UNDP Jobs - 42768- Anti-Discrimination Project Manager

Anti-Discrimination Project Manager - Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)

Location :

Chisinau, MOLDOVA

Type of Contract :

Service Contract

Starting Date :

01-Feb-2014

Application Deadline :

19-Jan-14 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

SB-4

Duration of Initial Contract :

11 months

Languages Required :

English Russian

Expected Duration of Assignment :

1 year possibility of extension

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background

The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has had a Human Rights Adviser, based in the Office of the United Nations Resident Coordinator in the Republic of Moldova (UN RC Office), since July 2008. The Human Rights Adviser assists the UN RC Office, UN Country Team in Moldova, Government, National Human Rights Institution (NHRI) and civil society in strengthening human rights and human rights based approaches.
The Human Rights Adviser works closely with the UNCT on capacity building and mainstreaming human rights in their work, as well as provides support with their engagement with national actors on human rights, including advising national authorities upon request. Thematic priorities for work are: Countering discrimination, in particular racial discrimination, discrimination on the grounds of sex, religion and against others who are marginalized; Combating impunity and strengthening accountability and the rule of law; Strengthening the effectiveness of international human rights mechanisms and the progressive development of international human rights law and standards.
In 2014 the OHCHR will start the implementation of the project “Combating Discrimination in the Republic of Moldova, including the Transnistrian region” supported by the European Union. The Anti-Discrimination Projects Manager required for this position works under the supervision of the UN Human Rights Advisor (UN Human Rights Office – OHCHR) (1) to prepare inception of this project; (2) to coordinate activities of the project by planning, organizing and assuring implementation and follow up of the activities, as well as reporting and visibility activities under the project; (3) to support implementation of activities planned for 2014 under the OHCHR Country Note for 2014-2017; and (4) to support Human Rights Adviser work as concerns reporting, resource mobilization and other strategic tasks.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance and supervision of the Human Right Adviser, the Anti-Discrimination Projects Manager contributes to the effective and efficient implementation of the activities planned for 2014 in the OHCHR Country Note for Moldova (2014-2017), including the preparation of the launch of and efficient implementation of the EU-supported project “Combating Discrimination in the Republic of Moldova, including the Transnistrian region”. The incumbent applies and promotes the principles of results-based management (RBM). The Anti-Discrimination Projects Manager works in close collaboration with the project partners, beneficiaries and stakeholders for effective achievement of results, anticipating and resolving complex project-related issues and information delivery. The incumbent is expected to exercise full compliance with the planned activities for 2014 within the OHCHR Country Note (2014-2017) and the EU-supported project “Combating Discrimination in the Republic of Moldova, including the Transnistrian region”.
Summary of Key Functions:

The Anti-Discrimination Projects Manager is part of the Human Rights Adviser’s (HRA) team and, under the overall supervision of the HRA, is responsible for preparation of inception and managing the successful implementation of the project “Combating Discrimination in the Republic of Moldova, including the Transnistrian region”. The incumbent will ensure the provision of development services and products (commensurate with the scope of the project) of the highest quality and standards to national counterparts and for beneficiaries.

The Anti-Discrimination Projects Manager will organize trainings, round tables, meetings with stakeholders, partners and beneficiaries in relation to the proposed activities. More specifically, in collaboration with project partners, the Human Rights Officer will coordinate the following planned activities:

Creation/support of a network of children with disabilities /Roma children and their parents legally empowered to seek inclusive education in Moldova, including in the Transnistrian region of the Republic of Moldova (“Transnistrian” region”).
Actions to achieve genuine progress on integrated education for Roma in problematic regions, including in the Transnistrian region.
Actions supporting the freedom of expression of LGBT peaceful public assemblies, including Pride 2014.
Support for the establishment of the alternative service for conscientious objectors in the Transnistrian region, and/or other aspects of the right to freedom of religion or belief.
Training judges and others in anti-discrimination law, in conformity with international law.
Support with legal guidance or in key methodological areas the work of the Council for Preventing and Combating Discrimination and Ensuring Equality.
Support documentation and publication/ dissemination of discrimination cases.

Among the activities planned under the OHCHR Country Note 2014-2017, the incumbent will contribute to:

documenting and formulation of individual communications brought under OP-CEDAW, OP-ICCPR or OP-ICESCR (once ratified) on behalf of women from marginalized or vulnerable categories of women, including Romani women, women with disabilities, older women or women from the Transnistrian region;
countering discrimination, in particular racial discrimination, discrimination on the grounds of sex, religion and against others who are marginalized.

Additionally, the Anti-Discrimination Projects Manager will offer any other methodological support to the Human Rights Adviser, by supporting the duties concerning monthly, quarterly and annual reporting, resource mobilization, and related activities.

Additional responsibilities:

Organize and facilitate trainings on international standards and national anti-discrimination legislation;
Provide advice to the central and local public administration regarding human rights related aspects of its activities and assist them in addressing human rights issues that are relevant to its mandate;
Develop, widen and enhance OHCHR's network of partners and contacts in the region and identify potential areas of cooperation for OHCHR; Promote the ratification and implementation of international human rights instruments;
Provide support on strategic interventions, including country visits, by special procedures mandate holders in the region, as appropriate;
Provide advice and facilitate the provision of assistance as requested by Governments;
Participate as a resource person in human rights seminars, workshops and other activities in the region, as appropriate;
As required, undertake representational responsibilities on behalf of OHCHR and otherwise undertake assignments or missions within the region.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

Adheres to the core values of the United Nations; in particular, is respectful of differences of culture, gender, religion, ethnicity, nationality, language, age, HIV status, disability, and sexual orientation, or other status;
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
Accepts responsibility and accountability for the quality of the outcome of his/her decisions.

Job Knowledge/ In-depth knowledge of the Subject-matter

Has extensive knowledge of anti-discrimination law; understands advanced aspects of primary area of human rights specialization as well as the fundamental concepts of related disciplines;
Strong knowledge of and exposure to a range of human rights issues, in particular in the field of anti-discrimination;
Knowledge of OHCHR institutional mandates, policies and guidelines related to human rights;
Good analytical and research skills, including ability to evaluate and integrate information from a variety of sources and assess impact on the human rights situation;
Understanding of human rights and discrimination documentation methodologies Serves as internal consultant in the area of expertise and shares knowledge with staff;
Continues to seek new and improved methods and systems for accomplishing the work of the unit;
Keeps abreast of new developments in area of professional discipline and job knowledge and seeks to develop him/herself professionally.

Development and Operational Effectiveness

Excellent drafting abilities;

Ability and willingness to deploy to the field, sometimes on short notice, for different types of monitoring missions;
Ability to perform a variety of specialized tasks related to Human Rights Based Approach, including support to design, planning and implementation of project, managing data, reporting;
Ability to engage with various partners and stakeholders at different levels, to establish and maintain contacts with senior-level officials of the host government and represent OHCHR in national and regional fora;
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, is required to obtain, evaluate and interpret factual data and to prepare accurate and complete reports and other documents.
Capacity to achieve the goals as laid down in the Project Document.
Proven performance in organizing and coordinating major initiatives, events or challenging inter-organizational activities;
Adapts flexibly to changing situations, overcomes obstacles and recovers quickly from set-backs.

Leadership and Self-Management

Focuses on result for the beneficiary and responds positively to feedback;
Ability to achieve results and meet strict deadlines in an effective manner;
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
Tolerates conditions of stress, uncertainty or ambiguity and continues to maintain a positive outlook and to work productively;
Demonstrated ability to manage and to foster team spirit and synergy.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Master’s Degree, preferably in law, political science, international relations or other discipline related to human rights.

Experience:

At least five years of relevant professional experience at the national or international level in human rights or related area. Experience in human rights monitoring and investigations, promoting equality and non-discrimination. Experience in capacity building trainings for civil society, judicial and quasi-judicial bodies.
Experience in working with beneficiaries, civil society and public sector is a strong asset.
Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc) .

Language Requirements:

Fluency in oral and written Romanian, Russian, and English is a must. Knowledge of one or more additional languages relevant for Moldova, including Bulgarian, Gaguzian, Ukrainian or sign language is an asset.

This is a local position, therefore only citizens of the Republic of Moldova or others legally authorized to work in the country are eligible to apply.
Applications should be submitted on line and include fully completed Personal History Form (P11) as attachment instead of CV/resume.
Please note that only applicants who are short-listed will be contacted.