Human Rights Officer

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 OHCHR’s 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 Liberia’s 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 Liberia’s human rights protection and promotion mandate, the Office strengthened capacities of government entities, the Independent National Commission on Human Rights (INCHR), CSOs, private sector and academia through technical assistance, capacity building and trainings on thematic human rights issues.

Task DescriptionUnder the overall supervision of the OHCHR Representative and direct supervision of the Head of the Technical Unit on Transitional Justice within the OHCHR Country Office in Liberia, the incumbent will perform the following main functions within OHCHR Liberia work plan: • Support the implementation of the transitional justice program of the Office, including to support the establishment of victim-centered national judicial and non-judicial mechanisms and the integration of economic, social, and cultural rights issues. • Contribute to monitoring and reporting of human rights issues in the country and assist in collecting and analyzing human rights indicators and data with a strong focus on transitional justice and the rule of law. • Support the provision of technical support on transitional justice and rule of law matters to relevant national stakeholders including, government entities including the Ministry of Justice, the Office for the establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court for Liberia (OWECC-L), the INCHR, the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC), the Liberia National Bar Association ( LNBA), Academia, and Civil Society Organizations. • Ensure the integration of gender perspectives and attention to specific women/girl’s rights issues within all assigned human rights activities. • Assist in the development and implementation of human rights training programmes including on the intersection between human rights, corruption, and the SDGs; • Represent the UN human rights office at working-level meetings as relevant. • Contribute and/or draft a variety of reports, communications, briefings, statements etc., including to policy­making bodies. • Perform other duties as required by the Representative / Deputy Head / Head of the Technical Unit on Transitional Justice. 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. Results/expected outputs: As an active OHCHR team member provide efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly, and high-quality support to OHCHR and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including: • Timely and quality technical support to the Technical Unit on Transitional Justice and partners in line with the work plan. • Quality, accurate and timely weekly projects, and a variety of other human rights reports. • 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.

Competencies and valuesProfessionalism Knowledge of and exposure to a range of human rights issues, approaches and techniques, including related to transitional justice, in their political, ethnic, racial, gender and socio-economic dimensions. Good knowledge of international and regional human rights system, institutional mandates, policies and guidelines related to human rights, transitional justice, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Demonstrated ability to apply good independent judgement and discretion in advising on and handling significant issues and problems. Demonstrates conscientiousness and efficiency in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Planning and organizing Ability to establish priorities and to prioritize, plan and coordinate own work. Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently Communications Good spoken and written communication skills in English, including the ability to draft clear and concise reports, notes, etc.; Ability to articulate relevant subject matter clearly and concisely. Asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication. Tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. 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, multi¬ethnic 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 Côte d'Ivoire. The population of Liberia is 5.2 million and contains about 16 different ethnic groups. A large percentage of Liberia’s 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 °C (79.5 °F). 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.