International Specialist – UNV Human Rights Officer

Mission and objectives

On 25 September 2019, the Government of Sudan (GoS) and OHCHR signed a Host Country Agreement (HCA) for the establishment of a Country Office with a comprehensive mandate, with headquarters in Khartoum and field offices in Darfur, the Two Areas and Eastern Sudan. Human Rights Council resolution 45/25 of 6 October 2020 welcomed the establishment of a “fully mandated country office” and requested that the High Commissioner report to the Council on progress made and remaining challenges. Since the armed conflict erupted in April 2023, OHCHR-Sudan quickly shifted the focus of its work to monitoring of and reporting on the human rights situation and violations of IHL, and support for civil society organizations in Sudan. The Office is continuing activities in support of civil society actors and civic space. The Office continues engagement with national human rights institutions, and coordination with the UN Country Team and the Humanitarian Country Team. Under the overall supervision of the Head of the OHCHR Sudan Country Office and the direct supervision of the Head of the thematic team, the UN Volunteer Human Rights Officer will work on: a) monitoring and reporting on the human rights situation; b) support activities aiming to improve the human rights capacity of national human rights partners, security agents and civil society, with a focus on Economic, Social, and Culture Rights (ESCR), Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and human rights in humanitarian action.

Context

• As an active [OHCHR Sudan] team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to [OHCHR Sudan] and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including:

– Capacities of local NGOs for the protection of human rights enhanced;

– Individual cases are monitored investigated and documented;

– Fact Finding missions are carried out;

– Planning and implementation of Capacity Building activities are carried out;

– Supervisor is kept abreast of the human rights situation and well advised;

– Good relationships and advocacy with the local authorities developed;

– Capacity Development documented;

– A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed.

• 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

Task description

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of Head of OHCHR Sudan and the direct supervision of the head of the Field Office or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer Human Rights Officer will:

• Gather information and report on the human rights situation in a designated geographical area, including through close cooperation with other United Nations actors and the community.

• Keep the supervisor regularly informed on developments concerning the human rights situation.

• Participate and facilitate human rights training for interlocutors from CSOs, NGOs, UN, Humanitrain partners and government authorities.

• Prepare case files for submission to the authorities and for inclusion in the OHCHR CO case data base;

• Participate in the establishment and maintenance of contacts with local authorities as well as international organizations operating in the region and civil society;

• Facilitate the implementation of human rights mandate in the designated area of responsibility aiming at the establishment of an environment of mutual understanding among the population;

• Perform other related duties as required by the Head of office.

• Any other related duties as may be 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.

Eligibility criteria

Age

27 – 80

Nationality

Candidate must be a national of a country other than the country of assignment.

Requirements

Required experience

3 years of experience in the below:

• Knowledge of international human rights instruments and rules for the protection and promotion of human rights;

• Knowledge of international mechanisms to seek redress for Human Rights violations an asset;

• Experience in drafting various documents, including reports on human rights issues, and in research will be an asset;

• Field experience, including working on issues of protection of human rights defenders/victims or other groups at risk, will be an asset;

• Willingness to work in difficult field locations;

• Fluency in both written and oral English and, desirable: Arabic;

• Excellent computer skills in Microsoft Office;

• Sound security awareness;

• Have affinity with or interest in humanitarian relief, post-conflict situations, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

• Female candidate willingness to serve as UNV are encouraged to apply the position.

Area(s) of expertise

Legal affairs, Development programmes

Driving license

A valid driving license is essential;

Languages

English, Level: Fluent, Required Arabic, Level: Working knowledge, Desirable

Required education level

Bachelor degree or equivalent in Human Rights, law, political science or social sciences; international specialized study on human rights preferred.