Human Rights Associate

Host entity: OHCHR

Volunteer type: International

Areas of expertise: Legal affairs

Application deadline: 24/09/2026

Mission and objectives

The mission of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is to work for the protection of all human rights for all people; to help empower people to realize their rights; and to assist those responsible for upholding such rights in ensuring that they are implemented.

Assignment context

The OHCHR Country Office in Yemen operates pursuant to the Host Country Agreement of 2012 between the Government of Yemen and the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. Pursuant to the mandate of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, the key functions of the Country Office include monitoring and documenting the human-rights and humanitarian law situation and violations, reporting and advocacy, providing technical assistance and capacity-building, supporting Yemen in fulfilling its international human-rights obligations, and cooperating with national authorities, civil society and other relevant actors to promote and protect human rights.

Task description

Under the supervision of Team Leader and the Representative, the Human Rights Associate will undertake the following tasks:
• Monitoring, documentation and reporting on human rights violations
• Lead the human rights work on the right of minorities.
• Leads the Country Office’s work on human rights in humanitarian action, including OHCHR’s participation in the Protection Cluster and other humanitarian coordination mechanisms, contributions to the HNRP, support to the RCO on the UN Cooperation Framework, and civilian casualty monitoring and analysis.
• Assists in drafting periodic reports, briefing notes, background papers, meeting minutes, and summaries.
• Support in the organization of capacity-building and technical assistance work including workshops, seminars, and meetings
• Assists in the preparation of presentations, talking points, and communication materials.
• Assists in basic data management
• Conduct and participate in field visits as required
• Perform other relevant duties as required.
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

•At least two (2) years of relevant professional experience in human rights, protection, monitoring and documentation, research, reporting, or a related field.
• Knowledge of human rights
• Strong analytical and drafting skills
• Strong research skills
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, among others), email, and internet, and office technology equipment

Competencies and values

• Accountability
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Creativity
• Judgement and decision-making
• Planning and organising
• Professionalism
• Self-management
• Client orientation

Living conditions

Yemen is currently going through escalations in military confrontation between parties to the Yemeni conflict and this can impact travel in and out of Aden. Travel to Aden international airport is by use of UNHAS flights (Amman and Dijoubti) or approved commercial airlines. Yemenia (commercial airline) flies from Aden to Cairo, Amman, Dijoubit, Addis Ababa and Jeddah; sometime multiple times per week to some of these destinations. It is allowed for international staff to use Yemenia for traveling to and out of Aden.

The climate of Aden features a hot desert climate, with temperature reaching high 30s (centigrade) in summer and 25 to 29 centigrade in winter. The humidity is high and the rain is minimal.

Due to the unpredictable security situation in Aden, All UN internationally recruited personnel reside in United Nations Accommodations in Aden (some of the bigger UN organizations have dedicated Guest Houses and OHCHR rent rooms in these guesthouses). These guest houses are assessed and approved by UNDSS for security purposes. In case of no vacancy in the guesthouses, UN international staff can reside in Coral Hotel. Movement within the city for international staff is by armoured vehicles within designated areas, while in other areas, there is a requirement to get clearance from the national authorities and UNDSS.

Yemen is a unique country and with a unique humanitarian operation. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential.

You may check the full benefits and allowances applicable to the duty station using the UVP calculator. Please see the Conditions of Service for UN Volunteers for more information and details.”

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