OHCHR·Apr 2, 2026

Human Rights Associate

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Chief of Section, the Human Rights Associate will undertake the following tasks: - Assist the Section’s work to accelerate implementation of the 2030 Agend...

On-siteInternationalAssociate UCoS from Apr202610. Reduced inequalities
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On-site

Switzerland

Geneva

Duration

183 days

Extendable

Positions

1 Available

Deadline

Apr 16, 2026

1 days left

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Sustainable Development Goal

10. Reduced inequalities

General Information

Description of assignment title

Human Rights Associate

Assignment country

Switzerland

Expected start date

Apr 30, 2026

Sustainable Development Goal

10. Reduced inequalities

Volunteer category

Associate UCoS from Apr2026

Host entity

OHCHR

Type

onsite

Duration

183 days
(with possibility of extension)

Number of assignments

1

Duty stations

Geneva

Assignment Details

Mission and Objectives

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is the Secretariat Department responsible for strengthening international human rights mechanisms; enhancing equality and countering discrimination; combating impunity and strengthening accountability and the rule of law; integrating human rights in development and in the economic sphere; widening the democratic space; and early warning and protection of human rights in situations of conflict, violence and insecurity.

Context

This assignment supports the Sustainable Development Section (SDS) of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). SDS leads OHCHR’s work to integrate human rights into sustainable development and global economic policymaking. With staff in Geneva, New York and the regions, SDS provides policy guidance, tools, analysis, capacity building and technical advice across global, regional and national levels to ensure development strategies are grounded in human rights and effectively reduce inequalities. As part of this, SDS engages in major intergovernmental processes such as the HLPF, regional sustainable development forums, and the Human Rights Council’s intersessional meetings, as well as with the UN development system to embed human rights across UN policies and operational guidance. The Section supports States to integrate human rights into Voluntary National Reviews and national development plans and assists UN country teams to embed human rights in development plans, programs and policies at country level. The Section supports efforts to promote a human rights economy by addressing structural gaps in international financial and tax governance. This includes engaging in financing for development processes, contributing to work on international tax cooperation, and promoting fiscal policies that reduce inequality and strengthen resources for human rights. The Section also advocates for integrating human rights into measures of economic progress beyond GDP and for improved alignment of international financial institutions’ policy advice with human rights standards, including through analytical work on the impacts of economic conditionalities. Candidates aged 18-26 are strongly encouraged to apply.

Task Description

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Chief of Section, the Human Rights Associate will undertake the following tasks: - Assist the Section’s work to accelerate implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and beyond, including with research, organization of meetings, and development of materials - Assist with the Section’s work on policy reform relating to the international financial architecture - Assist country-level work related to the Human Rights Economy undertaken by OHCHR field presences - Assist with an ongoing review on integration of human rights and gender equality in UN development system country analysis and programming - Perform other related duties as required.

Eligibility Criteria

Age

18 - 80

Required experience

2 years

Nationality

Open to all nationalities

Assignment Requirements

Relevant experience

2 years

Language Requirements
EnglishRequired
Fluent
Required education level

Bachelor's degree

Area(s) of expertise

Development programmes, Economics and finance, Legal affairs

Driving license

-

Competencies and values
• Professionalism • Working in Teams • Creativity • Communication • Planning and organising
Skills and experience
- Knowledge of human rights and the 2030 Agenda - Knowledge of how human rights applies to development finance - 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 - Working knowledge of a second UN language is desirable.

Additional Information

Living conditions and remarks
Switzerland is a safe destination for both professional and personal travel. By exercising good common sense and practicing basic security awareness, travelers can easily avoid most incidents. French, German and Italian are official languages. French speaking regions include Geneva, whereas Bern and Zurich are in the German speaking region. UN Volunteer entitlements and allowances: The purpose of the allowances and entitlements paid to UN Volunteers is to enable UN Volunteers to sustain a secure standard of living at the duty stations in line with United Nations standards without incurring personal costs. The allowances are in no way to be understood as compensation, reward, or salary in exchange for the UN Volunteer’s service. Contingent on specific eligibility criteria, location of the volunteer assignment and contractual type and category, the payment of allowances will begin from the date of Commencement of Service For more information on entitlements please read the Condition of Service (https://explore.unv.org/cos). For information specific to your assignment please see below: Please note that the amounts can vary according to fluctuations of the monthly post adjustment. Monthly Living Allowance (Per month) apx.: USD 3002.91 Entry lump sum (one-time payment): USD 3500 Exit allowance (for each month served, paid on completion of contract): USD 225 Medical and life insurance: Cigna Private Insurance Leave entitlements: Annual leave: 2.5 days accrued per calendar month Certified sick leave: UN Volunteers are entitled to up to 30 days of certified sick leave based on a 12-month cycle. This amount is reset every 12-month cycle. Uncertified sick leave: 7 days for 12 months and 4 days for shorter assignments Learning leave: 10 working days per consecutive 12 months (shorter assignments are prorated)
Inclusivity statement

United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme that welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity and to promoting respect for human rights and individual dignity without distinction.

Note on Covid-19 vaccination requirements

Selected candidates for certain occupational groups may be subject to vaccination requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19), in line with the applicable host entity policy.

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