Online Volunteer

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is dedicated to promoting and protecting human rights globally. Established in 1993, OHCHR operates in various regions, including Southern Africa, with a mission to ensure that human rights are upheld and respected in all nations. The organization employs a diverse workforce of professionals committed to advancing human rights standards and practices. OHCHR's work spans multiple countries, focusing on advocacy, education, and the implementation of international human rights laws.

Job Overview:
The Online Volunteer position at the OHCHR Regional Office for Southern Africa is designed to support the office in achieving its annual workplan and strategic objectives. The role emphasizes enhancing organizational effectiveness in communications and advocacy. The volunteer will collaborate closely with the Public Information Officer (PIO) to ensure that messaging is cohesive and effective across various platforms. This position provides a unique opportunity to gain practical experience in both internal and external communications within a UN agency, while also developing skills in communication collaboration across different pillars of the Regional Office for Southern Africa (ROSA). The selected candidate will be responsible for co-creating, drafting, and reviewing communication and advocacy content and strategies for ROSA events, campaigns, and related projects, thereby playing a crucial role in the office's outreach efforts.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Online Volunteer will undertake a variety of tasks aimed at enhancing the communication efforts of the OHCHR Regional Office for Southern Africa. Key responsibilities include co-developing and drafting communication content and strategies, which encompass creating concepts and key messages for communication campaigns. The volunteer will also write human interest and impact articles, prepare remarks, and develop opinion pieces for both internal and external publications. This includes contributions to the OHCHR website, intranet, UNCT newsletters, and social media platforms. Additionally, the volunteer will be tasked with reviewing and sub-editing reports, policy briefs, and other related documents to ensure they align with the OHCHR style guide, maintaining consistency and quality in all communications.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Online Volunteer position should possess strong writing and editing skills, with a keen eye for detail. Familiarity with communication strategies and advocacy work is essential. The ideal candidate should demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and possess excellent organizational skills. A proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively are also important. Knowledge of human rights issues and the workings of the United Nations system will be advantageous.

Educational Background:
A background in communications, public relations, international relations, or a related field is preferred for this position. Candidates should ideally be pursuing or have completed a degree in one of these areas, as this will provide the necessary foundation for understanding the complexities of communication within a UN context.

Experience:
While prior experience in communications or advocacy is beneficial, it is not strictly required. The position is open to individuals who are eager to learn and gain experience in the field of communications within an international organization. Any relevant internships, volunteer work, or academic projects that demonstrate a commitment to human rights and effective communication will be considered valuable.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as all communication will be conducted in this language. Proficiency in additional languages, particularly those relevant to the Southern African region, would be considered an asset and may enhance the candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
This is a remote volunteer position, allowing individuals from various locations to apply. The duration of the assignment is not specified, but volunteers are expected to commit to the role for a period that aligns with the needs of the OHCHR Regional Office for Southern Africa. This position is ideal for individuals seeking to enhance their skills and gain experience in a reputable international organization, while contributing to meaningful human rights work.