Mission and objectivesThe Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights was established in April 2018 following the signing of a six-year host country agreement with the Government of Liberia. The agreement allows the office to exercise a full human rights promotion and protection mandate. The OHCHRโs functions are defined by the agreement with the Government of Liberia to: exercise the mandate of the High Commissioner to protect and promote human rights; contribute to national efforts in promoting respect for, and observance of human rights; observe the human rights situation and inform authorities; provide capacity building to national institutions, civil society organisations (CSOs), and individuals regarding promotion and protection of human rights; and prepare reports and statements as and when determined by the High Commissioner. In line with OHCHR Liberiaโs human rights protection and promotion mandate, the Office strengthened capacities of government, CSOs, private sector and academia through technical assistance, capacity building and trainings on thematic human rights issues and has conducted trial monitoring to detect and prevent any due process violations
ContextThe United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR-Liberia) opened a fully-fledged standalone Country Office in Liberia on 1 April 2018, following a Memorandum of Understanding signed with the Government of Liberia. Based on this MoU, OHCHR-Liberia implements the full mandate of the High Commissioner for Human Rights as stipulated in General Assembly Resolution 48/141 of 20 December 1993. The Agreement with the Government of Liberia allows the OHCHR Office in Liberia to exercise the mandate of the High Commissioner to protect and promote human rights; contribute to national efforts in promoting respect for, and observance of human rights; monitor the human rights situation and inform authorities; provide capacity building to national institutions, civil society organizations (CSOs), and individuals regarding promotion and protection of human rights. The Office prepares reports and statements as and when determined by the High Commissioner. In line with OHCHR Liberiaโs human rights protection and promotion mandate, the Office strengthened capacities of government entities, the Independent National Commission on Human Rights, CSOs, private sector and academia through technical assistance, capacity building and trainings on thematic human rights issues.
Task DescriptionUnder the overall supervision of the Representative and direct supervision of a Head of a Technical Unit within the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Liberia, the incumbent will perform the following main functions within OHCHR Liberia workplan: โข Assist in conducting substantive research and analysis of human rights issues/events and assess their impact on the human rights situation in the countryอพ โข Contribute to monitoring and reporting human rights issues in the country and assist in collecting and analyzing human rights indicators with a strong focus on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights; โข Ensure human rights issues are integrated into political, humanitarian, and economic efforts and programmes of the Office and the UNCTอพ โข Ensure the integration of gender perspectives and attention to specific women/girlโs rights issues within all assigned human rights activitiesอพ โข Follow up on different cases and situations, including in the field and ensure relevant information is uploaded in OHCHRโs human rights case database in a timely manner; โข Assist in the development and implementation of human rights training programmes including the intersection between human rights, corruption, and the SDGsอพ โข Represent the UN human rights office at working-level meetings as relevantอพ โข Contribute and/or draft a variety of reports, communications, briefings, statements etc., including to policyยญmaking bodiesอพ โข Perform other duties as required by the Representative /Deputy Head / Team Leader/Technical Unit Lead.
Competencies and valuesProfessionalism Skills that indicate capability to progress to more difficult projectsอพ demonstrated ability to apply good judgement in the context of assignments given. Good knowledge of international and regional human rights system and the mandate of OHCHR; sound knowledge of and wide exposure to the full range of human rights issues with a focus on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights , including approaches and techniques to address human rights problems; excellent knowledge of institutional mandates, policies and guidelines related to human rights, corruption and SDGs ; independent judgment and discretion in advising on and handling significant issues and problems. Planning and organizing Ability to establish priorities and to prioritize, plan and coordinate own workอพ Works with minimum supervision and as a member of a team. Communications Good spoken and written communication skills in English, including the ability to draft clear and concise reportsอพ Ability to articulate relevant subject matter clearly and concisely, pose basic questions and contribute information appropriately in formal settings; ability to conceptualize ideas and issues. Teamwork and respect for diversity Good interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to develop and maintain effective work relationships in a multi-cultural, multiethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
Living conditions and remarksLiberia, Africa's oldest Republic, is located at the western edge of the continent, on the Atlantic coast between Sierra Leone and Cรดte d'Ivoire. The population of Liberia is 5.2 million and contains about 16 different ethnic groups. A large percentage of Liberiaโs population lives in the capital, Monrovia. The Liberia climate features a wet and dry season, but precipitation is seen even during the dry season. Temperatures remain constant throughout the year averaging around 26.4 ยฐC (79.5 ยฐF). The weather is sometimes cold during the day and evenings in the rainy season which begins in May to October, and the dry season begins in November to April. The country is generally safe, except for petty crimes, especially in the cities. It is mandatory to complete the United Nations Basic Security course BSAFE prior to joining the office. The current UN security level for Liberia is level 2. Upon arrival in the country, all UN staff receive a security briefing from the UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS). All UN Staff and UN Volunteers must follow security recommendations from UNDSS during their assignments in Liberia. There are hotels and guesthouses in the capital, Monrovia, that are comfortable and have electricity and security. All UN Staff and UN Volunteers are to use only UN-approved guest houses and hotels. A UN Clinic is located within the UN Compound, accessible to all UN Staff. Also available in the country are recognized hospitals and clinics that UN staff can visit. A gym is available at the One UN House for all categories of staff accessible to the presentation of the UN ID Card. Two local banks (UBA and Ecobank) are available in the UN building with ATM machines located on the underground floor.