General

Description of assignment title: Human Rights Officer

Assignment country: Republic of Moldova

Expected start date: 10/01/2023

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

Volunteer category: National UN Volunteer Expert

Host entity: OHCHR Moldova

Type: Onsite

Expected end date: 05/31/2024

Number of assignments: 1

Duty stations: Chisinau

Details

Mission and objectives

The UN Human Rights Office (Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights – OHCHR) represents the world’s commitment to universal ideals of human dignity. It has a unique mandate from the international community to promote and protect all human rights. The OHCHR field presence in Moldova, led by the Human Rights Adviser, assists the UN RC Office, UN Country Team in Moldova (UNCT), Government and civil society in strengthening human rights and human rights-based approaches, working closely with the UN Country Team on capacity building and mainstreaming human rights in their work, as well as providing support in engagement with national actors on human rights, including advising national authorities upon request. Thematic priorities for work are: Strengthening rule of law and accountability for human rights violations; Enhancing equality and countering discrimination Integrating human rights in sustainable development; Enhancing civic space and people’s participation.

Context

The Human Rights Adviser presence was established in Moldova in 2008. It presently consists of 13 staff. Following the break-out of war in Ukraine in February 2022, OHCHR in Moldova started to conduct protection monitoring to understand needs of refugees, including of most vulnerable, to feed this information to the humanitarian infrastructure for appropriate responses. OHCHR, since the break-out of war and refugee influx in the country, has been engaged in mainstreaming human rights in the humanitarian response. In June 2023, OHCHR will start the implementation of a 12-months protection monitoring project aiming at improving the protective environment and the equal access to services for refugees with specific needs and the most vulnerable host community members. Starting from June 2023, OHCHR will begin a protection monitoring project aiming at improving the protective environment and the equal access to services for refugees with specific needs and the most vulnerable host community members in both banks of the Nistru river. Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Human Rights Officer, Project Coordinator, the incumbent will be responsible for project activities through a wide range of actions: data collection through interviews; data management; case referrals; reporting; accountability to affected populations.

Task description

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the International Human Rights Officer – Project Coordinator, the UN Volunteer Human Rights Officer will: – Participate in protection monitoring to assess the needs of the refugee population and host communities; – Conduct interviews with population of concern, in alignment with OHCHR monitoring guidelines and international protection principles; – Facilitate Human Rights Based Approach and protection mainstreaming in humanitarian action, in line with international human rights and humanitarian law, including in the work of humanitarian coordination structures; – Ensure the integration of gender/gender equality perspectives and attention that specific women/girls’, children’s, disability and minority rights issues are integrated into humanitarian efforts and response; – Conducts substantive research and analysis of human rights issues/events relevant to the refugee crises and assesses their impact on human rights; – Represents UN Human Rights at working level inter-agency and working level coordination meetings, as well as meetings with authorities; – Contributes to advocacy strategies and advocates for applicable international humanitarian law and international human rights law; – Contributes to the maintenance of a strong network of national and local authorities, civil society, UN Agencies, and other relevant partners for the regular exchange of human rights information related to the refugee crises; – Drafts and reviews a variety of reports, communications, briefings, statements, etc., in compliance with established standards. – Perform other duties as required. “This assignment is project-based and should be completed before the end of the Project, which is due on 31 May 2024. The extension of the assignment depends on satisfactory performance of the candidate and further availability of funds.”

Eligibility criteria

Age: 35 – 80

Nationality

Candidate must be a national or legal resident of the country of assignment.

Requirements

Required experience

15 years of experience in national and/or international level in human rights, or human rights in humanitarian action; experience of working in the context of refugee response, in humanitarian crises or with vulnerable groups is an asset, as is experience of working in the UN or other international development organizations;

•  Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills;
•  Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing;
•  Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development;
•  Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel;
•  Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment;
•  Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines;
•  Sound security awareness;
•  Have affinity with or interest in human rights in humanitarian action, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.
•  Knowledge of one or more additional languages relevant for Moldova, including Bulgarian, Gagauzian, Romani, Ukrainian, or sign language is an asset.

Area(s) of expertise

Crisis and emergency response, Legal affairs, Social work

Driving license

–

Languages

English, Level: Working knowledge, Required Romanian, Level: Fluent, Required Russian, Level: Fluent, Required

Required education level

Bachelor degree or equivalent in development studies, political science, human rights, international relations, public affairs, public administration, economics, law, social studies or related areas

Competencies and values

•  Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to OHCHR; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to OHCHR 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 UNDP 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’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

Other information

Living conditions and remarks

According to the country analysis at the World Bank, the Republic of Moldova remains among the poorest countries in Europe. More information about the country is available here: https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/moldova/overview. The Republic of Moldova has a population of 2,6 million (2022) and is bordered by Ukraine to the north, east, and south and shares a direct border with Romania. On 23 June 2022, the European Council granted European Union Candidate status to Moldova. Chisinau, the capital of Moldova, is the largest and well-developed city, located in the middle of the country. The city has a high degree of security, lots of parks, lakes and nice places with affordable restaurants and coffee places. It offers a diverse range of accommodation with properly working utilities. The public transport is cheap and accessible, but during the rush hours the city has problems with the traffic due to high number of cars. Taxi service is also available and can be ordered through the phone and mobile applications. The city has a lot of shops and several malls with a good selection of products. The Internet and mobile operators are not expensive and running with a good quality of the connection. There are public hospitals, laboratories, and private clinics, depending on the budget and needs. Moldova is a unique country and OHCHR is a unique organisation. 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. UN Volunteer entitlements and allowances: The purpose of the allowances and entitlements paid to UN Volunteers is to enable UN Volunteers to sustain a secure standard of living at the duty stations in line with United Nations standards without incurring personal costs. The allowances are in no way to be understood as compensation, reward, or salary in exchange for the UN Volunteer’s service. Contingent on specific eligibility criteria, location of the volunteer assignment and contractual type and category, the payment of allowances will begin from the date of Commencement of Service For more information on entitlements please read the Condition of Service (https://explore.unv.org/cos). For information specific to your assignment please see below: Please note that the amounts can vary according to fluctuations of the monthly post adjustment. Monthly Living Allowance (Per month): MLD 20,323.67 (the amount consists of the volunteer living allowance MDL 14,516.91 + Expertise differential MLD 5,806.76) Entry lump sum (one-time payment): USD 400 Exit allowance (for each month served, paid on completion of contract): MDL 1,209.74 Medical and life insurance: Cigna Private Insurance Leave entitlements: Annual leave: 2.5 days accrued per calendar month Certified sick leave: 30 days Uncertified sick leave: 7 days Learning leave: 10 working days per consecutive 12 months Maternity Leave: 16 weeks Paternity Leave: 10 days

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