Mission and objectives

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) opened a fully-fledged standalone country office in Liberia on 1 April 2018 and operates under a host country agreement with the Government of Liberia to promote and protect human rights. OHCHR-Liberia implements the full mandate of the High Commissioner as stipulated in General Assembly resolution 48/141 of 20 December1993. The Office supports national efforts to strengthen respect for human rights through monitoring, reporting, technical assistance, capacity-building, and engagement with national and international human rights mechanisms. It works closely with Government institutions, National Human Rights Institution, integrity institutions, civil society organizations (CSOs), and other stakeholders to advance the rule of law, accountability, and protection of vulnerable populations.

Context

Reporting to the Representative, the incumbent supports the effective functioning of the Representative’s Office through administrative, coordination, communication, and substantive support functions. The role ensures smooth management of the Representative’s schedule, engagements, external visibility, and internal coordination, while also supporting strategic communication and reporting functions of the Office.

Task Description

Within delegated authority, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties: Executive support and coordination • Assists the Representative in meetings with UN and non-UN partners, including national authorities and civil society organizations; • Manages and coordinates the Representative's calendar, scheduling meetings, appointments, and travel arrangements. • Provides support in managing projects and deadlines, ensuring the Representative is well-prepared and organized for all commitments. • Provides support for high-level visits and field visits of the Representative; • Coordinates the United Nations Country Team (UNCT ) and diplomatic briefings on the human rights situation; • Follows up on mapping of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) meetings and external engagements. Drafting, reporting and analytical support • Drafts briefing notes, talking points, and other strategic documents for the Representative; • Drafts and shares OHCHR Liberia contributions and weekly updates to OHCHR Geneva; manages the internal visibility of OHCHR Liberia on OHCHR's intranet; • Drafts monthly statistics on human rights violations and abuses for the Representative; • Coordinates the media monitoring program and drafts analytical reports for UN Leadership and State Authorities; • Conducts daily media monitoring, provides notes on key issues, and contributes to uploading cases on the Human Rights Case Database; • Compiles information and drafts the office weekly reports. Communication, visibility and knowledge management • Coordinates the internal and external visibility of OHCHR Liberia activities including daily management of the Facebook and other social media tools; takes photo and/or video coverage of OHCHR's events; • Contributes to teamwork and regular information flow within the Representative's office, including by coordinating the management of OHCHR Liberia's SharePoint. Administrative support • Contributes to administrative tasks; • Supports the organization of the Representative’s field missions.

Competencies and values

• Professionalism • Accountability • Communication • Planning and organizing • Judgment / decision-making

Living conditions and remarks

Liberia, Africa's oldest Republic, is located at the western edge of the continent, on the Atlantic coast between Sierra Leone and Côte d'Ivoire. The population of Liberia is 5.2 million and contains about 16 different ethnic groups. A large percentage of Liberia’s population lives in the capital, Monrovia. The Liberia climate features a wet and dry season, but precipitation is seen even during the dry season. Temperatures remain constant throughout the year averaging around 26.4 °C (79.5 °F). The weather is sometimes cold during the day and evenings in the rainy season which begins in May to October, and the dry season begins in November to April. The country is generally safe, except for petty crimes, especially in the cities. It is mandatory to complete the United Nations Basic Security course BSAFE prior to joining the office. The current UN security level for Liberia is level 2. Upon arrival in the country, all UN staff receive a security briefing from the UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS). All UN Staff and UN Volunteers must follow security recommendations from UNDSS during their assignments in Liberia. There are hotels and guesthouses in the capital, Monrovia, that are comfortable and have electricity and security. All UN Staff and UN Volunteers are to use only UN-approved guest houses and hotels. A UN Clinic is located within the UN Compound, accessible to all UN Staff. Also available in the country are recognized hospitals and clinics that UN staff can visit. A gym is available at the One UN House for all categories of staff accessible to the presentation of the UN ID Card. Two local banks (UBA and Ecobank) are available in the UN building with ATM machines located on the underground floor.