Background

The Office of the United Nations 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 OHCHR 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.   As established under its 2014-2017 Annual Work Plan, OHCHR aims at 5 strategic areas of human rights goals, including, as relevant to the current action: (1) Countering discrimination, in particular racial discrimination, discrimination on the grounds of disability, religion, sexual orientation and other criteria; (2) Combating impunity and strengthening accountability and the rule of law; and (3) 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. This project 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 civil society in these areas, implemented within the OHCHR Human Rights Adviser modalities.  The action is done in partnership with UNDP.

 

Duties and Responsibilities

The Project Assistant will report to the OHCHR Human Rights Adviser and the OHCHR Anti-Discrimination and National Human Rights Institutions Projects Coordinator, and works in a context of overall OHCHR annual work planning (budgeting), as well is in a wider UNCT One UN administrative context. The Project Assistant will support OHCHR in ensuring the smooth running and implementation of the Combating Discrimination in the Republic of Moldova, including the Transnistrian region’ Project. The Project Assistant will assist in the implementation of day-to-day activities, as needed, in the framework of the relevant OHCHR Annual Work Plan.  The incumbent is expected to exercise full compliance with all relevant programming, financial, procurement and administrative rules, regulations, policies and strategies applying.

Administrative management

  • Assist in the smooth and efficient implementation of project activities, as requested;
  • Provides logistical support to the organization of meetings, events, external translation and other related;
  • Assist the OHCHR Programme Assistant and other key OHCHR administrative and finance staff in all administrative-related matters, such as logistics support to different events organized by the project, drafting of the minutes for these events and, coordination of field visits and international missions to the project;  
  • Maintain records on all project personnel/national consultants and their respective status (contracts, ToRs, time and attendance-if appropriate,etc.) in accordance with accepted policies and procedures;
  • Prepare and issue contracts related to the project;
  • Make pertinent logistical arrangements for the prompt and effective implementation of project activities;
  • Handle the preparation of all project-related documents;  
  • Maintain the project’s database, including registry and maintenance of project files and records;
  • Maintain office equipment and manage office stationary supplies;
  • Provide general efficient receptionist and information services;
  • Draft and translate correspondence, when needed;  
  • Compile, copy and distribute all project reports.

Financial Management

  • Prepare requests in advance of funds and/or direct payments;
  • Monitor budget expenditures and maintain a proper record of budget and spending;
  • Prepare proposals for budget revisions;
  • Prepare and submit expenditure and budget status reports;
  • Undertake other financial and administrative tasks on ad hoc basis;
  • Arrange for procurement of equipment, supplies and services.

The key results have an impact on the overall successful implementation and achievement of the objectives of the Project.

 

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

  • Demonstrates commitment to OHCHR, wider United Nations, and the EU’s mission, vision and values.
  • Understands and adheres to all relevant rules, regulations and procedures and guidelines, including OHCHR and EU rules and procedures, as well as, where relevant and applicable, UNDP and UNOG rules, regulations and procedures and guidelines.
  • Adheres to the highest standards of professional ethics in a human rights context.
  • Exhibits the highest levels of respect for cultural, gender, religion, ethnicity, nationality, age, sexual orientation and gender identity differences, and endeavors on a permanent basis to advance self awareness of respect among the diversity of peoples as a core UN value.

Functional Competencies:

Knowledge Management and Learning

  • Shares knowledge and experience
  • Actively works towards continuing personal learning, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills

Development and Operational Effectiveness

  • Proven ability to problem-solve, and think creatively to develop and implement smart business solutions in a challenging socio-economic environment
  • Excellent interpersonal skills
  • Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing

Leadership and Self-Management

  • Focuses on result for the client and responds positively to feedback
  • Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
  • Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure or in situations of multiple demands
  • Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities.

Required Skills and Experience


Education:    

  • University Degree in economics, finance, accounting, law, human rights, public administration or other related field.


Experience:    

  • At least four years of experience in administrative work, accounting/finance, economics, or other substantive area is required.
  • Previous experience in an international organisation, consulting company, or NGO is a very strong advantage.
  • Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc) and advanced knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages, experience in handling of web based management systems.

Language Requirements:    

  • Fluency in oral and written English, Russian and Romanian.
  • 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.