Human Rights Associate

Organizational Context

The Human Rights Advisory Unit in Timor-Leste operates within the UN Country Team, supporting national efforts to strengthen human rights promotion, protection, and integration. It provides technical advice, capacity-building, and coordination to ensure international human rights standards are integrated into laws, policies, and public services. The unit collaborates with state institutions, the national human rights institution (PDHJ), civil society, and UN agencies to advance inclusive, rights-based development aligned with national and global priorities.

Job Purpose

The UNV Associate will support the Human Rights Advisory Unit in Timor-Leste by conducting research on the international human rights system and national human rights institutions, connecting these to on-the-ground realities. The role involves providing programmatic support and gaining practical experience in human rights and democratic governance. This position contributes to strengthening national capacity for human rights promotion and protection, working collaboratively with various stakeholders including government bodies, the national human rights institution (PDHJ), civil society, and UN agencies to ensure the effective integration of human rights standards into national frameworks and development initiatives.

Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the National Human Rights Officer, the UN Volunteer will collect and organize data on human rights issues, particularly concerning the Provedoria for Human Rights and Justice (PDHJ) and the Paris Principles. The role involves contributing to capacity-building and technical assistance for Timor-Leste's National Human Rights Institution (NHRI). Responsibilities include assisting in drafting briefing notes, background papers, meeting minutes, and summaries. The Associate will also support the organization of workshops, seminars, and meetings, and assist in preparing presentations and communication materials. Furthermore, the role contributes to producing regular updates on the country's human rights situation and assists with basic data management.

Work Experience

Requires 1 month of relevant experience. Demonstrated interest or experience (up to three years) in human rights promotion and protection, and democratic governance is required. Skills in research, analysis, report-writing, coordination, and self-motivation are essential.

Skills

Competencies include accountability, adaptability, flexibility, commitment, motivation, communication, creativity, ethics, values, integrity, planning, organization, professionalism, respect for diversity, self-management, and technological awareness. Expertise in community development, development programmes, and social work is also noted.

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