Director of Human Rights, D2, Department of Field Support

This position is located in the United Nations Mission in the Republic of South Sudan (UNMISS), reporting dually to the SRSG, through the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General (Political) (DSRSG(P)) and to the High Commissioner for Human Rights. Under the overall authority of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) and direct supervision of the DSRSG (P), with the substantive support and general policy guidance of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), and in line with Security Council resolution 1996 paragraph 3(b), the UNMISS Director of Human Rights will be responsible for the following duties in the Republic of South Sudan: Advisory and representative roles Act as the Principal Adviser to the SRSG and report to him/her through the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General (Political)DSRSG(P) on issues related to human rights, including investigation of human rights violations, violence committed against children and women and other vulnerable populations, sexual violence, protection of civilians, and efforts to combat impunity; Act as the Representative of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in the Republic of South Sudan, and report to the High Commissioner (HC) in this capacity; Represent the UNMISS Human Rights Division and OHCHR at inter-agency meetings in the Republic of South Sudan and, in his/her capacity as OHCHR's representative advise the United Nations Country Team (UNCT) and the Humanitarian Country Team (HCT) to ensure that human rights issues are fully integrated into political, humanitarian and development efforts and programmes including with respect to the United Nations Development Assistance and Integrated Strategic Frameworks (UNDAF and ISF) as well as the Consolidated (Humanitarian) Appeal (C(H)AP) processes; Represent the mission and OHCHR in human rights matters with national and international organizations working in the field of human rights, diplomatic missions, donors, and other international actors; Provide advice at senior levels to the Government of the Republic of South Sudan (GRSS), including the Executive, uniformed services and others, in respect to specific human rights concerns, bringing to their attention actual and potential violations of international human rights law, and suggesting appropriate actions; Advise the mission in the development of a comprehensive strategy for the protection of civilians; Advise the GRSS on strategies, policies and actions necessary to ratify key international human rights instruments, on its obligations under the Universal Periodic Review, and ensure respect and implementation of international human rights law and standards; Participate in the mission's internal policy and decision-making processes, including the Mission Leadership Team and Senior Management Group (SMG), as well as participating in the Principals' Management Meeting whenever a human rights related matter is discussed, and advise on strategic, policy and operational decisions that may have human rights implications; Inform other UNMISS components on measures to adopt for the protection and promotion of human rights, to mainstream human rights and to implement a human rights-based approach, with special attention to support national peace building priorities; Substantive coordination Ensure the regular and timely issuance of human rights public reports in consultation with OHCHR and the SRSG and of other relevant internal reports, including to OHCHR; Ensure that quality and standards with regard to human rights monitoring, investigation, verification, and reporting are met, as well as compliance with established monitoring, analysis and reporting arrangements, as relevant; Ensure appropriate liaison with South Sudanese authorities at national, state and local levels and ensure they are provided with regular updates on the human rights, justice and transitional justice situation; Collaborate with the Government, UN, and other stakeholders in the planning and implementation of justice and security sector reforms and provide strategic advice to improve the compliance with human rights and international humanitarian law with a view to combat impunity and consolidate peace; Provide support to the Government to ensure compliance with its obligations related to the protection of civilians including human rights defenders, victims and witnesses, in close coordination with UN Agencies, the mission and other international actors; Counsel and advocate compliance with international human rights standards in the drafting of legislation, including of the Constitution and further oversee the provision of technical assistance to this effect; Ensure investigations of human rights violations are conducted and recommendations of conclusive reports are followed up with the Government and, in this respect, advise the UN and other stakeholders on adopting strategies for the recommendations to be integrated in other programmes; Provide overall guidance and strategic advice on sexual violence in conflict to Women Protection Advisers of the human rights component including by participating in the strategic design of joint work plans and by ensuring high quality and timely monitoring, analysis and reporting. Maintain close liaison with UN counterparts in the Sudan, including Darfur and Abyei, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Central African Republic and Uganda, with regard to developments that could affect the observance of the human rights in the mission area; In close coordination with United Nations agencies, other UNMISS components, and other international actors, support the South Sudanese authorities and civil society at all levels to promote compliance with obligations related to the protection of civilians and to protect the human rights of those most vulnerable, including women and children, as well as human rights defenders, victims and witnesses; Ensure the integration of human rights aspects into the mission's efforts to coordinate mechanisms to improve protection of civilians, including through participating in the planning and carrying of mission's response; Ensure, as OHCHR representative, that human rights considerations are reflected and integrated in humanitarian activities, including in emergency planning, preparedness and response, and through participating in and/or playing a lead role in the work of the Protection Cluster, as appropriate; Contribute to the fulfilment of UN Special Procedures mandate holders and ensure provision of substantive support to the various UN human rights mechanisms; Ensure the provision of support to the Government, civil society and the UNCT on the preparation of Universal Periodic Review process and the implementation of recommendations thereon derived; Chair the missions' taskforce for the implementation of the Human Rights Due Diligence Policy (HRDDP) on support provided by the UN to non-UN forces and ensure that risk assessments are undertaken, advice is given to senior management on support, follow-up and monitoring, and that appropriate information is provided to headquarters' review group on the implementation of the Policy; Contribute to ensuring compliance with the UN commitment to mainstream human rights and integrate gender perspectives and specific women/girls' rights issues in all Mission activities, in cooperation with the UNMISS Gender Adviser; Managerial responsibilities Responsible for the overall management of the component and the provision of substantive leadership, through, inter alia, formulating a human rights strategy and the substantive program of work of the office, allocating resources, reporting on budget/programme performance, evaluating staff performance and ensuring appropriate staffing of the component; Ensure the Human Rights Division collects, consolidates and analyses information received from staff/offices from across the mission area, including through coordinating the effective establishment and functioning of a human rights database; the establishment of quality control mechanisms; and the timely and quality entry of data into the database; Responsible for the planning, management and implementation of OHCHR-funded projects in the Republic of South Sudan, in accordance with approved OHCHR biennial plans; Maintain close liaison with OHCHR-HQ, including with geographical desk officers; ensure timely communications on the human rights situation, and ensure liaison with the human rights treaty monitoring bodies and special procedures; Perform other duties as required by the SRSG and the HC. Work implies frequent interaction with the following: Mission Senior Management Heads and representatives of other UN offices, funds, programmes and agencies Government of the Republic of South Sudan, including at senior levels and local authorities National institutions, particularly the South Sudan Human Rights Commission Members of the South Sudan civil society, including human rights defenders and their organizations Senior representatives of South Sudan military and police Diplomatic community and donors The UN and Humanitarian Country Teams Other international and regional actors (i.e., ICRC, AU, EU) and NGOs

Competencies: Professionalism: Excellent knowledge of and exposure to a range of human rights and justice issues, including gender issues, the rules governing their protection and the mechanisms available in case of violations. Familiarity with the realities of conflict and post-conflict countries. Capacity to relate to and integrate human rights issues and perspectives into other fields - humanitarian action, development, rule of law, legislative reforms and vice-versa; Capacity to advise on legislative reforms; Sound knowledge on organizing and carrying out human rights investigations; Knowledge and understanding of gender concepts and methodologies and on women/girl's rights issues. Ability to work and act under pressure in a politically and stressful, difficult environment, with a minimum of comfort and in precarious security conditions; Sound political judgment, impartiality, diplomacy and discretion; Commitment to implement the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of the peace operation; Understanding of the South Sudan context and its human rights challenges. Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable. Managerial Competencies Leadership: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow: empowers others to translate vision into results; is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support; anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions; drives for change and improvements; does not accept the status quo; shows the courage to take unpopular stands; Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing. Vision: Identifies strategic issues, opportunities and risks; clearly communicates links between the Organization's strategy and the work unit's goals; generates and communicates broad and compelling organizational direction, inspiring others to pursue that same direction; conveys enthusiasm about future possibilities. Managing Performance: Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority; makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member; accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills; monitors progress against milestones and deadlines; regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff; encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative; actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff; appraises performance fairly. Judgement/Decision-making: Identifies the key issues in a complex situation, and comes to the heart of the problem quickly; gathers relevant information before making a decision; considers positive and negative impacts of decisions prior to making them; takes decisions with an eye to the impact on others and on the Organization; proposes a course of action or makes a recommendation based on all available information; checks assumptions against facts; determines that the actions proposed will satisfy the expressed and underlying needs for the decision; makes tough decisions when necessary.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in human rights, international relations, political science, law, or other related field. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience A minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible professional experience at national and international levels in the fields of human rights, humanitarian action, political or social affairs, including at least 10 in the field of human rights, including in the causes and resolution of human rights conflicts in accordance with international standards is required; such experience must encompass the monitoring and investigating of human rights violations. A minimum of 7 years of supervisory, management and leadership experience is required. Professional experience working with the United Nations Common System (including peacekeeping, political missions, and/or UN agencies, funds and programmes), or other international or non-governmental organization, donor and/or governmental representatives advocating for the promotion of and respect for human rights in a conflict or post-conflict environment is required. Proven experience in successful advocacy with host Governments, including in states emerging from conflict, is required. Human rights experience in assigned geographic conflict or post conflict locations is required.

Languages Fluency in English, (both oral and written) is required; knowledge of another UN official language and/or relevant local languages is desirable.

The United Nations shall place no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8). English and French are the two working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, TRAINING OR ANY OTHER FEES). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON BANK ACCOUNTS.

PLEASE NOTE THAT APPLICATIONS RECEIVED AFTER THE DEADLINE WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

How to apply:

All applicants are strongly encouraged to apply online as soon as possible after the vacancy has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the vacancy announcement. Because applications submitted by United Nations (UN) staff members are considered first, provided the eligibility requirements set out in ST/AI/2006/3 are met and the application is submitted in a timely fashion, staff members should apply within 15-day or 30-day mark.

Online applications will be acknowledged where an email address has been provided. If you do not receive an e-mail acknowledgement within 24 hours of submission, your application may not have been received. In such cases, please go to “My UN” page and check the status of your application by clicking on “View Application History”, and resubmit the application, if necessary.

To start the application process, applicants are required to register by opening a "My UN" account. Go to Login, and Register as a User. Fill in the form and choose a User Name and Password.

After opening the account, applicants may apply for vacancies using the Personal History Profile (PHP) provided. Once the PHP has been completed for a particular vacancy, it can be saved and used for future applications. The PHP may be up-dated, when necessary, for future applications.

In completing the PHP, please note that all fields marked with an asterisk must be completed.

UN staff members must submit scanned copies of their two latest Performance Appraisal System (PAS) reports at the time of application to the appropriate Human Resources Office (HRO)/Personnel Office (PO) to the email address below, clearly indicating the vacancy announcement number. In case you have no access to the digitizing equipment, please submit hard copies of the two latest PAS reports to the relevant HRO/PO via fax.

E-mail: eStaffing@un.org, Fax: 1-212-963-2800

Please see the Frequently Asked Questions, if you encounter problems when applying.