Mission and objectivesThe Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is the Secretariat Department responsible for strengthening international human rights mechanisms; enhancing equality and countering discrimination; combating impunity and strengthening accountability and the rule of law; integrating human rights in development and in the economic sphere; widening the democratic space; and early warning and protection of human rights in situations of conflict, violence and insecurity.
ContextThe Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is the leading UN entity on human rights. The Office represent the world's commitment to the promotion and protection of the full range of human rights and freedoms set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The Office has a unique role to: โข Promote and protect all human rights โข Help empower people โข Assist Governments โข Inject a human rights perspective into all UN programmes: We mainstream human rights into all UN programmes to ensure that peace and security, development, and human rights - the three pillars of the UN - are interlinked and mutually reinforced. In carrying out its mission, UN Human Rights: โข Gives priority to addressing the most pressing human rights violations, both acute and chronic, particularly those that put life in imminent peril โข Focuses attention on those who are at risk and vulnerable on multiple fronts โข Pays equal attention to the realization of civil, cultural, economic, political, and social rights, including the right to development โข Measures the impact of its work through the substantive benefit that is accrued, through it, to individuals around the world. Since 2019, the OHCHR has been operating in Venezuela under the Office of the United Nations Resident Coordinator. Currently, the Office temporarily operates from Panama City, Panama, while discussions are ongoing for its return to Caracas, Venezuela. The Office plays a crucial role in providing credible assessments of the human rights situation and challenges in the country and in supporting the effective implementation of UN human rights recommendations. The Officeโs responsibilities include monitoring, documenting, and analyzing the human rights situation in Venezuela. It works to integrate human rights and gender equality considerations into the activities of the UN Country Team and humanitarian efforts. Additionally, the Office supports and partners with civil society organizations and engages with relevant authorities to address human rights concerns. It is also committed to promoting human rights observance and implementing recommendations from international human rights bodies. Finally, it reports on the general human rights situation in the country according to the mandates given by the Human Rights Council and the mandate of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, with a gender perspective. The UN Volunteer will contribute to strengthening the strategic thematic priorities for the current planning cycle, with a particular focus on integrating a gender perspective. This role involves collaborating with various UN agencies, funds, and programs, as well as working closely with civil society organizations dedicated to the promotion and protection of human rights.
Task Description Under the direct supervision of Unit Coordinator or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks: โข Gather information and report on the human rights situation in the thematic area, including through contacts with other United Nations actors, humanitarian actors and civil society. โข Support civil society organizations in developing and implementing policies and training programs, particularly in women and LGBTIQ+ peopleโs rights, with attention to gender perspective, including diversity and inclusive approaches. โข Conduct substantive research analysis of compliance of national legal framework and/or public policies with international human rights standards and assess their impact on the human rights situation of women and LGBTIQ+ people. โข Promote dialogue between local human rights and civil society networks, humanitarian actors, on measures to promote the observance of human rights with a gender perspective. โข Support assistance to the implementation of the UN Free & Equal campaign and other projects. โข Use the OHCHR database to enter cases and document allegations and violations of human rights. โข Provide technical assistance and follow up on activities with counterparts and partners at different levels within the framework of the Officeยดs Mandate paying attention to gender perspectives. โข Assist in other duties relevant to the post, as requested by the Unit Coordinator.
Competencies and valuesโข Adaptability and Flexibility. โข Commitment and Motivation. โข Communication. โข Planning and Organizing. โข Professionalism. โข Working in Teams.
Living conditions and remarksOHCHR Venezuela Office is temporarily based in Panama City, Panama. Panama City is classified 'A' Duty Station (Family) and has good infrastructure (health, housing, banking, transportation, telecommunications and recreational facilities) and good supply of goods and services, with no particular health hazards. In terms of security Panama is relatively safe compared to other cities throughout Latin America and it is rated as security level '1 minimal' whereas for Dariรฉn Province (border with Colombia) it is security level '2 low'. The city is a communication hub, and it is possible to fly to all countries of the region with direct flights and it offers good options for travelling in general. The cost of living is relatively high for the region (reflected in the post adjustment), especially for housing and health, but it is easy to find accommodation on the private market. Most of the food is imported except for sea products and some fruits and vegetables. In terms of recreational activities, Panama being a hub for the purchasing of goods for neighboring countries, the city offers a lot of malls and doing shopping and going to malls is a common weekend activity. Cultural offer is limited but there is a good offer of restaurants and a dynamic nightlife. Beaches on the Pacific and Atlantic coasts are reachable within one hour by car or by boat directly from the city and there are some options for hiking too. There is also a relatively good range of sports activities. For the everyday life it is recommended to have Spanish knowledge as English is not widely spoken in the shops and services. Just like other fast-growing cities, the traffic is heavy at peak hours and considered an issue for people living in Panama City. The climate is hot and humid with a rainy season lasting 8 months a year.