Mission and objectives

OHCHR has deployed a Sr. Human Rights Adviser’s Unit to the Philippines since 2014. OHCHR contributes to technical cooperation and capacity-building for the promotion and protection of human rights in the Philippines in the context of implementation of the UN-Philippine Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (SDCF) 2024-2028, in particular Outcome 1, on human capital development, inclusion and resilience-building. In this context, OHCHR mainstreams human rights, contributes to strengthening domestic human rights institutions, and further strengthens capacity of national actors to protect and promote human rights through implementation of the Fourth Philippine Human Rights Plan and other initiatives such as localization of human rights. The UNV will work primarily with national counterparts and civil society actors, to provide cohesive approaches in the areas of: strengthening domestic investigative and accountability mechanisms, civic space and engagement with civil society and the National Human Rights Commission, and supporting implementation of recommendations from international human rights mechanisms.

Context

OHCHR has deployed a Sr. Human Rights Advisor’s Unit to the Philippines since 2014. OHCHR contributes to technical cooperation and capacity-building for the promotion and protection of human rights in the Philippines in the context of implementation of the UN-Philippine Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (SDCF) 2024-2028, in particular Outcome 1, on human capital development, inclusion and resilience-building. In this context, OHCHR mainstreams human rights, contributes to strengthening domestic hu-man rights institutions, and further strengthens capacity of national actors to protect and pro-mote human rights through implementation of the Fourth Philippine Human Rights Plan and other initiatives such as localization of human rights. The UNV will work primarily with national counterparts and civil society actors, to provide cohesive approaches in the areas of: strengthening domestic investigative and accountability mechanisms, civic space and engagement with civil society and the National Human Rights Commission, and supporting implementation of recommendations from international human rights mechanisms.

Task Description

Under the supervision of the Sr. Human Rights Advisor, the Associate Human Rights Officer will support technical cooperation and capacity building in the following areas: • Strengthening human rights education in relevant institutional / academic settings; • Strengthening engagement with international human rights mechanisms; • Promotion and protection of civic space and human rights defenders. She/he will be responsible for conducting, amongst others, the following tasks, under the guidance of the Sr Human Rights Adviser and in collaboration with other team members and partners: • Support roll-out of activities related to human rights mainstreaming, strengthening domestic human rights mechanism, human rights education for law enforcement and criminology schools and other related activities. • Support the development of training modules to implement relevant recommendations from international human rights mechanisms. • Facilitate training and provide technical support to national institutions, government actors and civil society organisations with attention to gender perspectives and disability inclusion. • Assist with research on human rights issues and events and assess their impact on the human rights situation and the work of the UN Country Team. • Develop and maintain contacts and relationships with relevant stakeholders and civil society organisations and represent OHCHR at working level meetings • Assist in the preparation of a variety of written outputs that relate to the implementation of the areas of responsibility, such as background papers, monthly reports, briefings and presentations. • Support coordination of work and administrative functions • Perform other related duties as required.

Competencies and values

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

Living conditions and remarks

Metro Manila is strategically located in the middle of Luzon, on the eastern coast of Manila Bay and at the mouth of the Pasig River, sprawled over an area of 626 sq.km. Manila sits in the middle of a swampy deltaic plain formed by accumulated sedimentary deposits from the Pasig River and other streams. The city is between the bay to the west, the highlands to the east, and Laguna de Bay to the southeast. Most of its densely populated areas are found along the Pasig River running across the metropolis dividing it into two sections - the north and the south. The local climate is hot, humid, and tropical. The average yearly temperature is around 26.5 °C (79.7 °F). There are three recognized seasons: The hot season or summer from March to May, the rainy season from June to November, and the cold season from December to February. Metro Manila is the business and geographic capital of Philippines and a very modern city with amenities for modern living. Makati City is one of 17 cities and municipalities comprising Metro Manila. Various living choices are available to suit one’s budget. People of Philippines are very friendly and amicable. Manila is classified as “A” – the lowest hardship for a developing country posting—and all western amenities (food, clothing, restaurants) are available in the city. Traffic congestions and air pollution is a nuisance to some inhabitants. Housing is readily available, and one should be able to find suitable permanent accommodation within two weeks. Price may range from P 15,000 to 20,000 depending on the location and the type of accommodation one chooses (provincial accommodations are cheaper). Metered and fixed rate taxis are widely available in key cities nationwide. Jeepneys and buses are inexpensive ways of getting around in most places. In Metro Manila the fastest way of commuting is via the railway system. A relatively new, reliable public transport system called the Transportation Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) has been operating in Metro Manila; Grab is the leading TNVS company operating in the area. The Pesos (PHP) is the official currency and is used for most transactions in the Philippines. ATM machines are available in urban areas. Banks are open from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Mondays to Fridays, with automated teller machines (ATM) operating 24 hours. Western Union has facilities in most towns, cities and provinces. Traveler’s cheques and major foreign currencies can be changed in most commercial banks and Central Bank dealers. They are also accepted in most hotels, shops and restaurants. MasterCard, Visa, American Express and Diner’s Club are widely accepted in major organizations across the big cities of the Philippines. Healthcare: Hospitals: Private and Public; Pharmacies are widely available in the city.