Human Rights Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is a part of the United Nations system, established to promote and protect human rights globally. The OHCHR operates in various regions, including East and Southern Africa, and is dedicated to ensuring that human rights are upheld in accordance with international standards. The organization works with governments, civil society, and other stakeholders to address human rights violations and promote accountability. The OHCHR has a significant presence in Ethiopia, where it engages in various programs aimed at enhancing human rights awareness and capacity building.

Job Overview:
The Human Rights Assistant position is integral to the OHCHR's mission in Ethiopia, specifically within the East and Southern Africa Regional Office. The role involves supporting the Human Rights Officer (Field Coordinator) in implementing the office's mandate, which includes monitoring and reporting on human rights issues, capacity building, and engaging with local stakeholders. The assistant will be involved in various activities such as planning monitoring missions, documenting human rights violations, and assisting in the organization of human rights activities. The position requires a proactive approach to identifying human rights issues and collaborating with local actors to address them effectively. The assistant will also play a key role in ensuring that gender perspectives are integrated into all activities, thereby promoting equality and inclusivity in human rights work.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Human Rights Assistant will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including but not limited to: assisting in the planning and execution of monitoring missions and assessments; participating in human rights promotional activities; developing monitoring questionnaires and assessment surveys; visiting detention facilities, courts, and hospitals as needed; documenting complaints regarding human rights violations; maintaining accurate and secure filing of human rights information; drafting incident reports and contributing to communication materials; attending meetings with civil society and local authorities; organizing logistics for human rights activities; mapping local human rights actors and resources; monitoring media for relevant information; providing language assistance; and suggesting referrals for cases to specialized services. The assistant will also be expected to stay informed about UN policies related to human rights and participate in relevant training sessions.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent. Additionally, they should have a strong understanding of human rights issues and the ability to identify problems related to political, ethnic, racial, gender, and socio-economic dimensions. Knowledge of the institutional mandates of human rights organizations and prevailing policies is essential. Candidates should demonstrate research and analytical skills, including the ability to gather and evaluate information from various sources. They must also be able to communicate effectively and work collaboratively with diverse groups, including vulnerable populations. A commitment to gender equality and the ability to adapt to different cultural contexts are also important qualifications for this role.

Educational Background:
While a high school diploma is the minimum educational requirement, candidates with a first-level university degree may have a reduced experience requirement. The educational background should ideally include studies related to social work, law, human rights, or a related field, which would provide a solid foundation for understanding the complexities of human rights issues and the legal frameworks that govern them.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant experience in social work, legal/paralegal work, or a field related to human rights. This experience should include working with communities or victims and providing administrative or logistical support. Candidates with a first-level university degree may qualify with three years of experience. Experience in human rights monitoring and reporting is essential, as is experience in providing support to national human rights institutions or organizations. Desirable experience includes training or awareness-raising activities and project implementation related to assisting vulnerable populations.

Languages:
Proficiency in English and Amharic is required for this position, as these are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Candidates must demonstrate a minimum level of proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking in both languages, as per the UN Language Framework. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available for a minimum period of three months, with the possibility of extension based on funding availability. It is subject to local recruitment, meaning applicants must be authorized to work in Ethiopia. Selected candidates from outside the duty station will be responsible for their relocation expenses. Staff members recruited locally are not eligible for international allowances or benefits. The position may also be limited to internal candidates or those who have been recruited through a competitive examination. The United Nations is committed to diversity and inclusion, and reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities during the recruitment process.