UNDP Jobs - 51774- National Human Rights Officer

National Human Rights Officer - OHCHR Moldova

Location :

Chisinau, MOLDOVA

Type of Contract :

Service Contract

Starting Date :

01-Jan-2015

Application Deadline :

01-Dec-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 (one) 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

Upon request by UN Resident Coordinator in Moldova (UN RC Office) a Human Rights Adviser was deployed to the UN RC Office since July 2008. The Human Rights Adviser assists the UN RC Office, UN Country Team in Moldova, Government 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 and gender, religion, disability 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 April 2014, OHCHR started the implementation of the European Commission funded project “Combating Discrimination in the Republic of Moldova, including the Transnistrian region”. The overall objective of the 18 months project is to address the discrimination in Moldova as concerns people belonging to stigmatized or marginalized groups. 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. These projects will contribute to the expected accomplishments as detailed in the OHCHR Country Note for the Republic of Moldova for 2014-2017, in parts concerning changes to policy and practice in the field of anti-discrimination, effective implementation of international anti-discrimination law acquis by the Moldovan judiciary and strengthening NHRI and civil society in these areas. The incumbent works in these contexts and supports implementation in particular areas delineated below.

The Human Rights Adviser Work Plan for 2015 also includes follow-up activities to work continuing from previous years, including as concerns: (1) combatting violence against women; (2) reform of the guardianship system on the basis of Article 12 of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), as well as other aspects of CRPD implementation; (3) human rights in the field of health; (4) strengthening National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) and advancing the National Human Rights Action Plan; and (5) human rights in the Transnistrian region, pursuant to the recommendations of UN Senior Expert Thomas Hammarberg. The Human Rights Officer supports Human Rights Adviser work in these areas.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Human Rights Adviser, the incumbent provides effective and efficient support for identifying, highlighting and developing responses to human rights challenges, and act as the principal focal point of human rights and gender equality for the OHCHR team. The Project Manager applies and promotes the principles of human rights based approach and results-based management (RBM).

The Project manager works in close collaboration with the Programme, Operations, Communications and other project teams in the Country Office (CO) for effective achievement of results, anticipating and contributing to resolving complex programme/project-related issues and information delivery. The incumbent is expected to exercise full compliance with UNDP programming, financial, procurement and administrative rules, regulations, policies and strategies, as well as implementation of the effective internal control systems.

The incumbent is expected to support the successful implementation of the projects and programs in the OHCHR/Human Rights Adviser Country Note and Work Plan as noted above. Under the supervision of the Human Rights Adviser, the Human Rights Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

•   Monitoring the human rights issues related to the situation of groups particularly vulnerable to discrimination and human rights abuses, namely women and girls victims of gender based violence, children and adults with disabilities, LGBTI individuals, people exerting minority religious beliefs or contentious political opinions, Roma and population in the transnistrian region, through research and analysis of incoming information from governments, IGOs, UN agencies, funds and programmes, as well as NGOs and individuals;
•   Following up on implementation of commitments on legal capacity reform, adult deinstitutionalization, inclusive education, prevention and protection from gender based violence, combating discrimination on grounds of religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation or gender identity, eradication of torture and ill-treatment in health care and social facilities, confidence building and securing respect for the human rights in the transnistrian region rendered by policymaking organs and preparing strategic advocacy interventions coherent with the HRA’s work-plan and the responsibilities assigned;
•   Providing support in amending national legislation to bring about conformity with the CRPD, CEDAW, ICESCR and related international and regional law;
•   Operating as a resource person on the national anti-discrimination law and supporting the work of the Equality Council and the National Human Rights Institution;
•   Developing presentations for trainings and other capacity building events related to the rights as envisaged under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, UN Convention on Eliminating Discrimination Against Women, International Covenant on Economic Cultural and Social Rights, as well as other presentations and other articles on the mandate;
•   Designing activities directed at strengthening the capacity of public central and local authorities, law enforcement bodies, private sector and civil society on upholding human rights, preventing and combating discrimination;
•   Reviews, monitors and evaluates activities relating to the implementation of international human rights instruments, including recommendations of treaty bodies and mechanisms of the Human Rights Council and provides support on strategic litigation cases before national and international bodies;
•   Working on cases of discriminatory ethnic profiling to identify and provide support for addressing human rights infringements and harmful practices on grounds of an individual’s race, ethnicity or religion;
•   Assisting the Special Procedures mandate holder(s) in fact-finding missions, including support for the preparation of the mission, drafting of mission reports and follow up to the implementation of the recommendations;
•   Planning new interventions such as multi partner projects and in close coordination with the HRA, taking full responsibility for and manage effectively and efficiently all project activities and resources (human, financial, physical / material assets, etc) under components of the project in order to meet expected results;
•   Providing support to the Human Rights Adviser in drafting of the annual reports under the United Nations – Moldova Partnership Framework (UNPF) and to the donors, if applicable;
•   Providing substantive input into OHCHR's policies and statements in areas relevant to the work of the HRA;
•   Supporting the provision of human rights advice and guidance to the UN Resident Coordinator and agencies of the UN Country Team in the Republic of Moldova, as required;
•   Liaising with representatives of governments, IGOs, UN agencies, funds and programmes, as well as NGOs and individuals in connection with the mandate and representing OHCHR at working level meetings with those partners;
•   Undertaking research relating to the mandate;
•   Providing administrative support to the HRA;
•   Performing any other duties as assigned by the HRA.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of and exposure to a range of human rights issues including approaches and techniques to address complex human rights reforms on legal capacity, adult deinstitutionalization, inclusive education combating impunity for domestic and sexual violence against women, accreditation of the NHRI, addressing discrimination cases on grounds of ethnicity, language, sexual orientation and gender identity at domestic level in their political, gender and socio-economic dimensions. Knowledge of institutional mandates of human rights organizations, prevailing policies and procedures, and relevant human rights, humanitarian and criminal law. Ability to evaluate and integrate information from a variety of sources and assess impact on the human rights situation in the region or country of assignment, including the political environment and legal statutes as they pertain to human rights. Ability to complete in-depth studies and reach conclusions on possible causes and solutions to human rights problems in specific societies and systems. Demonstrated skills in training civil authorities and members of advocacy groups to recognize human rights abuses and take action to hold authorities accountable. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

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 the audience; Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

TEAMWORK: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; Solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise, is willing to learn from others; Places team agenda before personal agenda; Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decision may not entirely reflect own position; Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

PLANNING & ORGANIZING: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; Identifies priority activities and assignments, adjust as required; Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; Uses time efficiently.

TECHNOLOGICAL AWARENESS: Keeps abreast of available technology; Understands applicability and limitations of technology to the work of the office; Actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks; Shows willingness to learn new technology.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Advanced University Degree preferably in law, political science, international relations, social sciences or other disciplines related to human rights. A first-level University degree in combination with extensive work and specific expertise on the indicated matters and a master’s work in progress may be accepted in lieu of the advanced University degree.
Additional training and certification in rights of persons with disabilities, gender based violence, forms of abuses in health care settings and strategic litigation would be an advantage.

Experience:

A minimum of three years of progressively responsible work experience. Significant experience of the UN human rights machinery and in particular special procedures mechanisms will be an asset.
Demonstrated ability to perform a variety of specialized tasks related to design, planning and implementation of projects for empowering and advancing rights of persons with disabilities, combating domestic and sexual violence against women and strengthening capacities of the NHRI, coordinating and ensuring synergy among partners, reporting.
Previous experience in work related to the development of grass roots human rights groups and networks of human rights organizations or related work at the national level is a very strong advantage.
Extensive experience in managing a multidisciplinary team.
Familiarity with the human rights based approach framework and results-based management tools is a must.
Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc) and advance knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages, experience in handling of web based management systems.

Language Requirements:

Fluency in oral and written English, Romanian and Russian.
Working knowledge of one or more additional languages relevant for Moldova, including Bulgarian, Gagauzian, Romani, Ukrainian or sign language would be an asset.

Applications should be submitted on line and preferably include Personal History Form (P11). Failure to disclose prior employment or making false representations on this form will be grounds for withdrawal of further consideration of his/her application or termination, where the appointment or contract has been issued.

Please note that only applicants who are short-listed will be contacted.

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.