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Assistant Human Rights Officer

Geneva

  • Organization: UNV - United Nations Volunteers
  • Location: Geneva
  • Grade: Administrative support - Administrative Services and Support - Generally no need for Higher Education
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Administrative support
    • Human Rights
  • Closing Date: Closed

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 is an international assignment offered by the Civic Space Unit (CSU) of the Development, Economic and Social Issues Branch (DESIB), within the Thematic Engagement, Special Procedures and Right to Development Division (TESPRDD). The role of CSU is to 1) ensure inclusive, diverse, safe and meaningful civil society participation in decision-making at all levels, 2) contribute to protection of civil society actors at risk, online and offline (including from intimidation and reprisals for cooperating with the UN) and 3) actively promote open civic space, including legal and policy frameworks that facilitate information flows and debate online and offline and allow civil society to organize freely. Visit this link to learn more about Civic Space work in OHCHR: https://www.ohchr.org/EN/Issues/CivicSpace/Pages/ProtectingCivicSpace.aspx Based in Geneva, Switzerland, the volunteer will work under the overall direction of the Chief of DESIB, under the general guidance of the Coordinator of CSU, and will report to the Human Rights Officer in the assigned work unit. The volunteer will be mentored by the Policy Officer, Policy, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Service who runs the pilot project “Ditch UNfair internships” allocating funding to the volunteer position. This UNV assignment is offered in the context of a pilot programme bringing qualified candidates from the developing economies to volunteer with OHCHR. Candidates from developing economies 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 1 May 2023. Please, note that this UN University Volunteer assignment is limited to a maximum duration of 6 months; and due to the current travel restrictions and global UN Secretariat COVID-19 administrative guidelines, the assignment will only start once these restrictions have been lifted. Interested candidates should kindly bear this in mind when applying. 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.

Task description

Under the direct supervision of the Coordinator of CSU, the International UNV will: A) Support the CSU team on the below listed priority areas by participating in meetings and follow -up, writing up summaries, analysing data, participating in mapping exercises, and conducting research and other related tasks. 1. Monitor the situation of HRDs and support regional and in-country initiatives to protect Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) 2. Support strategic field engagement on online and offline civic space 3. : Support mainstreaming civic space and protection in the UN system (support the roll-out and implementation of the UN Guidance Note on protection and promotion of civic space) 4. Help build public support for civic space and HRDs Other areas of work: • Contribute to thematic reports or studies, including research of related literature, international law and jurisprudence and in particular, the UN Volunteer may: • Collect information and conduct research for the preparation of briefing notes, statements and other documents; • Take notes of meetings with different stakeholders, in particular civil society representatives; • Attend sessions of the Human Rights Council (HRC) and assisting with the preparation of related activities and events; • Assist in the organization of meetings and seminars; and • Perform other related duties as requested by supervisor, as appropriate. As part of the programme “Ditch UNfair internship” the volunteer will be asked to contribute to the advocacy component of the project by providing feedback on how to improve OHCHR internship system, share stories and experience. 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- Provide annual and end of assignment reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities using UNV’s Volunteer Reporting Application- Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/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: Participate in the advocacy for UNfair internships 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 counter-parts, 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 during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed.

This vacancy is now closed.
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