Republic of Moldova

National Consultant to support revision of the NHRAP 2004–2008/2011-2014 and proposed amendments to National Human Rights Action Plan (NHRAP) 2011-2014 to incorporate the Universal Periodic Review and other international human rights recommendations

Vacancy Number: Pr14/00564

Location:	Chisinau, Moldova
Application Deadline:	26 Jun 2014, 23:59 (GMT+2:00)
Application Extended deadline:	02 Jul 2014, 23:59 (GMT+2:00)
Type of Contract:	Individual Contract
Starting date:	01 Jul 2014
Reference to the project:	Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights
Expected Duration of Assignment:	6 months
Submission Instructions: Proposals should be submitted online only, by following the “Apply online” link, no later than 26 June 2014. Requests for clarification only must be sent by standard electronic communication to the following e-mail: violeta.fetescu@one.un.org. UNDP will respond by standard electronic mail and will send written copies of the response, including an explanation of the query without identifying the source of inquiry, to all applicants.
Supporting Documents: Terms of Reference Individual Consultant Procurement Notice Personal History Form (P11) UNDP General Conditions of Individual Contract

Background

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) represents the world's commitment to universal ideals of human dignity. We have a unique mandate from the international community to promote and protect all human rights. We have an office at United Nations headquarters in New York and offices in numerous countries and regions. To implement our comprehensive mandate, we employ 1085 staff (as of 31 December 2013) based in Geneva, New York and in 13 country offices and 13 regional offices or centres around the world, as well as a workforce of 689 international human rights officers serving in UN peace missions or political offices.

OHCHR has signed commitments with the Council of Europe to undertake joint work and common action in those countries where both entities are active, inter alia with a view to strengthening the complementarity of human rights mechanisms in Europe.   These commitments were reaffirmed at a Workshop on Developing and Implementing National Human Rights Action Plans, held in Strasbourg in March 2014.

The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) is a unique mechanism of the United Nations which started in April 2008 and consisting of the review of the human rights practices of all States in the world, once every four years. However, the follow-up of the UPR recommendations is the most critical and important phase of the whole UPR process as it is the one leading to the realization of the UPR objective that is the "improvement of the human rights situation on the ground". The success of this phase will also determine the efficiency and credibility of the mechanism and demonstrate States’ engagement in the promotion and strengthening of human rights. This is also directly linked to the next cycle of UPR process which is commencing in 2012.

For detailed information, please refer to Annex 1 – Terms of Reference.

Scope of work

In order to achieve objectives the contractors shall support the work of international experts, including in particular an international expert to be named by the Council of Europe, as well as the UN Human Rights Adviser (OHCHR) to:

-          Thoroughly analyze the Report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review from 17 October 2011 and the corresponding responses of    the Government;

-          Undertake comprehensive examination of Human Rights Treaty Body Concluding Observations and Special Procedures recommendations to the Republic of Moldova;

-          Conduct a detailed analysis of the National Human Rights Action Plan 2004 -2008 and 2011-2014 (NHRAP) in cooperation with relevant national institutions. Asses the implementation results and impacts at national level of both documents taking into consideration institutional capacities of responsible stakeholders, financial resources allocated and used, achievements, progresses and backlogs in human rights filed in Republic of Moldova according to NHRAP implementation.

-          Meet with representatives of various institutions which are of relevance for the UPR recommendations, including National Commission responsible to implement NHRAP,  Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ministry of Labour, Social Protection and Family, General Prosecutor’s Office; Ombuds Institution, Council on Preventing and Combating Discrimination and Ensuring Equality, local public administration bodies responsible to implement NHRAP, relevant civil society NGOs, religious entities, etc.;

-          Assess which international recommendations will continue to require action after the end of 2014 in the framework of the National Human Rights Action Plan and;

-          Develop amendments to current NHRAP to its extension for next period 2014 – 2016.

-          Otherwise advise as to rendering the National Human Rights Action Plan an effective instrument;

-          Work with the relevant parties to develop and submit NHRAP draft amendments;

-          Facilitate and support inclusive consultations around the proposed amendments;

-          Incorporate relevant recommendations into the NHRAP;

-          Work with the relevant parties to support final amendments to the NHRAP;

-          Assist the relevant parties in informing and briefing the UN RC Office, UNCT and other relevant agencies in matters related to UPR implementation.

Requirements for experience

I.     Academic Qualifications:

• University degree in law, human rights, social sciences, or other relevant field; MA or advanced degree in these areas preferred.

II.    Experience and skills:

• 3 years of practical professional experience in human rights, including familiarity with relevant international and regional human rights law; Experience in drafting policy frameworks in the area of human rights;
• Demonstrated experience in comparative analysis, research, monitoring, assessment/evaluations in the area of human rights;
• Familiarity with the human rights situation in the Republic of Moldova; Knowledge of the national and international institutional, legal and policy frameworks in the area of human rights;
• Knowledge of policies, laws, strategies, action plans and factual scenarios in the Republic of Moldova relevant for human rights action; Advanced law, policy and professional document drafting abilities;
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills;
• Strategic thinking ability; Good PC skills, ability to use the Internet;

III.   Language requirements:

•  Fluency in Romanian and English.   Knowledge of one or more additional languages relevant for Moldova, including Bulgarian, Gagauzian, Romani, Russian, Ukrainian or sign language is an asset.

Documents to be included

Interested individual consultants must submit the following documents/information to demonstrate their qualifications:

1. A detailed curriculum vitae of relevant experience or P11.

2.  A written statement of not more than 1000 words:

(i) Explaining why you are the most suitable for the work;

(ii) Providing a brief methodology on how you would approach and conduct the work.

Financial proposal

The financial proposal shall specify a total lump sum amount, and payment terms around specific and measurable (qualitative and quantitative) deliverables. Payments are paid in installments and are based upon output, i.e. upon delivery of the services specified in the TOR.  In order to assist the requesting unit in the comparison of financial proposals, the financial proposal will include a breakdown of this lump sum amount (including fees, taxes, mobile phone calls, etc.). The travel expenditures are to be approved in advance by the Project Manager and shall be covered from the Project budget.

 

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