UN Volunteer

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is a vital Secretariat Department established to strengthen international human rights mechanisms. Its mission encompasses enhancing equality, combating discrimination, and promoting accountability and the rule of law. The OHCHR integrates human rights into development and economic spheres, widens democratic spaces, and provides early warning and protection of human rights in conflict situations. The OHCHR Regional Office for South-East Asia, established in Bangkok in 2002, serves as a key hub for advancing human rights across the region, covering countries such as Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Viet Nam, while also providing support to Cambodia, Myanmar, the Philippines, and Timor-Leste. The office collaborates with governments, national institutions, civil society, and UN Country Teams to promote accountability, participation, and peace, ensuring effective implementation of international human rights norms and standards.

Job Overview:
The UN Volunteer will play a crucial role in supporting the Regional Office’s efforts to advance and protect civic space, focusing on rights related to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association. The position emphasizes the importance of youth participation, human rights defenders, and marginalized groups. The Volunteer will contribute to the monitoring and analysis of civic space and digital rights developments in South-East Asia, collecting and summarizing information from various sources, including media reports and civil society inputs. The role also involves supporting thematic research on trends affecting civic rights, planning and implementing activities related to civic space and digital rights, and assisting in documenting knowledge resources to strengthen internal knowledge management. The Volunteer will engage in inter-agency coordination, helping to integrate civic space and human rights-based approaches into UN programming, thereby enhancing the overall impact of OHCHR’s initiatives in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The UN Volunteer will undertake several key tasks, including:

• Monitoring and analyzing civic space and digital rights developments in South-East Asia by collecting and summarizing information from diverse sources.
• Supporting thematic research on trends related to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and online freedoms, particularly as they affect youth and marginalized communities.
• Assisting in the planning and implementation of activities related to civic space and digital rights, including regional consultations and capacity-building workshops.
• Documenting and organizing knowledge resources on civic space and participatory development to inform OHCHR’s policy engagement.
• Developing communication materials, including web content and social media posts.
• Participating in inter-agency coordination and supporting OHCHR’s engagement with UN Country Teams.
• Integrating the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promoting voluntary action through community engagement.
• Contributing to UNV publications and assisting with the UNV Buddy Programme for new volunteers.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strong analytical skills, particularly in monitoring and analyzing civic space and digital rights. They should demonstrate excellent communication abilities, both written and verbal, and have a commitment to human rights principles. The ability to work collaboratively in a team setting and adapt to changing circumstances is essential. Candidates should also exhibit professionalism, integrity, and respect for diversity in their work. Familiarity with UN mechanisms and human rights frameworks will be advantageous, as will experience in advocacy and capacity-building initiatives.

Educational Background:
A degree in human rights, international relations, social sciences, or a related field is required. Advanced degrees or specialized training in human rights law, civic engagement, or digital rights will be considered an asset. Candidates should have a solid understanding of international human rights norms and standards, as well as the ability to apply this knowledge in practical settings.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 1-2 years of relevant experience in human rights, civic engagement, or related fields. Experience working with international organizations, NGOs, or governmental bodies in a human rights context is highly desirable. Familiarity with the South-East Asian region and its socio-political dynamics will be beneficial. Previous volunteer experience or involvement in community engagement initiatives is also valued.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as it is the working language of the UN. Knowledge of additional languages spoken in South-East Asia, such as Thai, Bahasa Indonesia, or Vietnamese, would be considered an asset, enhancing communication with local stakeholders and communities.

Additional Notes:
This position is a volunteer role under the UN Volunteers programme, which emphasizes the importance of volunteerism and community engagement. The assignment is based in Bangkok, Thailand, and offers an opportunity to work in a dynamic and culturally rich environment. The UN Volunteer will receive a monthly allowance to cover basic living expenses, and they will be part of a supportive team that values diversity and inclusion. The role may involve occasional travel within the region for workshops and consultations, and volunteers are encouraged to engage with local communities and promote volunteerism.