced higher degree (Master’s or equivalent) in a relevant area is an advantage.

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.

Deployed in March 2014, the Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU) has a comprehensive mandate to monitor and report on the human rights situation throughout Ukraine, and to make recommendations to the Government and other actors to address human rights concerns as documented by the Mission. Recommendations outline concrete follow-up actions to address these concerns, prevent violations and mitigate emerging risks. HRMMU monitors, reports and advocates on the human rights situation through its presence in multiple locations across Ukraine, as well as small remote teams in Krakow, Poland and Chisinau, Moldova. In accordance with General Assembly resolution 68/262, HRMMU also monitors remotely, reports and advocates on the human rights situation in Crimea and the city of Sevastopol.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Head of HRMMU Satellite Office in Moldova or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UNV Junior Human Rights Officer will: • Participate, as part of a team, in monitoring the human rights situation, including identifying emerging trends and patterns of human rights violations • Provide support to liaising with relevant partners and stakeholders, including civil society organizations, national human rights institutions and international organizations, and foster and maintain their active engagement in the work of OHCHR in Ukraine • Facilitate engagement with communities and human right defenders, particularly youth and those who face multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination, to raise awareness of human rights and advocate for compliance with international human rights norms and standards • Assist in conducting monitoring, research and information/data assessment to help produce analytical papers, reports, press briefing notes and other advocacy material in relation to the human rights situation in Ukraine; • Contribute to OHCHR’s periodic and ad hoc reports, bearing in mind OHCHR’s guidance on results-based management • Provide inputs to various written communications such as talking points and briefing notes on relevant substantive/thematic issues • Provide administrative and logistical support, including organizing events/meetings and field visits; • Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor

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.

Results/expected outputs: • As an active OHCHR team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to OHCHR and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including: - OHCHR’s monitoring work effectively and timely supported and carried out - Quality reports are published mainstreaming gender- and youth –components • Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated and documented in all activities throughout the assignment • A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed.

• 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; • Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and OHCHR 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; • 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; • 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. • 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; • 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.

human rights, political affairs, international relations, law or related area. Ideally 1 year of experience in the sphere of human rights combined with other experience relevant to the position. • Experience of work in a conflict or post-conflict setting is desirable. Human rights monitoring and/or reporting experience is desirable. • Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture (i.e. studies, volunteer work, internship) would be highly regarded. • Advanced higher degree (Master’s or equivalent) in a relevant area is an advantage.

Ukraine is currently a hardship duty station with a volatile security situation as a result of the ongoing conflict. Therefore, the position is based in Chisinau, Moldova as reasonable health, education and transportation facilities can be provided there. Living standards in Chisinau are relatively high and currently the situation is stable, although the situation remains fluid, complex and unpredictable and requires readiness to adapt to the changing circumstances. There are increased security protocols that all staff are required to follow, including travel restrictions and possible curfews. There is a risk that the mounting humanitarian crisis and the impact of the conflict can lead to an increase in crime and/or civil unrest. Airports in the area might be affected in case of conflict deterioration and not operate.

Work on the situation with the Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine is a unique opportunity. 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 and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential.

Information about Moldova According to the country analysis at the World Bank, the Republic of Moldova remains among the poorest countries in Europe. More information about the country is available here: https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/moldova/overview. The Republic of Moldova has a population of 2,6 million (2022) and is bordered by Ukraine to the north, east, and south and shares a direct border with Romania. On 23 June 2022, the European Council granted European Union Candidate status to Moldova.

Chisinau, the capital of Moldova, is the largest and well-developed city, located in the middle of the country. The city has a high degree of security, lots of parks, lakes and nice places with affordable restaurants and coffee places. It offers a diverse range of accommodation with properly working utilities. The public transport is cheap and accessible, but during the rush hours the city has problems with the traffic due to high number of cars. Taxi service is also available and can be ordered through the phone and mobile applications. The city has a lot of shops and several malls with a good selection of products. The Internet and mobile operators are not expensive and running with a good quality of the connection. There are public hospitals, laboratories, and private clinics, depending on the budget and needs.

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Potential interview questions

Added 1 year ago - Updated 26 days ago - Source: unv.org