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

The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is the leading UN entity on human rights. OHCHR provides assistance in the form of technical expertise and capacity-development in order to support the implementation of international human rights standards on the ground. It assists governments, which bear the primary responsibility for the protection of human rights, to fulfil their obligations and supports individuals to claim their rights. OHCHR has a staff of some 1300 people and its headquarters are in Geneva, as well as an office in New York. It has field presences that comprise regional and country/stand-alone offices. Furthermore, UN Human Rights supports the human rights components of UN peace missions or political offices and deploys human rights advisers to work with the United Nations Country teams. This Youth UNV position is based in OHCHR’s Geneva headquarters in the Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Section. The Youth UNV will contribute to providing technical assistance and developing guidance to local governments on human rights. Local governments, at the regional, provincial, and municipal levels, hold a pivotal role in realizing human rights as states’ international human rights obligations extend to all levels of government. The implementation of human rights at the local level is also integral to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which is grounded in international human rights law. Candidates aged 18-26 are strongly encouraged to apply.

Task Description

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of a Human Rights Officer, the Associate Human Rights Officer will: • Assists in providing technical assistance and developing guidance and tools on the implementation of human rights at the local level, particularly economic, social and cultural rights. • Supports in organizing trainings to build the capacities of local governments to realize human rights. • Supports in strengthening knowledge sharing between local governments on human rights. • Supports in mainstreaming human rights and operationalizing the Leave No One Behind commitment in SDG implementation at the local level. • Contributes to written reports for internal and external audiences on the work of the Office. • Contributes to the integration of a gender perspective in human rights activities and analysis related to economic, social and cultural rights. • Contributes to a comprehensive work plan for the overall Office programme (annual work plan, mid-year and end of year reviews, annual reports to the Human Rights Council, etc.). • Maintains positive synergies with other units of the Office on cross-cutting issues, so as to ensure an integrated and coherent programme • Assists in any other activities that arise or are proposed by the immediate supervisor or Chief of Section. • Performs other related duties as required. Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities: • 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 self- reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities. • 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.

Competencies and values

• Professionalism: technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to OHCHR procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented; • Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and OHCHR in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or authority; • Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues; • 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. • 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; • Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups; • Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary; • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards OHCHR’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

Living conditions and remarks

Geneva, Switzerland, is a headquarters duty station. OHCHR will provide a supplementary medical insurance to satisfy Swiss authorities’ requirements including to cover any medical and/or hospitalization costs exceeding the Cigna plan for international UN Youth Volunteers. Please note that the amounts can vary according to fluctuations of the monthly post adjustment. Monthly Living Allowance (Per month): USD 2750.74 Entry lump sum (one-time payment): USD 4000 Family allowance: $250 per month for one dependent. $450 per month for two or more dependents 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

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements