National Human Rights Specialist (Khartoum) – UNDP
Job Description
Organization | United Nations Development Programme |
Locations | Khartoum, Sudan, SUDAN |
Application Deadline | 21-Sep-22 (Midnight New York, USA) |
Time left | 13d 16h 17m |
Type of Contract | FTA Local |
Post Level | NO-C |
Languages Required | Arabic ,English |
Starting Date (date when the selected candidate is expected to start) | 01-Oct-2022 |
Duration of Initial Contract | One year with possibility for 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
OHCHR 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.
Qualified female candidates are encouraged to apply.
OHCHR 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.
On 25 September 2019, the Government of Sudan and the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) signed the Host Country Agreement paving the way for the establishment of a fully mandated OHCHR office in Sudan, with sub-offices in Darfur, Southern Kordofan, Blue Nile and East Sudan. On 27 September 2019, the Human Rights Council adopted resolution 42/35, which welcomes the commitment of the Government to establish a fully mandated country office with field presences and requests the United Nations Secretary-General to provide all the resources necessary to establish and operate such a country office.
Following the signature of the Host Country Agreement with the Government of Sudan, OHCHR took action to establish an office in Sudan. The OHCHR Sudan Country Office’s mandate has four priorities in Sudan: (1) social and economic rights; (2) legal and institutional reform and transitional justice; (3) civic and democratic space; and (4) monitoring and advocacy. These four areas of work build on the priorities defined in the Office’s management plan (United Nations Human Rights Management Plan 2018-2023). The strategy takes into account the UN’s “Visioning Exercise” for Sudan, which recognized the importance of supporting human rights reform and promoting economic development. It contributes to operationalize the UN’s decision to prioritize gender equality and women’s rights, as well as the participation of youth, in line with OHCHR’s spotlight populations.
Organizational Setting and Reporting
This position will be located within the OHCHR Country Office in Khartoum and report to the Head of Office.
Duties and Responsibilities
•Researches, collects, verifies, analyses and synthesizes significant amounts of information of relevance to rule of law and human rights, including from open sources.
•Advocates with relevant authorities and other influential actors to stop or prevent human rights violations; seeks remedial action by the authorities to prevent similar violations from occurring in the future.
•Monitors the legal systems and policies and their compliance with international human rights instruments and frameworks and, where appropriate, advises relevant authorities, including on the implementation of recommendations by UN human rights bodies;
•Develops and, where appropriate, coordinates initiatives to strengthen the response to systematic and/or emerging patterns of human rights violations and abuses, including in relation to conflict-related sexual and gender-based violence.
•Conducts monitoring and investigations of human rights and international humanitarian law violations; including by conducting field missions and detention visits.
•Drafts a variety of reports and briefings in compliance with established standards;
•Suggests strategies to better promote and protect human rights;
•Supports national -authorities in implementing recommendations made by UN Treaty Bodies, and other mechanisms of the UN Human Rights Council, including the Special Procedures and Universal Periodic Review;
•Designs, as appropriate, delivers and evaluates human rights technical assistance and capacity building programmes for civil society representatives, and other stakeholders;
•Contributes to the establishment of transitional justice mechanisms and or processes provided in the Constitutional Document, and advises national counterparts on accountability and compensation mechanisms as appropriate;
•Contributes to the integration of gender perspectives/considerations and specific women/girls’ rights issues in all activities and for the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work;
•Liaises with appropriate national authorities, civil society, UN Agencies, Funds and Programmes with complementary mandates, and other relevant partners to monitor developments in the human rights situation;
•Performs other related tasks as requested by the OHCHR Country Office’s leadership
Competencies
• Professionalism: Knowledge of human rights issues and ability to identify related problems in their political, ethnic, racial, gender equality and socio-economic dimensions. Knowledge of institutional mandates of human rights organizations, prevailing policies and procedures. Research and analytical skills, including ability to identify and participate in the resolution of human rights issues. Ability to identify sources for data collection, research and analyze information and draft human rights reports. Ability to evaluate and integrate information from a variety of sources and assess impact on the human rights situation in the area of assignment. 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.
• 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 decisions 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; adjusts priorities 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.
Required Skills and Experience
Education
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law, political science, international relations, social sciences or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with three additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Work Experience
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, political affairs, international relations, law or related area is required.
Experience in organizations or entities related to international human rights standards is desirable.
Experience in national or domestic laws and/or policies, in accordance with international human rights standards, is desirable.
Languages
Fluency in both spoken and written English and Arabic is required.
Assessment
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which will be followed by competency-based interview.