Project Assistant

Details

Mission and objectives

The 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.

Context

This announcement broadcasts international a UN University Volunteer assignment with Secretariat of the Humanitarian Funds in the Anti-Torture, Coordination and Funds Section (ACFS) of the Human Rights Treaties Branch (HRTB).
The United Nations Voluntary Trust Fund on Contemporary Forms of Slavery and the United Nations Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture are jointly referred to as the UN Humanitarian Funds.
The United Nations Voluntary Trust Fund on Contemporary Forms of Slavery was established by the General Assembly in 1991 (resolution 46/122), to provide rehabilitation and assistance to individuals whose human rights have been severely violated as a result of contemporary forms of slavery. The United Nations Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture was established in 1981 by the General Assembly (resolution 36/151) to help victims and their families to rebuild their lives and to seek redress for the human rights violations they have suffered.
Based in Geneva, Switzerland, under the overall guidance of the Chief of Section, the University Volunteer works under the supervision of a Human Rights Officer and the Humanitarian Funds Secretary.
UN University Volunteer assignments are always without family.
 This UNV assignment is offered in the context of a programme bringing qualified candidates from the developing economies to volunteer with OHCHR. Candidates with disabilities from developing economies in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, Middle East and North Africa are encouraged to apply.
 Candidates must have completed their first degree from a university in the developing economies for them to qualify.
 Please, note that this UN University Volunteer assignment is limited to a maximum duration of 6 months;
 Applicants are encouraged to apply for this position if it relates directly to their studies, expertise and/or skills. You can explain why you are a suitable candidate for this OHCHR assignment while applying.

Task description

Under the direct supervision of the Secretary of the Humanitarian Funds, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:
 Assist in the evaluation of project applications;
 Liaise with applicant civil society organizations to provide technical assistance;
 Conduct substantive research on developments concerning torture and contemporary forms of slavery in specific countries, with the aim of helping the Organization provide direct assistance to victims of torture and/or slavery and their family members;
 Compile information on best practices and lessons learned from grantees of the Funds;
 Contribute to fundraising and communications efforts by updating strategy documents and workplans, preparing various fundraising materials (talking points, letters, factsheets, social media assets, impact stories, etc.), and conducting research and data collection on donors’ interest, priorities and previous engagement with the Funds;
 Help with the organization and servicing of annual sessions of the Funds’ Boards of Trustees, including public events and policy discussions;
 Take notes during meetings with stakeholders and carry out administrative duties such as the preparation of documentation and reference files;
 Perform other related duties as requested by supervisor, as appropriate.
Furthermore, UN Volunteers are required to:
 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;
 Reflect on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including participation in ongoing reflection activities;
 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:
 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;
 Projects to support survivors of slavery and torture in countries worldwide are evaluated, presented to the Board of Trustees of the Humanitarian Funds and receive support;
 Communications and fundraising for the Humanitarian Funds is strengthened.