Jobs - 55771- National Human Rights Coordinator:Office of the Un

National Human Rights Coordinator:Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)

Location :

Chisinau, MOLDOVA

Type of Contract :

FTA Local

Starting Date :

01-Jun-2015

Application Deadline :

01-May-15 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

NO-B

Duration of Initial Contract :

1 year

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

annual 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 United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has had a field presence in the Republic of Moldova since 2008. An initial Human Rights Adviser (HRA) arrangement was concluded for the Republic of Moldova within the Action 2 initiative and an international HRA was first deployed to Moldova in July 2008. The Human Rights Adviser position aims to bring the international legal and normative expertise of OHCHR in support of the Resident Coordinator, United Nations Country Team, Government, NHRI and civil society in the Republic of Moldova.

The position Human Rights Adviser has been co-funded by the UN Country Team since 2011. OHCHR is currently in the process of ending its international Human Rights Adviser’s presence and deploying a National Human Rights Coordinator.

United Nations support for the Republic of Moldova is currently done under the United Nations-Republic of Moldova Partnership Framework 2013-2017 (UNPF). OHCHR has extensive commitments to support effective implementation of UNPF 2013-2017. OHCHR acts in Moldova according to expected accomplishments set out under a Country Note 2014-2017.

Duties and Responsibilities

The National Human Rights Coordinator acts under the supervision of/reports to the UN Resident Coordinator in the Republic of Moldova, in consultation with the UNCT in Moldova, and under the overall guidance and supervision of the Chief of the Europe and Central Asia Section of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

The National Human Rights Coordinator advises the UN Resident Coordinator (RC) and the UNCT in developing their capacity and strategies to support the strengthening of national human rights protection systems.

Under the direct operational supervision of the Resident Coordinator, and under the overall guidance and supervision of the Chief of the Europe and Central Asia Section of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the National Human Rights Coordinator:

Advises the Resident Coordinator and the UN Country Team on strategies to build and strengthen national capacities and institutions for the promotion and protection of human rights, including through UN development cooperation programmes. To this end the National Human Rights Coordinator represents OHCHR in the internal processes of the UN System and is an ex-officio member of the UN Country Team.
Acts as national focal point for the implementation of OHCHR Country Note 2014-2017 and Annual Work plans developed under the Country Note, as well as amendment of or development of new plans and strategies for OHCHR activities in the Republic of Moldova.
Supports UN Country Team in acting on and mainstreaming human rights in agency- and inter-agency work.
Acts to support implementation of recommendations arising from international human rights mechanisms, as well as priorities identified during missions by the High Commissioner and Deputy High Commissioner, as well as recommendations by Senior Expert Thomas Hammarberg concerning human rights in the Transnistrian region of the Republic of Moldova.
Advises human rights state actors – including the Government, representative bodies and national human rights institutions and civil society – on how best to: promote UN norms and standards; enhance legal frameworks and judicial capacity; and develop the national capacity of protection machinery, including its ability to meet international reporting obligations.
Liaises with, and provides support to civil society organizations engaged in the promotion and implementation of UN norms and standards in human rights.
Follows and analyzes the human rights situation in the Republic of Moldova, providing issue-based or situational assessments to OHCHR and the RC as appropriate.
Supports efficient management of financial, human and physical resources of OHCHR, including via supporting planning and programming of expenditures and ensuring implementation and delivery according to the approved cost plan, including ongoing review of obligations and allotments; supervising consultants and other personnel, ensuring substantive programme delivery as well as compliance with performance management requirements; supporting resource mobilization initiatives; other as relevant.

Competencies

Professionalism:

Knowledge of and exposure to a range of human rights issues, to include approaches and techniques to address sensitive and complex problems.
Excellent knowledge of the international human rights system.
Good knowledge of institutional mandates, policies and guidelines related to human rights;
Understanding of human rights issues in the Republic of Moldova, including the political environment and legal framework as concerns human rights;
Experience of providing capacity building to national human rights institutions and/or other actors;
Demonstrated ability to complete in-depth studies and reach conclusions on possible causes and solutions to human rights problems in specific contexts and systems;
Excellent communications skills, including the ability to convey complex concepts and recommendations at senior levels, in a clear concise style;
Discretion and sound judgment in applying expertise to resolve complex and/or sensitive issues;
Ability to establish priorities and plan work assignments.
Familiarity with the UN human rights system.
Demonstrated advocacy, communications and networking skills.

Technological awareness:

Good computer skills.

Teamwork:

Ability to interact and to establish and maintain effective working relationships both as a team member and team leader, with people from different national, cultural or other backgrounds

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Masters’ degree in human rights, public or international law, political science, international relation or a related field. A combination of relevant academic qualifications and relevant substantive experience may be accepted in lieu of a Masters’ degree.

Experience:

Specialised knowledge and working experience with regard to the international human rights machinery and treaties.
A minimum of 2 years of applied professional experience at national and/or international level in the field of human rights, development and/or humanitarian experience.

Language Requirements:

Fluency in oral and written English and Romanian; fluency in Russian is an asset; working knowledge of one or more additional languages relevant for Moldova including Bulgarian, Gagauzian, Romani, Ukrainian or sign language is an asset.
Is respectful of differences of culture, gender, religion ethnicity, nationality, language, HIV status, disability and sexual orientation, gender identity or other status.

This is a local position, therefore only citizens of the Republic of Moldova 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.