Mission and objectives

UNAMA was established in 2002 as a Political/ Peacebuilding Mission, exceptionally) directed and supported by the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO).

Context

The position is in UNAMA Central Regional Office in the UNOCA compound in PD 9, Kabul city. The national UN Volunteer would be supervised directly by the Human Rights team leader supported by the Head of Field Office. The national UN Volunteer’s functions cover the following thematic areas 1) human rights, including women’s rights and Elimination of Violence Against Women (EVAW); 2) women, peace and security; 3) conflict resolution/local peace initiatives – women’s and youth tracks.

Task Description

Under the direct supervision of Human Rights Team Leader, the National UN Volunteer will: • Develop an understanding of International Human Rights and International Human Rights Law, including Afghanistan’s international treaty obligations and constitutional protections particularly in respect of UNAMA’s human rights priorities. These include gender equality, the elimination of violence against women (EVAW), protection of civilians and children in armed conflict, detention monitoring including the prevention of torture and ill-treatment, fundamental freedoms, and protection of human rights defenders, among other issues. • Develop an understanding of UNAMA’s mandate, including the nexus between peace and security, human rights and development. • Monitor, verify and report on human rights violations, as well as prepare related notes to file, briefing notes and internal reports, as well as upload case information in relevant databases. • Engage in internal discussions within the Human Rights Team to analyse the human rights situation in the area of operation. • Learn to handle sensitive and confidential information with due care and perform impartially. • Engage in human rights dialogue and/or awareness-raising discussions with civil society representatives, as well as de facto authorities in the Central Region, i.e. the six provinces (Kabul, Parwan, Panjshir, Kapisa, Logar and Maidan Wardak). • When possible, assist in conducting visits to places of detention in the Central Region. • Assist in establishing and maintaining contact with civil society, community and other relevant stakeholders in the Central Region, to facilitates information-gathering on the human rights situation. • Assist in organizing and conducting regular road/field missions to the provinces within the Central Region. • Monitor media for information related to developments in the field of human rights, security, politics, socio-economic development, and peace. • Interpret, in meetings, from Pashto/Dari to English, and vice-versa. • Translate documents from Pashto/Dari to English, and vice-versa. • Perform any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the Human Rights Team Leader.

Competencies and values

• Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNAMA; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNAMA 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 UNAMA 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 UNAMA’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

Living conditions and remarks

The duration of your assignment is indicated above with the possibility of extension subject to availability of funding, operational necessity and satisfactory performance. However, there is no expectation of renewal of the assignment. Travel to duty station (if applicable) and a Settling-In-Grant will be provided in the event the duty station is not within commuting distance from the place of recruitment. The applicable Volunteer Living Allowance is provided monthly to cover housing, utilities and normal cost of living expenses. Life, health and permanent disability insurance are included) and final repatriation (if applicable).

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements