This announcement broadcasts international a UN University Volunteer assignment with Secretariat of the Humanitarian Funds in the Anti-Torture, Coordination and Funds Section (ACFS) of the Human Rights Treaties Branch (HRTB).

The United Nations Voluntary Trust Fund on Contemporary Forms of Slavery and the United Nations Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture are jointly referred to as the UN Humanitarian Funds.

The United Nations Voluntary Trust Fund on Contemporary Forms of Slavery was established by the General Assembly in 1991 (resolution 46/122), to provide rehabilitation and assistance to individuals whose human rights have been severely violated as a result of contemporary forms of slavery. The United Nations Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture was established in 1981 by the General Assembly (resolution 36/151) to help victims and their families to rebuild their lives and to seek redress for the human rights violations they have suffered.

Based in Geneva, Switzerland, under the overall guidance of the Chief of Section, the University Volunteer works under the supervision of a Human Rights Officer and the Humanitarian Funds Secretary.

UN University Volunteer assignments are always without family.

 This UNV assignment is offered in the context of a programme bringing qualified candidates from the developing economies to volunteer with OHCHR. Candidates with disabilities from developing economies in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, Middle East and North Africa are encouraged to apply.
 Candidates must have completed their first degree from a university in the developing economies for them to qualify.
 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.

Under the direct supervision of the Secretary of the Humanitarian Funds, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

 Assist in the evaluation of project applications;
 Liaise with applicant civil society organizations to provide technical assistance;
 Conduct substantive research on developments concerning torture and contemporary forms of slavery in specific countries, with the aim of helping the Organization provide direct assistance to victims of torture and/or slavery and their family members;
 Compile information on best practices and lessons learned from grantees of the Funds;
 Contribute to fundraising and communications efforts by updating strategy documents and workplans, preparing various fundraising materials (talking points, letters, factsheets, social media assets, impact stories, etc.), and conducting research and data collection on donors’ interest, priorities and previous engagement with the Funds;
 Help with the organization and servicing of annual sessions of the Funds’ Boards of Trustees, including public events and policy discussions;
 Take notes during meetings with stakeholders and carry out administrative duties such as the preparation of documentation and reference files;
 Perform other related duties as requested by supervisor, as appropriate.

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, including participation in ongoing reflection activities;
 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:
 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;
 Projects to support survivors of slavery and torture in countries worldwide are evaluated, presented to the Board of Trustees of the Humanitarian Funds and receive support;
 Communications and fundraising for the Humanitarian Funds is strengthened.

 Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed;

 Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity and gender;

 Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities;

 Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment.

any relevant academic and/or practical experience, in particular in the area of legal or human rights affairs, project management and/or fundraising would be an advantage. However, applicants are not required to have professional work experience for this assignment.

Applicants should be computer literate in standard software applications; have a demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations with a personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter, and have the demonstrated ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs – which includes willingness to understand and be tolerant of differing opinions and views.

The UN Volunteer will be based in Geneva, Switzerland. Currently, there are no direct threats to UN personnel or assets within the country. It is the incumbent’s responsibility to comply with immigration, customs and health requirements while entering/exiting the country. The incumbent is responsible for finding and securing their own accommodation. Geneva is a cosmopolitan metropolis with modern amenities, cultural attractions, public transportation restaurants, and nightlife.

The duration of this assignment is six months.

UN Volunteer entitlements and allowances:
The purpose of the allowances and entitlements paid to UN Volunteers is to enable UN Volunteers to sustain a secure standard of living at the duty stations in line with United Nations standards without incurring personal costs. The allowances are in no way to be understood as compensation, reward, or salary in exchange for the UN Volunteer’s service. Contingent on specific eligibility criteria, location of the volunteer assignment and contractual type and category, the payment of allowances will begin from the date of Commencement of Service For more information on entitlements please read the Condition of Service (https://explore.unv.org/cos). For information specific to your assignment please see below:

Please note that the amounts can vary according to fluctuations of the monthly post adjustment.
Monthly Living Allowance (Per month): USD 2099.47
Entry lump sum (one-time payment): USD 4000
Exit allowance (for each month served, paid on completion of contract): USD 225
Medical and life insurance: Cigna Private Insurance

Leave entitlements:
Annual leave: 2.5 days accrued per calendar month
Certified sick leave: UN Volunteers are entitled to up to 30 days of certified sick leave based on a 12-month cycle. This amount is reset every 12-month cycle.
Uncertified sick leave: 7 days for 12 months and 4 days for shorter assignments
Learning leave: 10 working days per consecutive 12 months (shorter assignments are prorated)
Maternity Leave: 16 weeks
Paternity Leave: 10 days