Human Rights Associate

Mission and objectives

The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (UN Human Rights) is mandated by the UN General Assembly to promote and protect the enjoyment and full realization, by all people, of all human rights. The Charter of the United Nations, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and international human rights laws and treaties established those rights. UN Human Rights was created by the General Assembly in 1993 through its resolution 48/141 which also details its mandate. UN Human Rights is mandated:

• Promote and protect all human rights for all
• Recommend that bodies of the UN system improve the promotion and protection of all human rights
• Promote and protect the right to development
• Provide technical assistance to States for human rights activities
• Coordinate UN human rights education and public information programmes
• Work actively to remove obstacles to the realization of human rights and to prevent the continuation of human rights violations
• Engage in dialogue with Governments in order to secure respect for all human rights
• Enhance international cooperation for the promotion and protection of all human rights
• Coordinate human rights promotion and protection activities throughout the United Nations system
• Rationalize, adapt, strengthen and streamline the UN human rights machinery

Context

This UNV assignment will support the implementation of the OHCHR Country Programme in Madagascar, specifically in relation to ensuring the integration of human rights into the Refoundation process, protecting human rights defenders and increasing accountability for human rights violations through improved access to justice. The UN Volunteer will work under the overall supervision of the OHCHR Madagascar Head of Presence and will be responsible for the following duties: a) Supporting the provision of technical assistance and analytical inputs to promote the integration of human rights standards into governance and justice-related processes. b) Reporting on the human rights situation in Madagascar, with a particular focus on access to justice and human rights defenders. c) Engaging with and establishing partnerships with a wide range of stakeholders and supporting advocacy on human rights. d) Supporting the provision of technical assistance and training to state institutions, justice actors, security forces, civil society organizations, and other actors. e) Supporting the design and conduct of field missions and needs assessments related to human rights. f) Contributing to the integration of gender perspectives/ considerations in reports, activities, and programmes. g) Drafting a variety of reports and human rights-related documents in English and French. h) Participate in coordination meetings, technical working groups, and consultations, and ensure follow-up on agreed actions relevant to the assignment.

Task Description

Under the direct supervision of the OHCHR Madagascar Head of presence, the UN volunteer will undertake the following tasks: 1. Analysis and reporting:

• Collecting information pertaining to human rights, including relevant political, security, and legal developments, from a variety of data sources.
• Liaising with government, civil society actors, UN Agencies, and other partners to create baseline data on the human rights situation, with special attention to vulnerable groups and including gender-specific indicators.
• Conducting analysis of human rights issues and gaps, assessing their impact on the overall situation in the country, and proposing strategic technical advice to address them.
• Drafting a variety of internal reports, notes, and inputs to documents, as appropriate. 2. Programming:
• Contributing to the development of work plans for the implementation of activities and achievement of results under the Country Programme.
• Assisting in developing operational approaches to mainstream human rights into various elements of the “Refoundation” process.
• Actively integrate recommendations of the international human rights mechanisms, including the Universal Periodic Review, into programmes and activities of OHCHR and national partners.
• Regular monitoring and reporting on progress in programme implementation and supporting knowledge management and dissemination of lessons learned. 3. Training and technical assistance:
• Identifying target groups in need of training in human rights and the rule of law, including law enforcement agents, civil society, and state agents, to strengthen national capacity on human rights.
• Contributing to the design and implementation of training programmes and developing training tools for these groups. During the first month of the assignment, the UN Volunteer will work closely with his/her direct supervisor to finalize an agreed-upon work plan. The work plan should outline key objectives and activities and include regular check-ins with the supervisor to review progress and receive performance feedback.

Competencies and values

• Communication,
• Planning and Organizing,
• Professionalism,
• Working in Teams.

Living conditions and remarks

The living conditions in Antananarivo, Madagascar, are generally manageable for international staff, though they come with some challenges. As the capital city, Antananarivo offers a range of housing options, from modern apartments to standalone houses, with security services recommended for expatriates. The cost of living is relatively moderate compared to other international capitals, but imported goods and private services can be expensive. While healthcare facilities are available, complex medical cases often require evacuation to nearby countries. Public transportation is limited, and traffic congestion is a persistent issue, necessitating the use of private vehicles or taxis. Security concerns, including petty crime and occasional political unrest, require vigilance and adherence to safety measures. Despite these challenges, the city has a vibrant cultural scene, diverse culinary options, and a welcoming community, making it a unique and engaging place to live and work. The Conditions of Service, available here: https://explore.unv.org/cos, outline the policies and rules governing UN Volunteer assignments. Full information on entitlements at the duty station can be accessed here: https://app.unv.org/calculator.