Human Rights Officer, Beni

General Description of assignment title: Human Rights Officer Assignment country: Democratic Republic of the Congo Duty stations: Beni Work location: On UN premises Expected start date: 08/03/2026 Expected end date: 06/30/2027Long-term benefits and allowances Sustainable Development Goal: 16. Peace, justice and strong institutions Host entity: MONUSCO Modality: Onsite Type: International Volunteer category: Specialist UCoS from Apr2026 Work schedule: Full-time Number of Assignments: 1 Details Mission and objectives: MONUSCO/MONUC was established in 1999 under the auspices of the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO). SCR 2277 (2016) requests MONUSCO to support efforts of the Government of DRC towards the protection of civilians, through a comprehensive approach involving all components of MONUSCO, including through reduction of the threat posed by Congolese and foreign armed groups and of violence against civilians, including sexual and gender-based violence and violence against children to a level that can be effectively managed by the Congolese justice and security institutions; and to support Stabilization through the establishment of functional, professional, and accountable state institutions, including security and judicial institutions. The project aims at a better understanding of the most serious violations of human rights law and international humanitarian law in DRC and supports the leadership of the Mission through informed policy and decision making on future vetting of security forces through risk assessment and mitigation, joint planning for MONUSCO operations, as well as advocacy efforts. Context: This United Nations Volunteers (UNV) assignment is part of MONUSCO (United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo) MONUSCO took over from an earlier UN peacekeeping operation - the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC) - on 1 July 2010. It was done in accordance with Security Council resolution 1925 of 28 May to reflect the new phase. Between 2021 and 2025, the Mission entered a new phase characterized by a dual dynamic: continuing to carry out its core responsibilities—particularly the protection of civilians—while preparing for a gradual and responsible transition, in close coordination with the Congolese authorities and international partners. In 2025, the Mission operated in an increasingly complex environment marked by a renewed deterioration of the security situation in eastern DRC, including the capture of Goma by the M23, which significantly exacerbated the humanitarian and protection crisis in North Kivu. In this challenging context, MONUSCO continued adapting its posture to support civilian protection efforts, coordinate with national authorities and maintain engagement with international partners. More information: https://monusco.unmissions.org/en Task description: Under the overall supervision of the Director of the UNJHRO and the direct supervision of the Coordinator of the Reporting Unit, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks: Gather information and report on the human rights situation in a designated geographical area, including through close cooperation with other United Nations actors and the community; Keep the supervisor regularly informed on developments concerning the human rights situation in the area of responsibility (AOR); Prepare case files for submission to the authorities and for inclusion in the UNJHRO database; Participate in the establishment and maintenance of contacts with local authorities as well as international organizations operating in the country, and civil society; Facilitate the implementation of the human rights mandate in the designated AOR, aiming at the establishment of an environment of mutual understanding among the population; Draft, review, and coordinate the timely delivery of a variety of reports, briefings, and other types of communications in compliance with established standards, including with regards to public human rights reports; Ensure, coordinate, and supervise the timely entry of accurate and verified human rights cases into an established database; conduct quality control and deliver statistics and trend reports as required; When working with (including supervising) national staff of (non-) governmental counterparts, including Implementing Partners (IPs), the incumbent is strongly encouraged to allocate dedicated time for capacity development through coaching, monitoring, and formal and on-the-job training; Perform any other related duties as may be required. Eligibility criteria Age: 18 - 80 Required experience: 3 years Nationality: Candidate must be a national of a country other than the country of assignment. Assignment requirements Relevant experience: 3 years Languages: English, Level: Fluent, Required French, Level: Fluent, Required Required education level: Bachelor's degree in human rights. Competencies and values: Integrity and professionalism: demonstrated expertise in area of specialty and ability to apply good judgment; high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures in a politically sensitive environment, while exercising discretion, impartiality and neutrality; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented. Accountability: mature and responsible; ability to operate in compliance with organizational rules and regulations. Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment. Planning and organizing effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities. Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity and gender; Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; ability to maintain composure and remain helpful towards the staff, but objective, without showing personal interest; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups; Flexibility, adaptability, and ability and willingness to operate independently in austere, remote and potentially hazardous environments for protracted periods, involving physical hardship and little comfort, and including possible extensive travel within the area of operations; willingness to transfer to other duty stations within area of operations as may be necessary. Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance, and commitment towards the UN core values. Skills and experience: Human Rights Area(s) of expertise: Legal affairs Driving license: Light Vehicle (LV), Required Other information Tags human rights monitoring human rights officer human rights violations international voluntary services peacekeeping operations Skills Human Rights Report Writing Communication skills English French The recruiting organization, MONUSCO - United Nations Organisation Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, has not specified a closing date for this vacancy or continues to list jobs after their stated closing date. Because such positions may remain open, they are listed here until removed from the recruiting organization's website. Click the button below to verify its current status. More Information and Application Details