Job Title: Human Rights Officer
Organization: United Nations Volunteers (UNV)
Assignment country: Afghanistan
Expected start date: 15/11/2023
Sustainable Development Goal: 16. Peace, justice and strong
institutions
Volunteer category: International UN Volunteer Specialist
Host entity: UNAMA
Type: Onsite
Duration: 5 months (with possibility of extension)
Number of assignments: 1
Duty stations: Kabul
Details
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
UNAMA is a political mission that provides political good
offices in Afghanistan; works with and supports the government; supports the
process of peace and reconciliation; monitors and promotes human rights and the
protection of civilians in armed conflict; promotes good governance; and
encourages regional cooperation. UNAMA was established by the UN Security
Council Resolution 1401 in March 2002 at the request of the Government of the
Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. Its mandate is reviewed annually with the
latest mandate renewal being on 17 September 2019 when the Security Council
unanimously adopted Resolution 2489 Resolution 2489 (2019) calls for UNAMA and
the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, within their
mandate and in a manner consistent with Afghan sovereignty, leadership and
ownership, to continue to lead and coordinate international civilian efforts in
full cooperation with the Government of Afghanistan. UNAMA maintains a
permanent and extensive field presence across Afghanistan, as well as liaison
offices in Pakistan and Iran. The Mission has more than 1, 211 staff -
comprised of 833 Afghan nationals, 310 international staff and 68 UNVs.
(Figures from December 2018.)
Task description
Under the general supervision of the Human Rights
Officer/Team Leader, the UNV Associate Human Rights Officer will work with the
Human Rights Team in the UNAMA South East Regional Office – Gardez Within
delegated authority, the Associate Human Rights Officer will be responsible
for: Providing substantive guidance and operational monitoring support on
issues related to protection of civilians, elimination of violence against
women, children affected by armed conflict, monitoring places of
detention/prohibition of torture and human rights aspects of peace and
reconciliation/transitional justice; Drafting substantive analysis based on
field monitoring and research undertaken by the Team at the direction of the
Team Leader or of the Human Rights Service – Headquarters thematic Team
Leaders; Supporting preparation of weekly and other internal reports and
submissions to the Human Rights Service; Providing substantive advice and
organisational leadership, under the supervision of the Team Leader to prepare
consultations and advocacy with local governmental officials, community
leaders, civil society activists, and communities affected by civilian casualty
incidents; Organizing visits to places of detention, including facilities run
by the National Directorate of Security, Afghan National Police, Afghan
National Army, juvenile rehabilitation centres, and provincial prisons;
Ensuring close internal coordination between the Human Rights Team, the Head of
Field Office and other UNAMA entities through information-sharing, and
providing guidance and advice on the work of the Human Rights Service;
Representing the Human Rights Service, as appropriate, at specific official
functions, meetings and thematic events related to the mandate, including
protection of civilians, children affected by armed conflict, women’s rights
and violence against women, detention-related issues and human rights aspects
of peace processes with other UN agencies, civil society groups, humanitar
Eligibility criteria
Age
27 - 80
Nationality
Candidate must be a national of a country other than the
country of assignment.
Requirements
Required experience
4 years of experience in Two years progressively responsible
experience in human rights, socio-economic development or law in a
conflict/crisis setting; Relevant professional experience in the promotion of
women’s rights and elimination of violence against women and girls, as well as
conducting investigations into serious human rights violations and/or abuses,
including persons deprived of their liberty; Knowledge and work experience with
government, inter-governmental organisations, international NGOs and/or
national NGOs in the areas of human rights, gender and development; Experience
in policy dialogue with sub-national stakeholders is an asset.
Area(s) of expertise
Legal affairs
Driving license
-
Languages
English, Level: Fluent, Required
Required education level
Bachelor degree or equivalent in in Social Sciences, Law,
Gender Studies, Political Sciences or International Relations. A Master’s
Degree in Human Rights, or any of the said fields, would be an advantage.
Competencies and values
, Accountability, Communication, Planning and Organizing,
Professionalism, Working in Teams
Other information
Living conditions and remarks
Afghanistan is a hardship duty station with a volatile
security. Living and working conditions for UN volunteers in UNAMA are similar
to the living conditions of all other internationally recruited staff members.
UN volunteers are provided with safe accommodation in an extensive compound in
Kabul with good infrastructure and amenities. The mission has three compounds
in Kabul: Compound Alpha, and UNOCA (UN Operational Complex in Afghanistan) the
largest one. UNAMA has three different locations in Kabul, most of the
substantive offices, including the SRSG’s are located at the so-called alpha
Compound and Palace #7, which is close to the city center, while most of the
administrative and technical support offices are located at the UNOCA compound
on Jalalabad Road, at some distance from central Kabul. Generally speaking
stringent security measures are in place throughout the country and UN
volunteers as other UN staff, are quite limited to duty stations when it comes
to movement. Walking is virtually not allowed. The movement is done inside the
“green zone” (only) in armored vehicles driven by national qualified UN
drivers. The single unit accommodation in UNOCA and other field locations are
fully furnished; this includes, furniture, washing machine dryer, hot plate,
iron and iron stand, microwave, plates, cups, spoons, cooking utensils,
electric kettle. One bedsheet and pillow cover is provided. The monthly charge
for UN provided accommodation is USD 300 which is deducted from the monthly
Volunteer Living Allowance. Inside the UNOCA compound are two cafeterias, a
restaurant, a Supermarket and 3 small shops which provide a variety of imported
canned and frozen food on offer. There is a Fresh vegetable market daily. There
is also a social center, a gym hall and a small library with books and DVDs,
run by the welfare Office, within the same compound. UNOCA has a new minimarket
where basic goods can be bought also. There are also a number of UN cleared
supermarkets in Kabul, in Jalalabad, and in Mazar-I-Sharif. The Volunteers are
encouraged to bring their own towel and other personal accessories including
toiletries and medicines which they may not find easily within the super
markets inside the UNOCA Compound. Some degree of medical service is provided
in all UNAMA duty stations. There is a UN clinic in UNAMA/UNOCA complex and
access is granted in Kabul to other private international clinics (when and if
needed). Contact with and outreach to the local community is usually limited.
As mentioned, many places are off-limits and the choice of recreational
facilities are very poor. For all these reasons, bring a stock of books,
DVDs/VCDs, computer games, etc., is highly recommended. Summer in Afghanistan
is hot and dry but winter is the opposite – cold and wet. Therefore, both
summer and winter clothing and comfortable boots with insulation are necessary.
Afghanistan is a unique country and UNAMA is a unique UN mission. It requires
more stamina, commitment, and flexibility than elsewhere to make life
comfortable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and
work in hazardous and harsh conditions involving physical hardship and little
comfort is essential.
Inclusivity statement
United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme
that welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to
achieving diversity in terms of gender, care protected characteristics. As part
of their adherence to the values of UNV, all UN Volunteers commit themselves to
combat any form of discrimination, and to promoting respect for human rights
and individual dignity, without distinction of a person’s race, sex, gender
identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability,
pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.
Note on Covid-19 vaccination requirements
Selected candidates for certain occupational groups may be
subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2
(Covid-19) in line with the applicable host entity policy
