UN Volunteer in Civic Space

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 Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights is mandated by the UN General Assembly to promote and protect the enjoyment and full realization, by all people, of all human rights. This mandate includes, among other objectives, provide technical assistance to States; work actively to remove obstacles to the realization of human rights and to prevent the continuation of human rights violations; engage in dialogue with Governments in order to secure respect for all human rights; and rationalize, adapt, strengthen, and streamline the UN human rights machinery

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in Mexico (OHCHR-Mexico) works to ensure that institutions, Government authorities, and the United Nations Country Team have adequate information, understanding, and skills to identify human rights concerns and to develop measures to address them effectively. OHCHR-Mexico also works to ensure that civil society and human rights victims have increased awareness of human rights standards and mechanisms.

Main activities are focused on technical cooperation and legal advice on harmonization of legislation, development of indicators on human rights, support the elaboration of public policies with human rights-based approach, follow-up the international recommendations, gender and human rights, amongst other issues, and monitoring of human rights situation throughout the country, with emphasis on grave human rights violations (such as enforced disappearances, torture and extrajudicial executions) as well as the situation of human rights defenders and journalists and the right of indigenous peoples to prior consultation.

The UN Volunteer will support the following activities: receiving complaints of alleged human rights violations; participating in field missions and meetings with authorities, civil society organizations and victims; promoting legislative harmonization and the development of comprehensive public policies; technical assistance to federal and state governments; among others.

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

• Contribute to the planning of the Civic Space Unit and the overall plan of OHCHR Mexico. • Follow up and support the implementation of human rights policies, at the local and national levels, especially in relation to freedom of expression, the right to defend human rights, and freedom of assembly and association. • Plan, design and implement capacity building activities for all actors, local and national, including on state responsibility for the protection of human rights defenders and journalists. • Support the Civic Space Unit in liaising and advocate with relevant national and local authorities, National and Local HRI’s, and CSO’s, especially in relation to protection of journalists and human rights defenders. • Participate in multi-stakeholder meetings regarding the implementation of national legislation and public policies regarding journalists and human rights defenders. • Under the supervision of the Head of the Unit, write reports, case files, strategies, official correspondence, briefings, statements, and communications, including talking points, in relation to human rights violations against journalists and human rights defenders. • 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, especially in relation to civic space. • Participate in meetings and interviews with human rights victims. • Assist in the documentation of cases of grave human rights violations and support victims in liaising with international human rights mechanisms. • Assist in the analysis of information regarding substantive matters in the field of human rights, particularly related to journalists and human rights defenders, and recommend actions to be taken.

Adaptability and Flexibility Client Orientation Commitment and Motivation Communication Ethics and Values Integrity Knowledge Sharing Planning and Organizing Professionalism Respect for Diversity Working in Teams

the protection/promotion of human rights and related areas. Field experience and knowledge of the Latin American Region is an asset.

Very good infrastructure (health, housing, schools, banking transportation, telecommunications, and recreational facilities. The current security situation in Mexico is considered stable. Nevertheless, common crime activities such as robbery, theft, and "express kidnapping", among others, represent a serious threat to any citizen living in Mexico. There is no direct threat to UN Staff or other international organizations. Movements within Mexico City can be done without restrictions; however, staff must adopt basic precautions. Any movement outside from Mexico City must be cleared by the UNDSS system in place.