UN Youth Volunteer

Job Posting Organization:
The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Colombia was established on 29 November 1996, following a request from the Commission on Human Rights and the initiative of the Government of Colombia. Since its establishment, OHCHR has been actively present in Colombia, operating from its headquarters in Bogotá and maintaining eight additional offices across the country. The organization's mission is to monitor and promote human rights, provide technical assistance to the government, support civil society organizations, and disseminate information on international human rights standards. OHCHR's comprehensive strategy includes advising authorities on human rights policies, reporting on the human rights situation, and promoting respect for international law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">humanitarian law. The organization has been particularly focused on the implications of the historical Peace Agreement signed in November 2016, which has expanded its responsibilities in monitoring human rights related to the transition of former combatants and the protection of human rights defenders.

Job Overview:
The UN Youth Volunteer position is situated within the Civic Space Team and involves direct supervision by the Civic Space Team Coordinator. The role is primarily focused on monitoring and supporting human rights defenders in Colombia, particularly in the context of the ongoing challenges faced by these individuals. The volunteer will engage in field monitoring missions, dialogue with state authorities, and networking with human rights defenders to follow individual cases. The position also requires contributing to regular reporting on the situation of human rights defenders, with a specific emphasis on women defenders and the fight against impunity. The volunteer will assist in capacity building for relevant state institutions and ensure accurate data entry into established databases. The role emphasizes gender mainstreaming and the identification of strategic partnerships to enhance communication and outreach efforts. Overall, the position is designed to support the OHCHR's mandate in promoting and protecting human rights in Colombia.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The UN Youth Volunteer will undertake a variety of tasks, including: 1) Assisting in monitoring, fact-finding, and follow-up activities related to human rights defenders in Colombia through field missions and dialogue with state authorities and non-state actors. 2) Contributing to regular reporting on the situation of human rights defenders, focusing on women defenders and analyzing trends and patterns of attacks. 3) Providing support in capacity building and advisory services to the Attorney General's Office and other relevant institutions. 4) Ensuring timely and accurate entry of human rights cases into a database, conducting quality control, and delivering statistics and trend reports. 5) Promoting gender mainstreaming with an intersectional perspective in all activities. 6) Identifying key contacts and opportunities for strategic partnerships to facilitate communication. 7) Assisting the Office in transmitting and spreading its mandate. 8) Performing other duties as required by the Civic Space Team Coordinator.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the UN Youth Volunteer position should possess a strong commitment to human rights and a willingness to engage in challenging environments. They should demonstrate adaptability, flexibility, and a strong sense of accountability. Excellent communication skills are essential, along with the ability to work effectively in teams. Candidates should also exhibit integrity and ethical values in their work. A background in human rights, social sciences, or a related field is preferred, along with a demonstrated interest in human rights issues and advocacy.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a degree in human rights, social sciences, international relations, or a related field. Candidates should have a solid understanding of human rights principles and international humanitarian law. A strong academic record and relevant coursework or training in human rights advocacy, monitoring, or reporting will be advantageous.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have some level of experience in human rights monitoring, advocacy, or related fields. While specific years of experience may not be mandated, any practical experience gained through internships, volunteer work, or academic projects related to human rights will be beneficial. Candidates should demonstrate an understanding of the challenges faced by human rights defenders and the ability to engage with various stakeholders, including government entities and civil society organizations.

Languages:
Proficiency in Spanish is mandatory for this position, given the context of the work in Colombia. Additionally, knowledge of English is considered an asset, as it may facilitate communication with international stakeholders and enhance reporting capabilities. Familiarity with other languages relevant to the local context may also be beneficial.

Additional Notes:
This UN Volunteer position is based in Bogotá, Colombia, which is the capital city and offers a range of public and health services, as well as cultural and recreational activities. The volunteer will be responsible for organizing their own living arrangements and essential life elements. The position is part of an international UNV assignment, and all movements must be reported to the United Nations Department of Safety and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security (UNDSS). Volunteers are covered by an insurance plan and receive a grant for improvements in residential security. The living conditions in Bogotá are assessed as having 'low' risks, although there are common security challenges associated with growing urban areas. The city provides access to complete health services and international schools, making it a suitable environment for expatriates. The El Dorado Airport in Bogotá serves as a major transportation hub, connecting the city to various international destinations.