Assistant Human Rights Officer

Host entity: OHCHR

Volunteer type: National

Areas of expertise: Legal affairs, Project management, programme development, strategy, Human rights

Application deadline: 25/08/2026

Mission and objectives

The OHCHR Country Office works closely with all entities of the United Nations in Tunisia to advance the three mutually reinforcing and interlinked central pillars of the United Nations – peace and security, sustainable development, and human rights for all. In particular, the Country Office contributes to the implementation of the Call to Action for Human Rights launched by the Secretary General in 2020, which reiterates that human rights is at the heart of all UN action and is central to building sustainable, safe, and peaceful societies. In addition to monitoring and actively working to improve the human rights situation in Tunisia with regard to a wide range of rights, the Country Office contributes to streamlining human rights in the work of the United Nations Country Team (UNCT) in Tunisia, including with a view to advancing a human rights-based approach to sustainable development in order to accelerate progress in achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Notably, the OHCHR Country Office assists in mainstreaming a human rights-based approach throughout the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) with the UNCT and the Government of Tunisia, which is expected to be signed in July 2026 following consultation processes with UNCT and relevant duty bearers and other stakeholders. The UNSDCF will serve as a framework that strengthens the effectiveness of sustainable development in Tunisia and guides inclusive partnerships in line with the fast-evolving national and global context as well as the national strategies on development.

Assignment context

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in Tunisia (OHCHR or the Country Office) directly derives its presence and mandate from the Host Country Agreement signed between the Government of Tunisia and OHCHR in 2011. The mandate of the Country Office is also based upon General Assembly resolution A/RES/48/141 of December 1993 establishing the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Charter of the United Nations, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action, and subsequent human rights instruments that the Government of Tunisia is a party to. The mandate of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights includes a broad range of activities aiming at the promotion and protection of human rights.

Following the OHCHR global approach, the work of the Country Office is ‘people-centred’, with a special focus on individuals and groups in vulnerable situations that is guided by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the human rights-based commitment to ‘leave no one behind’.

Description of the project

OHCHR works to assist government institutions and State actors to fulfil their obligations through the provision of advisory services, technical assistance, and capacity building in response to the State’s requests and supporting stakeholders’ engagement with the international human rights mechanisms. OHCHR supports the capacity of right-holders and duty bearers to monitor human rights, to advocate for and to claim their rights, and to increase their protection capacities. The Office closely works with Parliament members, relevant ministries and institutions as well as civil society organisations across the country, including in partnership with the most marginalised and vulnerable populations in Tunisia.

OHCHR provides technical support to UN processes through a human rights-based approach to development and humanitarian action. OHCHR supports the engagement of UN Resident Coordinator’s office on developing and coordinating responses to human rights challenges, and supports UN Country Team engagement with human rights mechanisms, including incorporating recommendations made by human rights institutions into its policies and programmes, such as those made by the treaty bodies, and the UN Human Rights Council's Universal Periodic Review, and Special Procedures.

To foster the implementation of international human rights engagement, the Country Office provides technical support and assistance to the Host Country, the Parliament, judiciary, various ministries, the National Mechanism for Follow up on Reporting (NMRF), the National Preventive Mechanism (Instance Nationale pour la Prévention de la Torture - INPT), and other governmental or non-governmental actors.

Task description

Under the direct supervision of the designated Human Rights Officer, the UN Volunteer will support the work of the Office by contributing to human rights monitoring, research, analysis, capacity development, coordination, and community engagement. The UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:


1. Human Rights Monitoring, Research and Reporting

Support the monitoring and documentation of human rights developments in Tunisia, including relevant political, legal, and institutional developments affecting the promotion and protection of human rights.
Assist in collecting, reviewing, and analysing information on human rights trends, with particular attention to gender equality and the situation of vulnerable and marginalized groups.
Contribute to the preparation of reports, briefing notes, analytical summaries, and official correspondence on human rights-related issues.
Support the preparation of baseline assessments and background analyses on the human rights situation through research and information gathering from diverse sources.

2. Capacity Building and Human Rights Education

Support the planning, organization, and delivery of human rights training sessions, workshops, and seminars for government officials, national institutions, civil society organizations, and other relevant stakeholders.
Assist in preparing training materials, presentations, and other learning resources to promote awareness and understanding of human rights principles, standards, and practices.
Contribute to follow-up activities related to capacity-building initiatives, including collecting feedback, documenting outcomes, and identifying areas for improvement.

3. Human Rights Mainstreaming and Programme Support

Assist Human Rights Officers in reviewing human rights-related issues and integrating a human rights-based approach, including gender considerations, into programme planning, implementation, and monitoring.
Contribute to discussions with colleagues, UN partners, and relevant stakeholders on opportunities to strengthen the human rights dimension of programmes and initiatives.
Support the preparation of analytical inputs, recommendations, and other substantive contributions to inform programme development and implementation.

4. Community Engagement and Inclusion

Support community outreach and mobilization activities aimed at strengthening engagement with civil society organizations, particularly local NGOs and community-based organizations.
Assist in outreach activities with vulnerable and marginalized groups across different regions of Tunisia, including both northern and southern areas.
Contribute to identifying and documenting community perspectives, concerns, and challenges to inform human rights monitoring, advocacy, and programming.

5. Coordination, Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement

Support coordination and communication with government institutions, national human rights institutions, NGOs, civil society organizations, UN agencies, and other relevant partners.
Assist in preparing and organizing meetings, consultations, workshops, and discussions with relevant stakeholders, including government authorities and other influential actors, under the guidance of Human Rights Officers.
Contribute to maintaining effective working relationships with partners to support the prevention of and response to human rights violations.

6. Communication and Advocacy Support

Assist in drafting speeches, presentations, talking points, briefing materials, and other communication products related to human rights priorities and activities.
Support the dissemination of human rights-related information, messages, and advocacy materials through appropriate communication channels.
Contribute to communication and awareness-raising initiatives aimed at promoting human rights principles and standards.

7. Other Duties and Support Functions

Perform any other tasks related to the mandate and activities of the Office, as assigned by the supervisor.
Contribute to a collaborative, inclusive, and learning-oriented working environment and support the effective delivery of the Office’s human rights-related activities.

Skills and experience

1 month to 1 year experience in human rights, political affairs, international relations, law or related area is required.

Other competencies:

The UN Volunteer is expected to demonstrate professionalism through a sound understanding of human rights issues and their political, social, economic, and gender dimensions, as well as the ability to conduct basic research, analyze information, and contribute to reporting. The incumbent should show commitment to high-quality work, meet deadlines, and maintain composure in challenging situations, while ensuring the integration of gender perspectives across all tasks.

Strong communication skills are required, including the ability to draft clearly, listen actively, and adapt messaging to different audiences while fostering open information-sharing.

The UNV should also exhibit a collaborative spirit, working effectively within a team, valuing diverse perspectives, and contributing positively to collective objectives while supporting joint accountability and learning.

Competencies and values

Integrity
Respect for Diversity
Diligence and Professionalism
Accountability and Responsibility
Planning and Organizing
Communication and Teamwork
Adaptability and Flexibility
Creativity and Innovation
Self-Management

Living conditions

### 1. Living Conditions

Living conditions in Tunisia are highly appreciated and comparable to those in Mediterranean countries on the northern shore of the Mediterranean. The country enjoys a Mediterranean climate in most regions, with the exception of the south, which has a more arid climate.

In addition to its mild climate and diverse landscapes, Tunisia has a rich cultural heritage, making it a popular destination for visitors from around the world. The country is also renowned for its gastronomy and culinary traditions, shaped by its millennia-old history.

Tunisia has a well-established healthcare system and a quality education system. The country has the necessary infrastructure and amenities to ensure a satisfactory standard of living.

The capital, Tunis, is relatively easy to navigate. Public transportation is available and affordable, and crime rates remain relatively low.

As this is a national United Nations Volunteer assignment, the volunteer is responsible for arranging their own accommodation and covering their essential living needs.

### 2. Conditions of Service for National United Nations Volunteers

The assignment is offered for the period specified in the Description of Assignment (DoA). There is no guarantee of renewal or extension of the assignment.

Travel to the duty station, where applicable, as well as a settling-in grant, are provided when the duty station is located outside commuting distance from the place of recruitment. A monthly Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) is provided to cover accommodation, utilities, and basic living expenses.

Life, health, and disability insurance coverage is provided, including health insurance for up to three eligible dependants. Where applicable, final repatriation and resettlement allowances may also be provided in accordance with the applicable UNV Conditions of Service and subject to the relevant eligibility criteria.

### 3. Allowances and Benefits

#### 1) Before the Start of the Assignment

* **Entry Lump Sum:** USD 350
* **Resettlement Allowance:** USD 175 at the beginning and end of the assignment if the duty station is outside commuting distance, subject to the UNV assessment and applicable eligibility criteria.

#### 2) During the Assignment

* **Monthly Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA):** TND 1,879.74
* **Learning and Development:** Access to UNV learning, training, and career development resources.
* **Annual Leave:** 2.5 days per month of service.
* **Insurance:** Comprehensive health, life, disability, and malicious acts coverage for the volunteer, as well as health insurance coverage for up to three eligible dependants, subject to the applicable Conditions of Service and eligibility criteria.

#### 3) End of Assignment

* **End-of-Service Allowance:** USD 120 per month of service, payable upon satisfactory completion of the assignment and in accordance with the applicable UNV Conditions of Service.

Full eligibility requirements, conditions of service and application instructions are available on the official UNV platform.