Human Rights Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is a vital part of the United Nations system, established by the United Nations General Assembly through resolution 48/141 on December 20, 199

• The OHCHR's mission is to promote and protect human rights globally, ensuring that all individuals can enjoy their civil, cultural, economic, political, and social rights. The organization operates in numerous countries, focusing on enhancing equality, combating discrimination, and strengthening accountability and the rule of law. With a dedicated team of professionals, OHCHR engages in dialogue with governments and civil society to address human rights violations and promote international cooperation. The organization plays a crucial role in integrating human rights into development and economic policies, thereby widening democratic spaces and providing early warning and protection in conflict situations.

Job Overview:
The Human Rights Specialist position within the OHCHR is designed for a UN Volunteer who will work under the direct supervision of the Regional Representative or a Human Rights Officer. The role involves monitoring the human rights situation in Panama, providing technical assistance to ensure compliance with international human rights standards, and contributing to the documentation of civil and political rights violations. The specialist will focus on the differentiated impacts of these violations on vulnerable groups, including women, Afro-descendants, and migrants. The position requires collaboration with state institutions, civil society, and other stakeholders to promote the rule of law and protect human rights defenders. The specialist will also support the integration of human rights approaches in UN system work in Panama, contributing to legislative evaluations and impact analyses. The expected results include timely and effective support to the OHCHR team, systematic analysis of human rights issues, and the development of strategic communication materials to enhance the visibility of human rights priorities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Human Rights Specialist will undertake a variety of tasks, including:

• Monitoring the human rights situation in Panama and providing technical assistance to promote compliance with international standards.
• Documenting and producing analytical materials on civil and political rights violations, focusing on vulnerable groups.
• Planning and implementing technical assistance and advocacy activities with state institutions and civil society.
• Collaborating on initiatives to strengthen protection mechanisms and participation at national and regional levels.
• Supporting the integration of human rights approaches in UN system work through technical input for joint planning and evaluations.
• Preparing materials for follow-up on international human rights recommendations.
• Supporting visibility actions and strategic communication related to rule of law and civic space.
• Participating in team meetings and inter-agency coordination activities.
• Fulfilling other tasks as assigned in line with OHCHR’s strategic priorities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Human Rights Specialist position should possess a strong understanding of human rights principles and international law. They should demonstrate excellent analytical and communication skills, with the ability to produce high-quality reports and documents. The ideal candidate will have experience in advocacy, technical assistance, and collaboration with diverse stakeholders, including government entities and civil society organizations. A commitment to promoting human rights and addressing discrimination is essential, along with the ability to work effectively in a team and adapt to changing circumstances.

Educational Background:
A relevant educational background is required for the Human Rights Specialist position. Candidates should hold a degree in law, political science, international relations, or a related field. Advanced degrees or specialized training in human rights law or international development are highly desirable. Knowledge of international human rights mechanisms and frameworks is also essential for this role.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a minimum of 2-3 years of professional experience in human rights, international law, or a related field. Experience working with international organizations, NGOs, or governmental bodies on human rights issues is preferred. Candidates should demonstrate a track record of successfully implementing human rights programs or initiatives and engaging with diverse stakeholders.

Languages:
Fluency in Spanish is mandatory for this position, given the location and the target population. Proficiency in English is also required, as it is essential for communication within the UN system and for accessing international human rights resources. Knowledge of additional languages, particularly indigenous languages or other regional languages, would be considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
This is a national assignment with the United Nations Volunteers program, meaning that the selected candidate will be responsible for organizing their own housing and basic necessities. The position is full-time, and the volunteer will be part of the malicious insurance scheme provided by the UN. The role may involve some travel within Panama, and candidates should be prepared for the living conditions in the region, which may include health alerts related to diseases such as dengue and Zika virus. The security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security level in Panama City is rated as low, but candidates should remain aware of their surroundings and take necessary precautions.