Deadline: 15 February 2024

Organization: OHCHR SUDAN

Description of assignment title: UNV Human Rights Officer

Assignment country: Sudan

Expected start date: 01/03/2024

Sustainable Development Goal: 16. Peace, justice and strong institutions:

Volunteer category: International UN Volunteer Specialist

Host entity: OHCHR SDN

Type: Onsite

Expected end date : 31/12/2024

Number of assignments: 1

Duty stations: Kadugli

Mission and objectives

On 25 September 2019, the Government of Sudan (GoS) and OHCHR signed a Host Country Agreement (HCA) for the establishment of a Country Office with a comprehensive mandate, with headquarters in Khartoum and field offices in Darfur, the Two Areas and Eastern Sudan. Human Rights Council resolution 45/25 of 6 October 2020 welcomed the establishment of a “fully mandated country office” and requested that the High Commissioner report to the Council on progress made and remaining challenges. Since the armed conflict erupted in April 2023, OHCHR-Sudan quickly shifted the focus of its work to monitoring of and reporting on the human rights situation and violations of IHL, and support for civil society organizations in Sudan. The Office is continuing activities in support of civil society actors and civic space. The Office continues engagement with national human rights institutions, and coordination with the UN Country Team and the Humanitarian Country Team. Under the overall supervision of the Head of the OHCHR Sudan Country Office and the direct supervision of the Head of the thematic team, the UN Volunteer Human Rights Officer will work on: a) monitoring and reporting on the human rights situation; b) support activities aiming to improve the human rights capacity of national human rights partners, security agents and civil society, with a focus on Economic, Social, and Culture Rights (ESCR), Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and human rights in humanitarian action.

Context

• As an active [OHCHR Sudan] team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to [OHCHR Sudan] and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including: o Capacities of local NGOs for the protection of human rights enhanced; o Individual cases are monitored investigated and documented; o Fact Finding missions are carried out; o Planning and implementation of Capacity Building activities are carried out; o Supervisor is kept abreast of the human rights situation and well advised; o Good relationships and advocacy with the local authorities developed; o Capacity Development documented; o A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed. • Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated and documented in all activities throughout the assignment • A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed

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Task description

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of Head of OHCHR Sudan and the direct supervision of the head of the Field Office or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer Human Rights Officer will:

• Gather information and report on the human rights situation in a designated geographical area, including through close cooperation with other United Nations actors and the community.

• Keep the supervisor regularly informed on developments concerning the human rights situation.

• Participate and facilitate human rights training for interlocutors from CSOs, NGOs, UN, Humanitrain partners and government authorities.

• Prepare case files for submission to the authorities and for inclusion in the OHCHR CO case data base;

• Participate in the establishment and maintenance of contacts with local authorities as well as international organizations operating in the region and civil society; • Facilitate the implementation of human rights mandate in the designated area of responsibility aiming at the establishment of an environment of mutual understanding among the population;

• Perform other related duties as required by the Head of office.

• Any other related duties as may be required. Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities:

• Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day);

• Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country;

• Provide annual and end of assignment self- reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities.

• Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.;

• Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers;

• Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering, or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

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Eligibility criteria

Age

27 – 80

Nationality

Candidate must be a national of a country other than the country of assignment.

Requirements

Required experience

3 years of experience in in Human Rights. with a knowledge of international human rights instruments and rules for the protection and promotion of human rights; • Knowledge of international mechanisms to seek redress for Human Rights violations is an asset; • Experience in drafting various documents, including reports on human rights issues, and in research will be an asset; • Field experience, including working on issues of protection of human rights defenders/victims or other groups at risk, will be an asset; • Willingness to work in difficult field locations; • Fluency in both written and oral English and, desirable: Arabic; • Excellent computer skills in Microsoft Office; • A valid driving license is essential; • Sound security awareness; • Have affinity with or interest in humanitarian relief, post-conflict situations, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System. • Female candidates willing to serve as UNV are encouraged to apply for the position.

Area(s) of expertise

Legal affairs, Development programmes

Driving license

–

Languages

English, Level: Fluent, Required Arabic, Level: Working knowledge, Desirable

Required education level

Bachelor degree or equivalent in Human Rights, law, political science or social sciences; international specialized study on human rights preferred.

Competencies and values

• Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to [OHCHR Sudan]; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to [OHCHR Sudan] procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented; • Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and [OHCHR Sudan] in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or authority; • Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues; • Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment. • Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities; • Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups; • Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary; • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards [OHCHR Sudan]’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

Other information

Living conditions and remarks

Sudan is a unique country and a unique operation. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential. The assignment will be in Sudan, Kadugli (temporarily reassigned to Nairobi. Duty station can change in the course of assignment)

Inclusivity statement

United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme that welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, care protected characteristics. As part of their adherence to the values of UNV, all UN Volunteers commit themselves to combat any form of discrimination, and to promoting respect for human rights and individual dignity, without distinction of a person’s race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

Note on Covid-19 vaccination requirements

Selected candidates for certain occupational groups may be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) in line with the applicable host entity policy

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