Assistant Human Rights Officer

Details

Mission and objectives

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is the Secretariat Department responsible for strengthening international human rights mechanisms; enhancing equality and countering discrimination; combating impunity and strengthening accountability and the rule of law; integrating human rights in development and in the economic sphere; widening the democratic space; and early warning and protection of human rights in situations of conflict, violence and insecurity.

Context

This announcement broadcasts international assignment within the Human Rights Council Branch of the Human Rights Council and Treaty Mechanisms Division, Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the incumbent reports to the Chief of the Human Rights Council Branch. The HRC Branch acts as secretariat for the Human Rights Council, an inter-governmental body within the United Nations system made up of 47 States responsible for the promotion and protection of all human rights around the globe. The HRC meets for three regular sessions every year, in March, June and September. Based in Geneva, Switzerland, under the overall direction of the Chief of Branch and general guidance the Head of Section, the volunteer reports to the Human Rights Officer and/or respective Committee Secretary in the assigned work unit. The assignment shall be for a combined period of six (6) months, upon further approval by the supervisor, with a commencement date ranging/starting June through November 2023. This UNV assignment is offered in the context of a pilot programme bringing qualified candi-dates from the developing economies to volunteer with OHCHR. Candidates from developing econo-mies in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, Middle East and North Africa are encouraged to apply. The expected starting date of this assignment is May/June 2023, for a period of six (6) months. Please, note that this UN University Volunteer assignment is limited to a maximum duration of 6 months. Applicants are encouraged to apply for this position if it relates directly to their studies, expertise and/or skills. You can explain why you are a suitable candidate for this OHCHR assignment while applying. Applicants will have to meet the age-related requirements for University UNVs, i.e. 18-26 years during the entire duration of the assignment. UN University Volunteer assignments are always without family.

Task description

Under the direct supervision of the Chief of the Human Rights Council Branch, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks: • Assists in the organization of and provides substantive and technical support to the regular and special sessions of the Human Rights Council, as well as meet-ings of the Human Rights Council Advisory Committee (HRCAC), the Working Groups on Communications and Situations of the HRC Complaint procedure. • Provides direct assistance to the Secretary of the Human Rights Council and to the Secretaries of HRC subsidiary bodies and mechanisms supported by the Branch. • Contributes to drafting analytical summaries and notes on the debates and dis-cussions of the HRC and the above-mentioned subsidiary bodies and mecha-nisms. • Assists in the drafting of correspondence, notes verbales or other relevant texts in respect of the work performed by the HRC and its subsidiary bodies. • Performs other duties as may be directed by the Chief of Branch. Furthermore, UN Volunteers are required to: • 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. • Reflect on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, in-cluding participation in ongoing reflection activities. • Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV pub-lications/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: Deepened knowledge and understanding of the work and functioning of the Human Rights Council and its subsidiary bodies and mechanisms. Participate in the advocacy for Fair Internship Initiative (FII) in the UN Secretariat. The development of capacity through coaching, mentoring and formal on-the-job training, when working with (including supervising) national staff or (non-) governmental counterparts, including Implementing Partners (IPs). 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 dur-ing the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in, and capacities developed.