HUMAN RIGHTS ADVISER, P5, P5
Department/ Office
OHCHR
Duty Station
KIGALI
Posting Period
2 August 2011-1 September 2011
Job Opening number
11-HRI-OHCHR-20326-R-KIGALI
United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity
Org. Setting and Reporting
This position is located in the UN Country Team (UNCT) in Kigali, Rwanda. The incumbent will report to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights through the Chief of Africa Branch, Field Operations and Technical Cooperation Division, Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).
Responsibilities
Under the direct supervision of the UN Resident Coordinator (UNRC) of Rwanda and the overall guidance of the OHCHR, the Human Rights Adviser (HRA) will be responsible to advise the UNCT of Rwanda and the heads of UN agencies on human rights needs and strategies in the country.
More specifically, the HRA will perform the following functions:
Advise and act as a resource person to the UNRC on human rights promotion and protection and rights-based approaches to UN country programming. The Adviser will also act as a source of human rights expertise for the UNCT for Rwanda in the mainstreaming of human rights, including gender issues, into the activities of the UNCT; work in close cooperation with the OHCHR Central Africa Regional Office (CARO);
The HRA will act as co-chair to the One UN Human Rights Taskforce and coordinate its activities as mandated by the Chief of Division. He will give technical human rights support to the Programme Planning and Oversight Committee, the thematic groups and other One UN taskforces to ensure mainstreaming of human rights in all One UN programmes.
The HRA will also support the UNRC and UNCT's participation in the larger national consultative processes, such as national poverty reduction strategies, with the aim of supporting the integration of human rights into national policies;
Advise human rights state actors (duty bearers) – including the Government, representative bodies and national human rights institutions – on how best to promote UN normative values; enhance legal frameworks and judicial capacity to take into account international human rights principles and develop the national capacity of protection machinery, including its ability to meet international reporting obligations;
In close partnership with the inter-ministerial treaty body taskforce, the HRA will support the framework for implementation and follow up of treaty body recommendations and the outcomes of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR). Work in close partnership with the UNCT and development partners to align strategies in line with the recommendations. Ensure that the next UN Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) cycle commencing in 2013 takes into account these recommendations and treaties ratified by Rwanda.
Work closely with human rights and humanitarian actors and other stake-holders to address emerging human rights concerns and assist in the development of protection mechanisms in Rwanda; Liaise with, and provide support to civil society organizations engaged in the promotion and implementation of UN normative values in human rights;
Monitor and report regularly on human rights issues and developments in Rwanda with a view to recommending measures to effectively contribute to the respect for human rights and the rule of law;
Facilitate the establishment of a thematic working group on human rights, and in close collaboration with relevant units in OHCHR Headquarters, identify and contribute to the development of Human Rights Based Approach training tools and implementation of best practices, particularly those relating to the promotion of a rights-based approach to planning and programming, coordination mechanisms, and inter-agency cooperation;
Develop, widen and enhance a network of partners and civil society in Rwanda and identify potential areas of cooperation for the UNCT;
Advise on strategic interventions, including country visits, by special procedures mandate holders in the region, as appropriate;
Participate as a resource person in human rights seminars, workshops and other activities in the region, as appropriate;
Write a variety of reports, communications, briefings, statements, etc.
Prepare a work plan, in accordance with established terms of reference, for review and input by the Resident Coordinator and OHCHR;
Perform other related duties as required.
Competencies
PROFESSIONALISM: Very good knowledge of and exposure to a broad range of UN human rights norms, standards, instruments, mechanisms, approaches and issues. Good knowledge of institutional mandates, policies and guidelines related to the UN human rights programme. Practical experience working in/with UN country teams and/or humanitarian operations and a good knowledge of UN human rights activities and operations in the field. Good analytical and research skills, including the ability to evaluate and integrate information from a variety of sources and assess impact on human rights; Very good problem-solving skills, including ability to identify and participate in the resolution of issues/problems; Good knowledge of the African region, including political frameworks and legal statutes as they pertain to human rights; Ability to take responsibility for ensuring appropriate attention to both gender balance and geographic representation in the implementation of project activities and to incorporating gender perspectives into substantive work; Ability to apply good judgment in the context of assignments given; ability to plan own work and manage conflicting priorities.
COMMUNICATION: Strong communication (spoken, written and presentational) skills, including the ability to produce a variety of written reports in a clear, concise style, to deliver presentations to external audiences, to build/maintain effective partnerships.
TEAMWORK: Excellent interpersonal and proven negotiating skills; Ability to establish and maintain trust and working relations with people in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
VISION: In-depth understanding of OHCHR's strategic direction and ability to transform it into a results-oriented work programme at the country level.
LEADERSHIP: Proven ability to provide effective leadership and transfer advice and knowledge to external partners, stakeholders, senior officials and staff at all levels; Proven ability to plan and organize the work of a unit/office and provide advice and guidance to others; Proven record of building and managing teams and creating an enabling environment, including ability to effectively lead, supervise, mentor, develop and evaluate staff.
Education
Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent), preferably in law, political science, international relations or other disciplines related to human rights. A combination of relevant academic qualifications and extensive experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Work Experience
At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience at the national and international levels in the field of human rights, including human rights mainstreaming, project management, training, working with UN country teams and addressing human rights issues in situations of transition as well as experience gained through advisory or managerial positions.
Languages
Proficiency in written and spoken French and English is essential.
Assessment Method
The candidates will be assessed through a written test and a competency based interview.
Special Notice
Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers In accordance with established rules and procedures.
Staff members of the United Nations Secretariat must fulfill the lateral move requirements to be eligible to apply for this vacancy. Staff members are requested to indicate all qualifying lateral moves in their Personal History Profile (PHP) and cover note.
United Nations Considerations
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). The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.
No Fee
THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS' BANK ACCOUNTS.
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