OHCHR TLS / Published Jun 23, 2026
Human Rights Associate
On-site16. Peace, justice and strong institutions
- Location
- Timor-Leste
- Dili
- Duration
- 365 days
- Possible extension
- Deadline
- Jul 19, 2026
- 4 days left
- Assignments
- 1
- available position(s)
- Expected start
- Sep 12, 2026
- Volunteer category
- Associate UCoS from Apr2026
- International
Sustainable Development Goal
16. Peace, justice and strong institutions
Assignment
What the volunteer will do
Mission and objectives
The Human Rights Advisory Unit in Timor-Leste works within the United Nations Country Team to support national efforts in strengthening the promotion, protection, and integration of human rights across government, the national human rights institution (Provedoria for Human Rights and Justice), civil society, and development initiatives.
Context
The Human Rights Advisory Unit in Timor-Leste works within the United Nations Country Team to support national efforts in strengthening the promotion, protection, and integration of human rights across government, the national human rights institution (Provedoria for Human Rights and Justice), civil society, and development initiatives.
The HRAU (Human Rights Advisory Unit) provides technical advice, capacity-building, and coordination support to ensure that international human rights standards are effectively integrated into the national laws, policies, and public services delivery. The unit works in close collaboration with state institutions, the Provedoria / Ombudsperson for Human Rights and Justice, and civil society, as well as UN agencies to advance inclusive, rights-based development align with national priorities and global commitments.
In particular, the engagement with the Provedoria for Human Rights and Justice (PDHJ) is a longstanding one, where the HRAU continues to provide it with capacity-building and technical advice assistance. PDHJ is established by the Constitution of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste in May 2002, with its authorizing legislation providing the necessary legal basis for its functioning coming into force two years later. It holds an ‘A’ status accreditation from the International Coordinating Committee (ICC) for National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) being in full compliance with the Paris Principles as an independent and impartial body with overarching powers to promote and protect human rights.
The Unit reports to and is functionally supported by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), headquartered in Geneva and Bangkok. In this context, the UNV Associate will be primarily tasked with research in the mechanics of the international human rights system and national human rights institutions as it connects to realities on the ground as well as provision of programmatic support while gaining practical experience in and exposure to human rights and democratic governance.
Task description
Under the direct supervision of the National Human Rights Officer, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:
- Collects and organizes data on basic human rights issues especially relating to the work of the Provedoria for Human Rights and Justice (PDHJ) and within the operational framework of the principles relating to the Status of National Institutions (The Paris Principles).
- Contributes towards capacity-building and technical assistance efforts in strengthening the NHRI (National Human Rights Institutions) of Timor-Leste (PDHJ).
- Assists in drafting briefing notes, background papers, meeting minutes, and summaries.
- Supports in the organization of workshops, seminars, and meetings.
- Assists in the preparation of presentations, talking points, and communication materials.
- Contributes towards the production of regular updates on the country’s human rights situation.
- Assists in basic data management.
- Performs other related duties as assigned by the supervisor.
Requirements
Eligibility and qualifications
- Age
- 18 - 80
- Required experience
- 1 years
- Education
- Bachelor's degree
- Nationality
- Open to all nationalities
Languages
EnglishRequired
Fluent
Areas of expertise
Community developmentProject management, programme development, strategyDisability, other social inclusion aspects
Skills and experience
Demonstrated interest or experience (up to three years) in :
- Human rights promotion and protection
- Democratic governance
Skills in:
-Research, analysis and report-writing
- Coordination and self-motivation
Competencies and values
Accountability
Adaptability and Flexibility
Commitment and Motivation
Communication
Creativity
Ethics and Values
Integrity
Planning and Organizing
Professionalism
Respect for Diversity
Self-Management
Technological Awareness
Working in Teams
Notes
Additional information
Living conditions and remarks
Timor-Leste is half of a tropical island on the Australian continental shelf characterized by a rugged mountain chain running east-west that divides the country into a generally warmer north coast and a milder south coast. The capital city, Dili, is located in the north.
Climate: The climate along the coast is relatively warm hot year-round with an annual average temperature of 30°C. There are two distinct seasons: the north-east monsoon season, which runs from November to March, constitutes the rainy season throughout the country. The southeast monsoon season, which runs from March to October, constitutes the dry season with some rain on the southern coast but otherwise dry and windy conditions in the rest of the country. The climate inland with its high mountains can be very cold with an annual average temperature of 15°C.
Health: Public hospital and private clinic provide services to community. There is a national hospital with some international staff and a limited number of other private clinics in Dili (such as DMC). For more complex medical treatment and assessment, it is necessary to evacuate to neighbouring cities/countries such as Darwin, Malaysia or Singapore. There are currently no reported cases of Corona Virus in Timor-Leste.
Diet, Food and Water: Most staple foods can be found in the markets such as rice, meat, vegetables, cooking oil, salt and sugar. There is a variety of food ranging from Western to Southeast Asian fare. You can also find several local restaurants with less expensive meals. The price range for a meal can range from $3 to $14+.
Telecommunications: There are three telecommunication providers in country, Timor Telecom, Telcomcel and Telemor. The SIM cards cost $2-3 and pre-paid/pulsa cards range from $1 to $50. Further, depending on UN Agency, you may receive a PIN code to make international phone calls that will be charged to your VLA.
Hotels: The UNV Field unit in Dili will assist to share a list of approved hotels for you to choose from for your temporal accommodation, at your expense. There price of hotel accommodation starts from $40 and above per night.
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.
Inclusivity statement
United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme that welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, care protected characteristics. As part of their adherence to the values of UNV, all UN Volunteers commit themselves to combat any form of discrimination, and to promoting respect for human rights and individual dignity, without distinction of a person’s race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin, or other status.
Note on Covid-19 vaccination requirements
Selected candidates for certain occupational groups may be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) in line with the applicable host entity’s policy
Inclusivity statement
United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme that welcomes applications from qualified professionals. UNV is committed to diversity, human rights, and individual dignity.
Scam warning
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