Human Rights Associate

Host entity: OHCHR

Volunteer type: International

Areas of expertise: Emergency preparedness, crisis response, Legal affairs

Application deadline: 05/10/2026

Mission and objectives

The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (UN Human Rights or OHCHR) is the leading UN entity on human rights. It was created by the General Assembly of the United Nations in December 1993 through its resolution 48/141.

As the principal United Nations office mandated to promote and protect human rights for all, UN Human Rights performs the following functions (among others):
• Promotes and protects the effective enjoyment of all human rights, including civil, cultural, economic, political and social rights by all, and the realization of the right to development;
• Engages in dialogue with all governments in the exercise of their mandate with a view to ensuring respect for all human rights;
• Plays an active role in removing current obstacles and addressing challenges to the full realization of all human rights and preventing the continuation of human rights violations throughout the world;
• Expands international cooperation for the protection and promotion of all human rights;
• Coordinates activities for the promotion and protection of human rights throughout the United Nations system.

Assignment context

The UN Volunteer will contribute to the strengthening of the strategic thematic priorities for the current planning cycle, including the implementation of a gender perspective. The UNV Volunteer will interact with other UN agencies, funds, and programs, as well as with public institutions, authorities, and civil society, particularly those dedicated to the promotion and protection of human rights.

Task description

Under the direct supervision of the Unit Coordinator, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

- Gather information and report on the human rights situation in the thematic area, including through contacts with other United Nations actors, humanitarian actors and civil society.
- Support the assistance to civil society organization to develop and implement policies and training programs with attention to gender perspective, including diversity and inclusive approaches.
- Conduct substantive research analysis of compliance of national legal framework and/or public policies with international human rights standards.
- Promote dialogue between local human rights and civil society networks, humanitarian actors, and the OHCHR Office in Venezuela on measures to promote the observance of human rights.
- Use the OHCHR database to enter cases and document allegations and violations of human rights.
- Provide technical assistance and follow up to activities with counterparts and partners at different levels within the framework of the Office´s Mandate.
- Assist in other duties relevant to the post, as requested by the Unit Coordinator.

Results/expected outputs

As an active OHCHR team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to OHCHR and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including:
- Systematic and timely collection, verification, and analysis of information on human rights issues, generating high-quality inputs for reports, briefings, and advocacy, including accurate documentation in the OHCHR database.
- Effective support to the preparation and implementation of field missions, including timely drafting of mission reports and follow-up actions, contributing to evidence-based assessment of human rights trends and cases.
- Substantive contributions to the analysis of national legislation and public policies against international human rights standards, informing advocacy, engagement strategies, and technical advice.
- Strengthened collaboration and dialogue with civil society, local authorities, and other stakeholders, contributing to improved awareness, capacity, and concrete measures to promote and protect human rights at the local level, including through technical assistance activities.

During the first month of the assignment, the UN Volunteer will work closely with his/her direct supervisor to finalize an agreed-upon work plan. The work plan should outline key objectives and activities and include regular check ins with the supervisor to review progress and receive performance feedback.

Skills and experience

Demonstrated interest and/or experience (ideally one year):

- Knowledge of the UN International human rights standards and mechanisms.
- Experience working in the Latin American Region and/or knowledge of the human rights in the region is considered an advantage.
- Experience on monitoring and reporting on human rights desirable.
- Experience in the application of international human rights law, standards and protections mechanisms is highly desirable.
- Commitment to volunteerism, previous experience as a volunteer or with human rights volunteer organizations is an advantage.
- Excellent oral and written skills in English and Spanish; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills.
- 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.
- 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 and to deliver under pressure.

Competencies and values

- Adaptability and Flexibility
- Building Trust
- Commitment and Motivation
- Communication
- Empowering Others
- Ethics and Values
- Professionalism

Living conditions

Caracas, the capital of Venezuela, is a family duty station (classified as “C” by the UN system) with a mild tropical climate and average temperatures ranging between 20–28°C throughout the year. The city offers a vibrant cultural environment with a wide range of restaurants, shopping centers, sports facilities, and cultural activities. Accommodation is available in serviced apartments, hotels, and residential compounds, mainly in the eastern and southeastern areas of the city. International schools and private bilingual education options are available, although places may be limited. Food and basic consumer goods are generally available in supermarkets and commercial areas, and international debit/credit cards and USD cash are widely used in daily transactions. Internet and mobile communications are broadly available, though occasional interruptions in electricity and connectivity may occur. Private medical facilities of acceptable standard are accessible in Caracas, including clinics cleared by the UN system for international personnel.

As in many large urban centers, staff are advised to maintain good security awareness and follow UN security guidance while moving around the city. Certain low-income areas and zones affected by criminal activity should be avoided, particularly at night or during periods of unrest. Road traffic can be heavy, especially between the city and Simón Bolívar International Airport (Maiquetía), where travel times may vary significantly depending on traffic conditions. Air connectivity to and from Caracas remains operational, although some international airlines may adjust schedules or routes periodically, so flexibility in travel planning is recommended. Visitors are encouraged to maintain a low profile, use reliable transportation arrangements, and follow standard precautions regarding personal belongings and photography near official or military facilities. Overall, with appropriate security measures and situational awareness, international personnel continue to live and work in Caracas.

Conditions of Service

The Conditions of Service, available here: https://explore.unv.org/cos, outline the policies and rules governing UN Volunteer assignments. Full information on entitlements at the duty station can be accessed here: https://app.unv.org/calculator.

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