Mission and objectives

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is the Secretariat Department responsible for strengthening international human rights mechanisms; enhancing equality and countering discrimination; combating impunity and strengthening accountability and the rule of law; integrating human rights in development and in the economic sphere; widening the democratic space; and early warning and protection of human rights in situations of conflict, violence and insecurity.

Context

The OHCHR Regional Office for South-East Asia, established in Bangkok in 2002, serves as a key hub for advancing the promotion and protection of human rights across the region. The Office covers all South-East Asian countries where OHCHR does not maintain a field presence, namely Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Viet Nam, while also providing technical support to OHCHR field presences in Cambodia, Myanmar, the Philippines, and Timor-Leste. The Regional Office supports governments, national institutions (executive, legislative, and judicial branches), ASEAN mechanisms, national human rights institutions, civil society actors, and UN Country Teams (UNCTs) through monitoring, analysis, capacity-building, advocacy, and technical assistance. Its work is guided by a commitment to advancing accountability, participation, non-discrimination, development, and peace and security, with a strong focus on ensuring the effective implementation of international human rights norms and standards. The UN Volunteer will support the Regional Office’s work to advance and protect civic space, including the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association, with particular attention to the participation of youth, human rights defenders, and marginalized groups. The Volunteer will also contribute to ongoing efforts to promote digital rights and safeguard fundamental freedoms in online spaces.

Task Description

Under the direct supervision of the Human Rights Officer, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks : - Contributes to the monitoring and analysis of civic space and digital rights developments in South-East Asia by collecting, organizing, and summarizing information from diverse sources, including official statements, media reports, UN documents, and civil society inputs. The Volunteer will support thematic research on trends related to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, association, and online freedoms, particularly as they affect youth, human rights defenders, and marginalized communities. - Supports the planning and implementation of activities and events related to civic space, digital rights, and participatory governance, including regional consultations, capacity-building workshops, and advocacy initiatives. This includes assisting with coordination, drafting concept notes and agendas, and preparing background materials in collaboration with colleagues and partners. - Assists in documenting and organizing knowledge resources and good practices on civic space, digital inclusion, and participatory development to strengthen internal knowledge management and inform OHCHR’s policy and programmatic engagement in the region. The Volunteer may also support the development of communication materials, including web content and social media posts. - Participates in inter-agency coordination and learning processes by supporting OHCHR’s engagement with UNCTs and regional platforms, helping to integrate civic space, digital rights, and human rights-based approaches into UN programming, including the Country Analysis (CA) and UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Frameworks (UNSDCF). Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities during 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 taking an 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 online volunteering or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever possible.

Competencies and values

​​​Adaptability and Flexibility ​​​Commitment and Motivation ​​Communication ​​​Ethics and Values ​Integrity ​Planning and Organizing ​Professionalism ​Respect for Diversity ​​​Technological Awareness ​Working in Teams

Living conditions and remarks

Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand, is a regional hub for diplomacy, development cooperation, and international organizations, including the United Nations. It offers a high standard of living with extensive infrastructure, modern amenities, efficient public transportation (BTS Skytrain, MRT subway), and diverse housing options. Medical facilities are of high quality, with many hospitals meeting international standards. English is widely spoken in professional settings, especially in the central business and diplomatic districts. The cost of living in Bangkok is moderate compared to other major cities in the region. While accommodation in central areas may be relatively expensive, more affordable housing is available in surrounding neighbourhoods with convenient public transport access. A wide variety of local and international cuisine is available, and supermarkets carry imported goods. The city is also known for its vibrant culture, rich history, and accessibility to nature and travel destinations across Thailand and Southeast Asia. Bangkok has a tropical climate with three main seasons: hot (March-June), rainy (July-October), and cool (November-February), with temperatures typically ranging from 25-35°C. While the city is generally safe, petty crime such as theft can occur in crowded areas, so standard precautions are advised. UN staff in Thailand are covered by the UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS), which regularly provides security updates and guidance.