Programme Officer - Democratic Governance and Human Rights

UNDP Kenya would like to recruit a Programme Officer - Democratic Governance and Human Rights on a service contract (SB4).

Background

One of the five priority areas of focus under the GOK/UNDP Country Programme is ‘Fostering Democratic Governance.’

Under this programme area, UNDP seeks to strengthen the national capacity towards progressive and accelerated realization of human rights and deepened democratic governance.

UNDP works closely with both governmental and non-state actors in this regard. Particular emphasis is placed on gender equality and women’s empowerment.

The programme also contributes to a process which builds a culture of respect for the rule of law and promotes progressive realization of citizen-centred reforms in the public sector.

Furthermore, this component will also promote accountable and participatory development programming, policy formulation and implementation at the national and local levels.

The values that underpin the work of this component include respect for the rule of law, citizens’ responsibilities, gender equality, tolerance, and access to justice and the realization of human rights UNDP has been working with the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, Ministry of Justice National Cohesion and Constitutional Affairs and other stakeholders, in implementing the Constitution.

The inclusion of the economic, social and cultural rights in the Constitution in addition to the civil and political rights provides the basis to support the duty bearers to understand their role in realization of these rights for the rights holders.

The Programme Officer will be based at UNDP Kenya offices and will work in liaison with the KNCHR Secretary and shall be responsible for management of UNDP-KNCHR project on ‘Supporting the realization of Human Rights and Access to Justice in Kenya’.

Position Information

Under the supervision of the Team Leader of the Governance Unit, and working closely with the other Governance team members, the Programme Officer will:

• Work in collaboration with the KNCHR Secretary in the day-to-day management of implementation of the project activities, as per the Project Work Plan.
• Planning, monitoring, reporting, financial management and evaluating the progress of the project as per the Project Work Plan and ensuring compliance with UNDP and/or Implementing Partners rules and regulations.
• Ensure coordination of the project implementation process with relevant stakeholders to ensure coherence, including their involvement in monitoring and evaluating project activities, joint field visits to enhance appreciation of the project’s work.
• Provide technical expertise into strategic planning of the project implementation process.
• In collaboration with the KNCHR Secretary, ensure preparation of project reviews and final evaluations, as well as audits, including action plans to implement audit recommendations.
• Engagement with key partners to influence policies and issues as relates to national cohesion, integration, reconciliation, peace building and conflict prevention, among other related issues.
• In collaboration with the KNCHR Secretary manage project communication and publicity and development of project documentation for the same.
• Ensure mainstreaming of relevant issues such as Gender, Human Rights Based Approach, Disability and Marginalized group issues among others in the implementation of the project.
• Undertake any other responsibilities as may be assigned in relation to this position, as well as perform other tasks as assigned by the Unit Team Leader or by UNDP Senior Management.

Qualifications

• At least a Masters Degree in Law, Political Science, Human Rights, Social Science, International Relations, Development studies or other relevant area.

Experience

• Five (5) years experience in management and implementation of development programmes in the area of governance, law and human rights;
• Experience in results based planning and financial planning;
• Experience in HRBA to programming;
• Good expertise and experience in gender mainstreaming;
• Good strategic thinking, together with strong analytical skills;
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to work with minimum supervision and in a multicultural setting.
• Familiarity with UNDP/UN and/or Government management/ financial procedures.

Application Procedure

Interested and qualified persons should apply on the UNDP Kenya e-Recruitment portal located on the UNDP Kenya website - http://www.ke.undp.org on or before 26 February 2012.

Select “e-Recruitment Portal” under “Operations/Human Resources”.

Applicants are required to fill and sign a Personal History Form (P11) Form and submit it together with their online application

Applications received via other means will not be accepted.

Additional considerations

1. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

2. UNDP will only be able to respond to those applications in which there is further interest.

“UNDP is an equal opportunity employer which strives to achieve overall balance in its staffing patterns”.