UNMIK: Associate Human Rights Officer – New York

Organization Mission

The mandate of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) was established by the Security Council in its resolution 1244 (1999). The primary and overarching objectives of UNMIK are to ensure conditions for a peaceful and normal life for all inhabitants of Kosovo, strengthen and consolidate peace, security, and stability, and promote and protect human rights for all people.

Context

*References to Kosovo shall be understood to be in the context of Security Council Resolution 1244 (1999).

Key Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Human Rights Officer and the overall supervision of the Chief of the Human Rights Office, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

Gathers information and reports on the human rights situation in the area of responsibility, including through close collaboration with other United Nations entities, civil society, and the communities.
Drafts a variety of reports, briefings, and other documents relating to human rights.
Assists the Chief of the Human Rights Office and Human Rights Officers in researching, coordinating, and preparing reports to European and international human rights mechanisms on behalf of the United Nations Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK).
Contributes to identifying human rights issues and problems through research, analysis, and timely report preparation.
Participates in establishing and maintaining contacts with local authorities, international organizations, and civil society in the area of responsibility.
Reviews human rights issues and participates in discussions with other human rights officers on integrating these issues into political, humanitarian, and economic efforts and programmes.
Contributes to developing initiatives to strengthen responses to immediate and long-term human rights problems.
Contributes to integrating a gender perspective into all activities.
Assists in all aspects of project implementation when required.
Performs other related duties as required.

Required Skills and Experience

Human Rights, Political Affairs, Rule of Law or International Law. Experience in human rights monitoring and reporting is required. Experience in working in a United Nations common system field operation (inclusive of peacekeeping, political missions and UN agencies, funds, and programmes)-or similar international organization or non-governmental organization-in a post-conflict setting is an advantage.

Core Competencies

Communication
Professionalism
Working in Teams

Living Conditions

Kosovo is located in the Western Balkans mountain range of south-eastern Europe. The climate is continental, with warm summers and cold, snowy winters.
Houses/Apartments are easily available and generally have electricity and running water, although this may not be 24 hours. Costs are reasonable, but vary according to location – i.e. city centre vs. outlying villages. Upon arrival, you will reside in a hotel until you get permanent housing. The UNV Field Unit can assist in identify suitable housing.
There are no specific health problems associated with Kosovo, and no vaccines are required prior to arrival. UNMIK provides contracted medical service to its staff should anyone fall ill. There is a great deal of pollution.
Mitrovica is ethnically-mixed area of Kosovo, with infrequent protests that occur depending upon the political/security situation.
Foods and dietary needs of all kinds are available in the many supermarkets.
There are market places that cater fruits and vegetables, and bakeries offer some exquisite pastries and breads. Fresh fish and meat are also easily available.