Human Rights Associate, Dili, Timor-Leste

General

Description of assignment title: Human Rights Associate

Assignment country: Timor-Leste

Duty stations: Dili

Work location: On UN premises

Expected start date: 09/12/2026

Duration: 12 months(with possibility of extension)Long-term benefits and allowances

Sustainable Development Goal: 16. Peace, justice and strong institutions

Host entity: OHCHR TLS

Modality: Onsite

Type: International

Volunteer category: Associate UCoS from Apr2026

Work schedule: Full-time

Number of Assignments: 1

Details

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.

Eligibility criteria

Age: 18 - 80

Required experience: 1 month

Donor priorities:

• .

Nationality: Candidate must be a national of a country other than the country of assignment.

Additional eligibility criteria:

• This assignment is funded by the Government of Korea and therefore specific criteria apply:
• - Candidates must be Korean nationals. Fluency in Korean is required.
• - Candidates must be between 22 and 29 years of age at the time of application.
• - Candidates who have already served as UN Youth Volunteer funded by the Government of Korea are not eligible to apply (former UN University Volunteers are eligible).
• - Serving UN Volunteers will not be considered for other UN Volunteer assignments until they reach three (3) months before the end of contract date of their current UN Volunteer assignment. This provision applies equally to first and subsequent contracts.
• - Candidates may apply to a maximum of three assignments and indicate the order of preference in the 'Additional remarks' field when filling in the application form.
• - Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. The selection will be done by the UN Host Entity at the level of the country of assignment.
• APPLICATION DEADLINE: 19 July 2026
• +++ UN Volunteer entitlement calculator: https://app.unv.org/calculator +++

Assignment requirements

Relevant experience:

• 1 month

Languages:

• English, Level: Fluent, Required

Required education level:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Rights, Law, Political Science, or International Relations

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

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

Area(s) of expertise:

• Community development, Development programmes, Social work

Driving license:

• -

Other information