Programme Support Associate: Human Rights

Organizational Context

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) promotes and protects human rights globally. In South Africa, OHCHR supports national and regional initiatives through policy dialogue, technical cooperation, and partnerships, contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework. The Regional Office for Southern Africa (ROSA), based in Pretoria, provides technical support to UN Country Teams and stakeholders on various human rights issues, including early warning, rule of law, and equality, while also analyzing regional human rights trends.

Job Purpose

This role supports the OHCHR Regional Office for Southern Africa (ROSA) in Pretoria, contributing to the UN Country Team's work in South Africa. The assignment offers structured mentoring and workplace learning, focusing on strengthening competencies in programme support, coordination, partnerships, communication, and organizational management. The UN Volunteer will play a key role in enhancing collaboration across the UN system by supporting OHCHR's engagement in coordination mechanisms, research, reporting, stakeholder engagement, and administrative functions, ultimately contributing to the effective promotion and protection of human rights in the region.

Responsibilities

The Programme Support Associate will support OHCHR's engagement in UN coordination mechanisms, including co-chairing the Partnerships and Resource Mobilisation (PRM) Group and participating in Results Groups. This involves planning meetings, preparing documentation (agendas, minutes, reports), and following up on action plans to strengthen collaboration and joint programming. The role also includes supporting research and knowledge management by compiling information on human rights and development issues, monitoring the human rights situation, and assisting in preparing briefing notes and presentations. Furthermore, the Associate will support stakeholder engagement and communications by coordinating interactions with government, UN entities, and civil society, and assisting in organizing events and preparing visibility materials. General administrative support for programme operations, including logistics, travel, procurement, and record management, is also a key responsibility.

Work Experience

No prior experience is required, but one year of relevant experience is desirable. This includes experience in human rights, governance, development programmes, public policy, research, programme support, stakeholder engagement, project coordination, partnerships, knowledge management, reporting, inter-agency coordination, or administrative support. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and skills in research, data collection, analysis, report writing, and event coordination are beneficial.

Skills

Key competencies include Accountability, Adaptability and Flexibility, Building Trust, Client Orientation, Commitment and Motivation, Continuous Learning, Communication, Ethics and Values, Integrity, Knowledge Sharing, Planning and Organizing, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity, Self-Management, Technological Awareness, and Working in Teams. Specific skills in Administration and Legal affairs are also relevant.

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