Specialist in International human rights law (Axis 5)

Contract

This is a UNV National Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as National UN Volunteer. It is normally only for nationals. More about UNV National Specialist contracts.

In November 2018, the National Council of Justice (CNJ) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) signed the international technical cooperation project BRA/18/019 - Strengthening Monitoring and Inspection of the Prison and Socio-Educational System. The project, initially titled the Present Justice Program, aims to develop tools and strategies focused on strengthening the monitoring and inspection of the prison and socio-educational systems, with an emphasis on reducing overcrowding and overpopulation. In this sense, the project aims to position the National Council of Justice as a central actor in resolving the crisis in the prison and socio-educational systems, considering the particularities of each one. The actions envisaged here include conducting studies, assessments, and plans, as well as creating mechanisms and instruments that enhance the implementation, dissemination and support of technical, conceptual, and operational capabilities aimed at improving penal policies and socio-educational measures in the country. The project also values the inter-institutional work between the Judiciary and Executive powers, to encourage the dissemination of methodologies and sustainability of the actions developed, even after its closure. The actions developed are structured around four main axes, in addition to a specific axis for cross-cutting and management actions, namely:

1. Strategy to reduce overcrowding and prison overpopulation in Brazil developed and implemented
2. Strategy to control the number of adolescents in deprivation of liberty developed and implemented
3. Subsidies to promote citizenship and guarantee the rights of persons deprived of their liberty in the Prison and Socio-Educational System developed
4. Unified Electronic Execution System (SEEU) improved, implemented, evaluated, and disseminated nationwide
5. Improvement of service routines, knowledge management and knowledge transfer for the execution of the project methodology carried out

The UN Volunteer will perform technical-administrative functions with a view to implementing and monitoring the actions of axis 5 of the Fazendo Justiça Program, supporting, among other, the actions of the Unit for Monitoring and Inspecting the decisions of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, created by Resolution CNJ 364/2021.

To this end, the UN Volunteer will be mobilized to monitor decisions issued within the scope of the International System of Human Rights. The actions are aimed at contributing to an articulated strategy for the implementation of penal and socio-educational policies in the national territory, together with the Axes and transversal actions, aimed at guaranteeing rights, in line with internal regulations and international human rights conventions and treaties and with the decisions of the International Courts.

Under the direct supervision of the Axis 5 Technical Coordinator, the UN Volunteer will carry out the following tasks:

• Participate in all preparatory meetings for Axis 5 and regular Working Group (WG) meetings, from the preparation of the agenda, preparation of documents, minutes, technical notes, reports, minutes and other documents, as well as organizing the environments for carrying out the virtual meetings such as generating links, opening rooms, ensuring access for participants, organizing virtual and face-to-face events whenever necessary.

• Technically contribute to the discussions held in the Working Group, based on the professional's expertise and the topics highlighted in the Working Group.

• Prepare and revise, whenever necessary and requested, in accordance with the WG's deadlines, drafts and products based on guidelines passed on by Axis 5 related to the WG.

• Travel, if necessary, to carry out face-to-face meetings.

• Carry out studies/surveys required by Axis 5 based on the needs of the Working Group and present them at meetings whenever required, such as legislative proposals, survey of national and international practices; among others, based on the needs of the WG.

• Organize publications, seminars and launching events, selecting registered articles and practices; sending invitation to speakers, preparing emails, official letters, preparing the pro-gram; providing technical support during the days of the event; mediation and reporting of tables, among other necessary activities in the organization and subsequent registration of the event.

• Assist in the administrative management and monitoring of projects implemented under Axis 5 that relate to actions implemented at the national level (articulated to the axes and themes implemented by the Program) or state level (articulated to the State Executive Plans) based on the sentences, provisional measures and advisory opinions issued by the Inter-American Human Rights System that affect penal and socio-educational policies in Brazil.

Accountability; Adaptability and Flexibility; Client Orientation; Commitment and Motivation; Commitment to Continuous Learning; Communication; Creativity; Ethics and Values; Integrity; Knowledge Sharing; Planning and Organizing; Professionalism; Respect for Diversity; Self-Management; Technological Awareness; Working in Teams.

International Human Rights Law and Inter-American Court of Human Rights thematic (professional and/or academic experience ) - Professional experience with advisory and/or coordination of public policies, research or civil society institutions with activities related to criminal justice. - Experience working with the judiciary system.

The assignment will be in Brasília, the Federal capital of Brazil and seat of government of the Federal District. Brasilia is a family duty station and classified A (hardship). The living conditions in Brasilia are good as well as the access to health services. The accommodation facilities are in general good, and the choice is wide. As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging their own housing and other living essentials. National UN Volunteers are part of the malicious insurance plan. Brazil is security level 3 (moderate). United Nations Department of Safety and Security UNDSS Brazil advises to exercise a high degree of caution in Brazil due to high levels of serious and violent crime, particularly in major cities. Violent crime as muggings, armed robbery, kidnappings, and sexual assault, is very high. Avoid shanty towns (favelas) in the big cities and if you are attacked or robbed, do not resist. Demonstrations can occur at any time and may turn violent with little or no warning. All United Nations personnel must scrupulously comply with UNDSS procedures and recommendations during their assignment in Brazil. For missions in rural areas or indigenous reservations, special procedures may apply; UN personnel should consult with the local DSS office in advance.