United Nation Economic Commission for Africa (ECA)
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Job Description
These seventeen (17) positions are located in the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), East and Southern Africa Regional Office (ESARO), within the Ethiopia Country Programme, with duty stations in Addis Ababa (1 position), Bahir Dar (2 positions), Dese (2 positions), Mekelle (2 positions), Semera (2 positions), Shire (2 positions), Jijiga (2 positions), Awasa (2 positions), and Nekemte (2 positions).
The incumbents will report to the Human Rights Officer (Field Coordinator) under the overall guidance of the Deputy Country Representative or designee. These positions contribute to the mandate implementation of the office through the promotion and protection of human rights including monitoring, reporting, capacity building, assisting in mapping local actors and undertaking human rights activities in support of engagements with government stakeholders; supporting the organization of activities; referring individual cases to relevant UN or other international, national or local partner services; providing language services as required for human rights component and mainstreaming gender in all activities.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
- In the motivation letter of your application, please indicate the duty station you would be interested in. If you are interested in more than one, please rank them in order of preference – with *1 being the preferred position.
Responsibilities
- Within delegated authority, the Human Rights Assistant will be responsible for the following duties – Assist the field coordinator in the planning of monitoring missions, assessments and capacity building , including by suggesting most appropriate interlocutors, contributing to initial assessments, taking part in human rights promotional activities, assisting in the development of monitoring questionnaires and assessment surveys, amongst others. – Assist when required in monitoring activities, including visiting detention facilities, courts, hospitals as required, as thus, is ready to deploy as required. – Received and documents complaints on alleged human rights violations. – Assists in filing the human rights information, including case-related in a relevant, safe and accurate manner, and contributes to team information-sharing system, and handling of case files in the human rights database. – Assists in drafting incident and daily reports and contributes to preparation of briefings and other communication materials. – Attends a variety of meetings, including with civil society, local authorities and human rights actors. – Assists in the logistics organization of all types of human rights activities. – Assists in the mapping of information for, human-rights activities including, inter alia, mapping of local authorities, civil society representatives and institutions, local human rights actors, including defenders as well as sources of human rights information, that shall serve for collecting and verifying human rights information, monitoring protection risks, creating referral services for victims and witnesses of human rights violations, etc. – Supports the development of contacts and networks with civil society actors including NGOs. – Monitors local and national media, including social media, and draws attention of team leaders-to information that may be relevant to the work of the human rights component. – Provides language assistance services as required. – Makes suggestions for referral of cases to specialized services or stakeholders. – Keeps abreast of UN developed policies, including those related to human rights work and takes part in human rights trainings. – Performs other related duties as required.
Competencies
• Professionalism: Knowledge of human rights issues and ability to identify related problems in their political, ethnic, racial, gender, and socio-economic dimensions. Knowledge of institutional mandates of human rights organizations, prevailing policies and procedures, and awareness of the mission mandate. Some knowledge of fundamental human rights principles, the domestic legal system, and a good understanding of the functioning of national institutions. Research and analytical skills, including the ability to gather, verify, and evaluate information from a variety of sources, and to assist in the analysis of human rights issues. Ability to identify sources for data collection and to research and analyze information, and contribute to the drafting of human rights-related outputs, including reports. Ability to evaluate and integrate information from a variety of sources and assess its relevance to the human rights situation in the area of assignment. Ability to take into account political, social, and cultural contexts in the performance of assigned tasks and to adjust behaviour and approaches accordingly. Awareness of population diversity and of the needs of individuals and groups, including those in vulnerable situations. Ability to identify and apply improved approaches to work processes and to incorporate them into daily work. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines, and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. • Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others, and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style, and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. • Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.
Education
High school diploma or equivalent.
Job – Specific Qualification
Not available.
Work Experience
Five (5) years of experience in social work, legal/paralegal work, or a field related to human rights, including experience working with communities or victims and providing administrative or logistical support, is required. The minimum number of years of relevant experience is reduced to three (3) years for candidates who possess a first-level university degree. Experience providing substantive or administrative support to national human rights institutions and/or organizations engaged in human rights or development is required. Experience in human rights monitoring and reporting is required. Experience in providing training or contributing to information and awareness-raising activities is desirable. Experience in project implementation or basic project management, including supporting activities aimed at assisting individuals at risk or populations in vulnerable situations, is desirable.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. Amharic is required. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).
Required Languages
| Language | Reading | Writing | Listening | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English | UN Level II | UN Level II | UN Level II | UN Level II |
| Amharic | UN Level II | UN Level II | UN Level II | UN Level II |
Assessment
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.
How To Apply
To get information on how to apply, please visit : https://careers.un.org/jobSearchDescription/276701?language=en
Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.