Development of a human rights economy communications strategy

Since Governments have the primary responsibility to protect human rights, the High Commissioner for Human Rights and her Office (Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights – OHCHR) provide assistance to Governments so they can implement the international human rights standards they've committed to. This assistance includes expertise and technical trainings in the areas of administration of justice, legislative reform, and electoral processes. We also assist other entities with responsibility to protect human rights to fulfil their obligations and individuals to realize their rights. We support the establishment and strengthening of National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs), and collaborate with them to implement their mandates to promote and protect human rights. We also work closely with civil society actors to build their knowledge of human rights and promote their participation in UN decision-making processes. As the principal United Nations office mandated to promote and protect human rights for all, UN Human Rights: Works with and assists Governments in fulfilling their human rights obligations Speaks out objectively in the face of human rights violations worldwide Provides a forum for identifying, highlighting and developing responses to today's human rights challenges Acts as the principal focal point of human rights research, education, public information, and advocacy activities Works with a wide range of partners in order to widen the constituency for human rights worldwide.

One of the key recommendations of a recent audit was to strengthen communications on the integration of human rights in the 2030 Agenda and on the office’s work to support the integration of human rights in national development, economic, and financial policies. Internal discussions have already highlighted opportunities to improve visibility through a dedicated web presence and more systematic integration of these themes into social media and public communications. This assignment will help translate that recommendation into practical, public-facing outputs that demonstrate results, partnerships, and impact more clearly to Member States, partners, and wider audiences. The assignment is expected to strengthen the office’s ability to communicate how human rights contribute to sustainable development, inclusive public policy, and the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. The Online Volunteer’s contribution will support efforts to make human rights-based development work more visible, accessible, and strategically communicated.

We are looking for 1 (one) experienced and creative Online Volunteer who will support OHCHR WARO with the development of a communications and outreach strategy on: (1) the integration of human rights in the 2030 Agenda, and (2) OHCHR WARO’s work supporting the integration of human rights in national development, economic, and financial policies. In close collaboration with the Regional Human Rights and Sustainable Development Advisor and the Communications Officer, the Online Volunteer will: - Review existing materials, key messages, and relevant examples of office communications on human rights, development, and economic policy. - Help define desired goals, outcomes, priority audiences, key messages, and channels for communications on these themes. - Develop a communications plan aligned with relevant moments in the human rights and development calendar (for example: Human Rights Council sessions, Special Procedures-related moments, international days, and relevant country-level dates/events). - Prepare content for the following quarter to help sustain communications momentum after the assignment ends. - Draft a small reusable content package, including: short web stories and related content pieces on country-level engagement and results; short “explainer” notes (1–2 pages) on the linkages between human rights, development, and economic/financial policy; and standardized talking points, FAQs, and key messages for office use. - Revise products based on feedback and submit final versions in editable format. The Online Volunteer will be provided with material and other sources to develop the outreach/social media campaign as required and available. For close coordination and discussion the Online Volunteer is expected to be available for calls via Skype, Zoom, or Microsoft Teams.