Human Rights Specialist

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does - in programmes, in advocacy and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favoritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life - in its social, political, economic, civic and cultural dimensions - her or his rights are violated. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens - addressing inequity - not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfill their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations.

The UN Resident Coordinator’s Office (RCO) supports the Resident Coordinator in promoting Albania’s attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals and the Agenda 2030 through the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), in close partnership with the Government, civil society, international partners and the UN Country Team (UNCT).

Progress on human rights is a central requirement of Albania’s EU accession process, and it is equally vital in its own right as the foundation for safeguarding and strengthening democratic gains and inclusive governance. Despite reforms - such as gender quotas - signaling progress, the electoral and political landscape remains fragile. Albania’s engagement with international human rights mechanisms has improved (e.g., UPR, CEDAW, CAT, CRC, CERD), but implementation of recommendations remains uneven. Key gaps include limited follow-up on recommendations of the national human rights institution, unresolved leadership mandates for the Peoples Advocate, and serious concerns around migration processing and asylum agreements (e.g., Italy-Albania MoU). The UNCT needs sustained coordination and technical support to respond to rising requests and sensitivities in these areas.

Through the hiring of a national UNV specialist on human rights and its deployment to the RCO office in Albania, the latter will strengthen the human rights expertise in support of the Resident Coordinator, the whole UN Country Team, Government, NHRI and civil society in the country. This position will directly supports SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), and the localization and governance means of implementation. It aligns with the jobs and social protection transition, reinforces UN 2.0 (data, inclusion), and ensures no one is left behind in the path toward EU integration. The post will focus on minority and marginalized group inclusion, with a special focus on the nine officially recognized minorities and others at risk of being left behind and have they fare in terms of positive human rights.

Under the direct operational supervision of the Justice for Children Specialist in UNICEF Albania office and in a matrix way of working with the UNRCO Head of Office, and under the overall guidance of UN Resident Coordinator (RC), the national Human Rights UNV specialist will (as needed and agreed) perform the following duties. The National UNV Specialist will be supported by OHCHR desk officer for Albania as needed when carrying out the tasks.

1. Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting
• Monitor, research, and analyze human rights developments - including data, legislation, policies and relevant contextual developments - to identify trends and challenges, with an emphasis on minorities and marginalized groups.
• Prepare and deliver regular reports, briefings, summaries, legal analyses, talking points, and recommendations for the Resident Coordinator and UN Country Team (UNCT).
• Monitor and report on the implementation of recommendations from the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), Treaty Bodies, and Special Procedures, and provide regular updates to the UNICEF office, RCO Head of the Office, the RC and UNCT as needed.

2. Mainstreaming Human Rights within the UNCT and National Policy
• Work closely with the RCO Data Specialist to support strategic engagement with UN human rights mechanisms and the integration of their recommendations into development programming and advocacy and support the preparations and coordination of possible visits by Special Procedures.

3. Analysis of Positive Human Rights and Socio-Economic Inclusion
• Work closely with the RCO Economist to analyze the quantity, access and quality of economic, social, and cultural rights—such as the right to education, health, social protection, decent work, participation in cultural life, and language rights—particularly for minorities and at-risk groups.
• Collect and analyze data, and support evidence-based advocacy, the design, monitoring, and evaluation of relevant policies and programmes that accelerate SDGs.

4. Stakeholder Engagement and Capacity Building
• Liaise and collaborate with National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) (especially the People’s Advocate), Commissioner for Protection from Discrimination (CPD), civil society, and local authorities to promote and protect human rights and strengthen institutional capacity.
• Support in delivery of training sessions, workshops, and public outreach activities for youth, minorities, and civil society actors.
• Help organize the Annual Conference of the People’s Advocate and facilitate consultations with minority networks and other stakeholders.

5. Public Communication, Advocacy, and Outreach
• Work closely with the RCO Communication Officer to develop and disseminate information materials, advocacy briefs, and social media content to raise awareness of human rights, with an emphasis on positive narratives and inclusion.