UNDP Jobs - 51450- Anti-Discrimination and National Human Rights Inst

Anti-Discrimination and National Human Rights Institutions PROJECT COORDINATOR - OFFICE OF THE HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS (OHCHR)

Location :

Chisinau, MOLDOVA

Type of Contract :

Service Contract

Starting Date :

15-Jan-2015

Application Deadline :

25-Nov-14 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

SB-4

Duration of Initial Contract :

1 (one) year

Languages Required :

English Russian

Expected Duration of Assignment :

1 year

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 started the implementation of the project “Combating Discrimination in the Republic of Moldova, including the Transnistrian region” supported by the European Union. OHCHR is currently beginning implementation of a two-year action, undertaken with the support of the Government of Norway, of a project aimed at strengthening National Human Rights Institutions in the Republic of Moldova. Both projects are done jointly with UNDP.

The Anti-Discrimination and National Human Rights Institutions Projects Coordinator required for this position works closely with and under the supervision of the UN Human Rights Advisor (UN Human Rights Office – OHCHR), and in the context of the Human Rights Adviser team: (1) to coordinate activities of the projects by planning, organizing and assuring implementation and follow up of the activities, as well as reporting and visibility activities under the projects; (2) to support implementation of activities planned for 2015 under the OHCHR Country Note for 2014-2017; and (3) 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 and in the context of the Human Rights Adviser Team and OHCHR 2014-2017 Country Note, the Anti-Discrimination and National Human Rights Institutions Projects Coordinator contributes to the effective and efficient implementation of the activities planned for 2015 in the OHCHR Country Note for Moldova (2014-2017), including the 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 and National Human Rights Institutions Projects Coordinator 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 acts under the OHCHR Country Note (2014-2017), the EU-supported project “Combating Discrimination in the Republic of Moldova, including the Transnistrian region” and Norway-supported National Human Rights Institutions project.

Summary of Key Functions:

The Anti-Discrimination and National Human Rights Institutions Projects Coordinator is part of the Human Rights Adviser’s (HRA) team and, under the overall supervision of the HRA, is responsible for managing the successful implementation of the project”. 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 and National Human Rights Institutions Projects Coordinator:

supports Human Rights Adviser Team planning and monitoring;
supports coordination of the two named projects, including monitoring activities plans of action and budgets;
organizes technical and content-related aspects of work under the two named projects;
works to achieve results for:
newly created 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”);
genuine progress on integrated education for Roma in problematic localities, including in the Transnistrian region;
LGBT peaceful public assemblies, including Pride 2015;
freedom of religion or belief in particular in Transnistrian region in particular as follow up to the May 2015 visit of the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief.
organizes trainings, roundtables, meetings with stakeholders, partners and beneficiaries;
acts as expert in anti-discrimination law, taking part in trainings as expert trainer as needed.
supports in key areas the work of the Council for Preventing and Combating Discrimination and Ensuring Equality, and Moldovan Centre for Human Rights.
supports documentation and publication/dissemination of achievements.
assists in management of cases under monitoring, in particular as arising within the two projects at issue, as well as providing substantive assistance with fact- and law-clarification or queries.
assists and supports monthly, annual, project-based and other ad hoc reporting.
additional responsibilities:
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 partners, counterparts and other externals;
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, 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

Demonstrated knowledge of the international law of the ban on discrimination;
Demonstrated knowledge of and exposure to a range of human rights issues;
Understanding of requirements of National Human Rights Institutions, in particular as set out under the Paris Principles;
Awareness of OHCHR institutional mandate, in the broader setting of the United Nations;
Good analytical and research skills, including ability to evaluate and integrate information from a variety of sources and assess impact on the human rights issues;
Understanding of human rights and discrimination documentation methodologies;
Knowledge of alternative pedagogy and training skills.

Development and Operational Effectiveness

Excellent communications and teamwork skills;
Strong organizational skills;
Strong drafting abilities;
Experience in undertaking analytical report-writing; experience with human rights reporting preferred;
Ability and willingness to deploy to the field, sometimes on short notice, for various types of missions;
Ability to engage with various partners and stakeholders at different levels;
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;
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.

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;
Demonstrates patience, stamina and understanding in difficult communication environments;
Ability to think outside the box;
Demonstrated ability to manage and to foster team spirit and synergy.
Experience in managing or organizing complex tasks or events.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Advanced University Degree, preferably in law, political science, international relations or other discipline related to human rights.

Experience:

5 years of experience at the national or international level;
2 years of experience in human rights, with particular focus on the international law of the ban on discrimination, or related area;
Experience of working with marginalized or stigmatized groups;
Experience in working with beneficiaries, civil society and public sector is a strong asset;
Experience in using office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc).

Language Requirements:

Fluency in oral and written Romanian, Russian, and English.
Knowledge of one or more additional languages relevant for Moldova, including Bulgarian, Gagauzian, Romani, 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.