UN Human Rights Monitoring Associate

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.

OHCHR-Mexico is divided into several functional units: Administration; Grave Human Rights Violations; Gender and Economic, Social and Cultural Rights; Democratic Space; Vulnerable Groups; Indicators and Public Communications. The International Youth UNV would be part of the Democratic Space Unit, which currently consists of a coordinator (international staff) and an international UNV. The Democratic Space Unit personally receives complaints of alleged human rights violations and gives legal orientation to victims, particularly human rights defenders and journalists. The Democratic Space Unit also participates in field missions to follow up cases of alleged human rights human, meeting with victims, family members of victims, local NGO´s and government authorities. The Democratic Space Unit members collaborate in the activities of the task forces created in the Office around the main issues, such as: torture, disappearances and the right of indigenous people to prior consultation, among others. In addition, the Democratic Space Unit prepares mission reports, reports for UN Special Procedures and headquarters in Geneva.

Under the direct supervision of the Coordinator of the Democratic Space Unit, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

• Contribute to research and collect information pertaining to human rights issues through monitoring human rights situations at the field level and from a variety of data sources (e.g. communications, publications, the press) to keep abreast of issues/events and provide up-to-date information; • Participate in interviews with human rights victims, particularly human rights defenders and journalists, relevant authorities and civil society organizations as part of the documentation of cases; • Assist in the analysis of information regarding substantive matters in the field of human rights, particularly related to human rights defenders, journalists and freedom of expression, and recommend actions to be taken; • Assist in drafting inputs for reports, communications for UN reports and correspondence relating to human rights matters; • Provide inputs for meetings with relevant authorities to assist in strengthening their capacity for protection and promotion of human rights; • Perform other tasks as required

Accountability / Adaptability and Flexibility / Commitment and Motivation / Commitment to Continuous Learning / Communication / Integrity / Planning and Organizing / Professionalism / Respect for diversity / Working in teams.

(ideally) or demonstrated interest in: -Protection or promotion of human rights and related areas (demonstrated interest and/or experience ideally one year). -Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture, (i.e. studies, volunteer work, internship) would be highly regarded.

Mexico City is the capital of the United Mexican States. It is in the center of the country, at an altitude of 2,300 meters above sea level. It covers a total area of 1,485 square kilometers and its population is approximately 8.8 million people.

Local time: Mexico City’s time zone is UTC/GMT-6

Altitude: Mexico City stands at 2,239 metres above sea level.

Climate: Daily high temperature is around 26°C throughout the year, exceeding 29°C or dropping below 22°C. Daily low temperatures range from 9°C to 11°C, falling below 6°C or exceeding 13°C. Carrying a light sweater is strongly recommended.

Very good infrastructure (health, housing, banking transportation, telecommunications and recreational facilities).

Housing: Apartments can be rented both furnished and unfurnished.

Health: In the metropolitan areas there are first-level private and public hospitals.

Education: Adequate schools. There is no lack of private schools, although the number of bilingual or bicultural schools is not high.

Electricity: 110 volts, 60 hertz (similar to the United States), and wall sockets may be for two- or three-pin plugs. Visitors wishing to use devices not designed for use in North America should bring an adapter with a voltage transformer.

Water: Drinking tap water is not recommended; visitors are advised to consume only boiled or bottled water.

Credit and debit cards are accepted in most commercial establishments; however, it is recommended that you carry some cash, as there are small establishments that do not accept credit cards.

Sales tax and tipping: Value added tax of 16% is levied on most products and services. In restaurants it is customary to leave a tip of between 10% and 15% of the total bill.