Online Volunteer

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Mexico aims to ensure that institutions, government authorities, and the United Nations Country Team are equipped with the necessary information, understanding, and skills to identify human rights concerns and develop effective measures to address them. Established to promote and protect human rights, OHCHR-Mexico focuses on technical cooperation and legal advice, harmonization of legislation, development of human rights indicators, and public policy formulation with a human rights-based approach. The office also emphasizes monitoring grave human rights violations, including enforced disappearances and torture, and advocates for the rights of human rights defenders, journalists, and indigenous peoples. The organization operates through various functional units, including Administration, Grave Human Rights Violations, Gender and Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ESCR), Democratic Space, Vulnerable Groups, Indicators, and Public Communications. The Democratic Space Unit, where the volunteer will be placed, is dedicated to addressing complaints of alleged human rights violations and providing legal orientation to victims, particularly human rights defenders and journalists.

Job Overview:
The Online Volunteer position at OHCHR-Mexico involves supporting the development of a diagnostic assessment regarding access to digital information related to services for persons with disabilities in Mexico City. This role is crucial in ensuring that individuals with disabilities can access essential services such as healthcare, rehabilitation, social support, and inclusion programs. The volunteer will engage in online research to identify, review, and systematize publicly available information about services and programs aimed at persons with disabilities. The work will contribute to identifying gaps in the availability, accessibility, and clarity of existing digital information, ultimately strengthening access to services and exploring mechanisms to facilitate guidance and access to information for persons with disabilities. Volunteers will work collaboratively, focusing on different categories of services or institutions, and will document their findings systematically.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Online Volunteer will be responsible for several key tasks, including:

• Identifying websites, platforms, institutional portals, and applications that provide information about services for persons with disabilities in Mexico City.
• Analyzing the clarity, accessibility, and ease of navigation of the available information, assessing factors such as the ease of finding information, the clarity of language used, the currency of information, and digital accessibility.
• Identifying potential gaps in access to digital information regarding available services for persons with disabilities.
• Documenting examples of best practices in platforms or portals that function effectively in providing information.
• Working in parallel with other volunteers to review various categories of services or institutions, such as health, social assistance, labor inclusion, rehabilitation, or civil society organizations.
• Systematically documenting findings using templates provided by OHCHR.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Online Volunteer position should possess strong research skills, particularly in online environments. They should have a good understanding of human rights issues, especially concerning persons with disabilities. Familiarity with digital accessibility standards and the ability to analyze information for clarity and usability are essential. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate a commitment to human rights and social justice, as well as the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a virtual environment.

Educational Background:
A background in social sciences, human rights, public policy, or a related field is preferred. Candidates should have a solid understanding of the rights of persons with disabilities and the relevant legal frameworks that support these rights. Educational qualifications may include a degree or ongoing studies in relevant disciplines, which will enhance the candidate's ability to contribute effectively to the project.

Experience:
While prior experience in human rights or disability advocacy is beneficial, it is not strictly required. Candidates should demonstrate a willingness to learn and engage with the subject matter. Experience in research, particularly in analyzing digital information and accessibility issues, will be considered an asset. The role is suitable for individuals looking to gain practical experience in the field of human rights and disability rights.

Languages:
Proficiency in Spanish is mandatory, as the work will be conducted primarily in this language. Knowledge of English or other languages may be considered an advantage, particularly for understanding international human rights frameworks and documentation.

Additional Notes:
This position is a volunteer role and may not offer financial compensation. The duration of the contract is not specified, but it is expected to be flexible to accommodate the volunteer's availability. The role is designed to be remote, allowing volunteers to contribute from various locations. The position is open to both national and international candidates, promoting inclusivity and diversity in the recruitment process.