UN Volunteer for Environmental Rights and Sustainability

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is the lead UN entity on human rights, established in 199

• It has a unique mandate to promote and protect all human rights for all people, with a focus on bridging humanitarian, peace, and development sectors. OHCHR has developed competencies in human rights protection and provides technical expertise to support the implementation of international human rights standards. It assists governments in fulfilling their obligations and advocates for individuals to claim their rights, maintaining global credibility as a principled advocate for international human rights standards. OHCHR works closely with governments, civil society, and other stakeholders to advance the human rights agenda, monitoring and reporting on human rights abuses and violations.

Job Overview:
The UN Volunteer will support the OHCHR Regional Office for Central Asia (ROCA) in implementing its 2024–2027 Regional Programme, focusing on the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment (R2HE). This role is part of a broader priority on economic, social, and cultural rights (ESCR) and aims to address environmental crises such as climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss. The volunteer will contribute to advancing R2HE through research, monitoring, reporting, and proposing interventions in programming related to ESCR. The position also involves implementing the Green Office Policy to reduce OHCHR's environmental footprint and promoting sustainable environmental management practices among staff. The volunteer will engage with various stakeholders to promote environmental rights and build inclusive green initiatives, thereby influencing broader UN practices.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The UN Volunteer will be responsible for advancing the implementation of ROCA’s Green Policy, engaging with staff, and conducting capacity-building and awareness-raising activities on sustainable environmental management. They will support GHG data collection and reporting for OHCHR ROCA and its country presences, ensuring compliance with the UN Sustainability Strategy. The volunteer will coordinate environmental assessments, audits, and the establishment and monitoring of green initiatives. They will research and collect information on R2HE and its impact on human rights, assist in drafting reports and correspondence, and support regional mapping and analysis of environmental human rights trends across Central Asia. Additionally, the volunteer will engage with government counterparts, UN partners, and civil society on climate and environmental governance, and assist in supporting engagements by human rights mechanisms.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates should possess strong analytical and research skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information into clear reports. They should demonstrate a commitment to human rights and environmental sustainability, with experience in advocacy or policy development being advantageous. The ideal candidate will have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment. Proficiency in data collection and analysis tools is also desirable, along with a proactive approach to problem-solving and initiative.

Educational Background:
A degree in environmental science, human rights, social sciences, or a related field is required. Advanced degrees or specialized training in environmental policy, human rights law, or sustainable development will be considered an asset. Candidates should have a solid understanding of international human rights standards and environmental issues, particularly in the context of Central Asia.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 1-2 years of relevant experience in human rights, environmental policy, or related fields. Experience working with international organizations, NGOs, or governmental bodies on human rights or environmental issues is highly desirable. Familiarity with UN processes and frameworks, particularly related to human rights and sustainability, will be beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, while knowledge of Russian or Kyrgyz is considered an asset. Proficiency in additional languages relevant to the region may also be advantageous.

Additional Notes:
This is a national UN Volunteer assignment, meaning the volunteer will be responsible for arranging their own housing and living essentials. National UN Volunteers are covered by the CIGNA insurance plan, and full entitlements can be checked at the duty station. The complete UN Volunteer Conditions of Service are available online.