Mission and objectives

Le Haut-Commissariat des Nations Unies aux droits de l’homme (OHCHR) a été créé le 20 décembre 1993 par l’Assemblée générale des Nations Unies, par la résolution 48/141, pour renforcer et harmoniser les activités des Nations Unies en matière de droits de l’homme. Cette création fait suite à la Conférence mondiale sur les droits de l’homme de 1993, qui a réaffirmé l’engagement de la communauté internationale envers la promotion et la protection des droits de l’homme. L’OHCHR est officiellement établi en 1993 comme une organisation distincte, chargée de la coordination des activités de promotion et de protection des droits de l’homme dans l’ensemble du système des Nations unies. Son siège est basé à Genève, en Suisse, où il assure notamment le secrétariat du Conseil des droits de l’homme. Son mandat comprend la promotion et la protection de tous les droits de l'homme, l'assistance technique aux États, la coordination des programmes d'éducation et d'information, et le soutien à l'élimination des obstacles à la pleine jouissance des droits de l'homme

Context

The OHCHR was established in 1993 and is the leading UN entity on human rights. Its mission is to promote and protect all human rights for all people. OHCHR works to ensure the realization of the rights set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international human rights instruments. In the Central African Republic (CAR), OHCHR operates through the Human Rights Division of MINUSCA, providing technical assistance, monitoring, and support to promote peace, accountability, and the rule of law. This United Nations Volunteers (UNV) assignment is part of the Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) project “Renforcer le rôle des organisations féminines dans la prévention et la gestion des conflits pour une paix durable et inclusive en RCA”, implemented jointly by OHCHR and UN Women. The project aims to enhance the role of local women’s organizations in conflict prevention and peacebuilding, by strengthening their capacity to contribute to social cohesion, human rights advocacy, and the Women, Peace and Security agenda. It adopts an integrated approach, linking formal and community-based peace processes, with an emphasis on economic, social, and cultural rights (ESCR) and inclusive participation. The project engages community-based women’s organizations, local authorities, civil society, and technical partners. It is funded by the Peacebuilding Fund (PBF).

Task Description

The UN Volunteer will: A. Administrative and Financial Management: • Support preparation and archiving financial and administrative documents (payments, justifications, reports). • Monitor expenditures to ensure alignment with the approved budget and rules of OHCHR and PBF. • Contribute to quarterly and annual financial reporting. B. Operational Coordination and Monitoring: • Monitor implementation of the project’s annual work plan. • Coordinate logistics and administration of field activities. • Facilitate collaboration with women’s organizations, local authorities, ministries, and technical partners. • Support missions, events, and workshops. • Contribute to monitoring and evaluation activities (data collection, indicators, reporting). C. Strategic Planning and Reporting: • Support drafting and formatting of project narrative reports (midterm, final). • Document results, lessons learned, and best practices. • Contribute to internal/external communication materials. D. Communication and Visibility: • Assist in implementing the project’s communication strategy. • Draft articles, photo reports, and communication products. • Support advocacy for the role of women in peacebuilding. E. Cross-cutting Support: • Support resource mobilization and partner engagement. • Perform other tasks as assigned by the project coordinators.

Competencies and values

• Accountability • Adaptability and flexibility • Creativity • Judgement and decision-making • Planning and organising • Professionalism • Self-management

Living conditions and remarks

The assignment is based in Bangui, the capital city of the Central African Republic (CAR), a landlocked country in Central Africa. While Bangui offers some basic infrastructure and services, it remains a non-family duty station due to the volatile security situation and limited access to essential services outside the capital. Security remains a key concern, and movement is subject to UN security protocols. Travel within the city and to field locations requires prior authorization and coordination with UNDSS. The overall environment calls for caution, cultural sensitivity, and situational awareness at all times. The Central African Republic is a unique country and this UN assignment provides a valuable opportunity to contribute to peacebuilding and human rights in a fragile and conflict-affected context. It offers an enriching and impactful experience, but also requires a high level of resilience, adaptability, and cultural awareness. Volunteers must be prepared to live and work in challenging conditions with limited amenities.