Associate Human Rights Officer

Organizational Context

The OHCHR Kenya Country Office (KCO) and East Africa Multi-Country Office (MCO) were formally established in Nairobi in February 2025, deepening engagement with the Government of Kenya. Operating since 2011, OHCHR's comprehensive mandate involves promoting and protecting human rights, monitoring the situation in Kenya, assisting State institutions in complying with international standards, and building capacity among civil society and other actors. The KCO focuses on Human Rights, Rule of Law, Accountability, and Peace and Security.

Job Purpose

The International UN Volunteer Specialist will strengthen the OHCHR Kenya Country Office team, focusing on Human Rights, Rule of Law, Accountability, and Peace and Security. This role is crucial for supporting efforts to prevent and respond to social conflict, particularly during electoral periods. The volunteer will promote inclusive political participation and social cohesion, with a specific emphasis on safeguarding youth, marginalized communities, and groups at heightened risk of electoral-related violence and human rights violations. The assignment aims to enhance the Office's capacity to monitor, report, and intervene effectively to uphold human rights standards in Kenya's dynamic political and social landscape.

Responsibilities

Under direct supervision, the UN Volunteer will gather and monitor information on the human rights situation in Kenya, with a specific focus on the electoral context, engaging with state authorities, civil society, and UN actors. This includes participating in and conducting monitoring missions and reporting findings. The role involves coordinating actions to enhance OHCHR's engagement on cross-cutting human rights issues, prevention, and early warning, especially during elections. The volunteer will strengthen strategic partnerships with civil society, youth organizations, and state institutions responsible for human rights policies. Duties also include mapping and monitoring human rights concerns, contributing to the registration, documentation, and analysis of violations in line with international standards to support prevention efforts. The volunteer will draft reports and correspondence, maintain awareness of political and legal developments, and support the design and delivery of technical assistance and capacity building to various stakeholders. Participation in meetings and discussions with authorities to prevent violations and seek remedial action is expected. The role requires liaising with government entities, NGOs, CSOs, and UN agencies to develop baseline data, particularly for vulnerable groups. Finally, the volunteer will support the planning and implementation of OHCHR projects, including electoral initiatives, ensuring the integration of a gender perspective and attention to women’s human rights.

Work Experience

At least three years of professional experience at national or international levels in human rights, rule of law, peace and security, or conflict prevention is required, along with solid knowledge of international human rights law and mechanisms. Desirable experience includes work on democratic space, electoral processes, prevention of electoral violence, engagement with human rights defenders, access to justice, accountability for human rights violations, women’s rights, gender issues, and rights of marginalized groups. Prior experience in complex political or electoral contexts, particularly in Africa, is an asset.

Skills

Key competencies include Accountability, Adaptability and Flexibility, Commitment to Continuous Learning, Communication, Ethics and Values, Integrity, Planning and Organizing, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity, and Teamwork. Essential skills encompass excellent communication (advocacy and written), strong interpersonal abilities (culturally and socially sensitive, inclusive, collaborative with diverse partners), adaptability to challenging environments, effective multicultural teamwork, self-motivation, ability to work with minimal supervision, and meeting tight deadlines. Affinity for human rights promotion and volunteerism is valued. Areas of expertise include Legal Affairs, Development Programmes, and Community Development.

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