Job title: SENIOR HUMAN RIGHTS OFFICER
Contract type: Permanent
Percentage: 100%
Location: New York
Employer: Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights
Closing date: 16-12-2013
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SENIOR HUMAN RIGHTS OFFICER, P5
This position is located in the Global Focal Point on Police, Justice and Corrections (GFP) co-location established at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The appointment will be made for an initial period of one year. The incumbent reports to the Chief of the Rule of Law, Equality and Non-Discrimination Branch (ROLENDB), through the Chief of the Rule of Law and Democracy Section.
Responsibilities:
Under the general supervision of the Chief of the Rule of Law, Equality and Non-Discrimination Branch,through the Chief of the Rule of Law and Democracy section, and in coordination with OHCHR's New York Office and the Field Offices and Technical Cooperation Division, the incumbent's role will be to:
Represent OHCHR in the co-location established at UNHQ following the Secretary-General decision of 11 September 2012 to set up a Global Focal Point on Justice, Police and Corrections (GFP) under the leadership of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Department of Peace-Keeping Operations (DPKO) and ensure that OHCHR influences policies and strategies within the colocation so that human rights concerns and approach are reflected and integrated, taking into account that OHCHR’s rule of law work will continue to be supported by OHCHR through its Geneva and New York Offices and its field presences;
Take part or ensure OHCHR’s participation, in coordination with relevant parts of the Office, in GFP assessment activities, and ensure that a human rights perspective is integrated in such activities as well as in the programmes and projects developed by the GFP;
Contribute to an effective and coordinated approach to rule of law work by key players in the UN system through enhancing the efficient use of OHCHR’s resources, in particular tools and policies, working with UN partners to achieve common objective/results with more clearly defined roles and responsibilities for particular aspects of the work;
Ensure that OHCHR in Geneva, New York and the Field is kept closely involved and informed with regard to developments within the colocation arrangements; Coordinate closely with all relevant parts of OHCHR, so that required OHCHR expertise is made available to international and national actors seeking rule of law assistance; and
Perform other tasks, as required by the Chief of ROLENDB, to support leadership and advocacy by OHCHR on rule of law and human rights related issues.
Competencies:
PROFESSIONALISM: Demonstrates in-depth knowledge of, and experience in, international human rights law, as well as public international law, in particular international humanitarian law or international criminal law; also has comprehensive knowledge of, and been exposed to, a range of issues related to the rule of law and human rights field; possesses an excellent knowledge of the Office’s mandates, capacities and impact on the ground in the rule of law area; displays a solid understanding of human rights work in crisis contexts and the role of human rights in crisis prevention and recovery activities, and of UN peace-keeping and political missions; has an excellent understanding of the UN system, organization and interrelationships and in-depth understanding of OHCHR’s strategic direction in the area of rule of law and ability to transform it into a results-oriented work programmes; has a proven record of coordination capacity and ability to work constructively with many different functions at different levels in team spirit with partners in other UN entities and with OHCHR Staff in Geneva and the Field; 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 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 decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.
JUDGEMENT / DECISION-MAKING: Identifies the key issues in a complex situation, and comes to the heart of the problem quickly; gathers relevant information before making a decision; Considers positive and negative impacts of decisions prior to making them; takes decisions with an eye to the impact on others and on the Organization; proposes a course of action or makes a recommendation based on all available information; checks assumptions against facts; determines that the actions proposed will satisfy the expressed and underlying needs for the decision; makes tough decisions when necessary.
VISION: Identifies strategic issues, opportunities and risks; Clearly communicates links between the Organization’s strategy and the work unit’s goals; Generates and communicates broad and compelling organizational direction, inspiring others to pursue that same direction; Conveys enthusiasm about future possibilities.
Education:
Advanced university degree in law (Master’s degree or equivalent), excellent knowledge of international human rights law, and proficiency in public international law, international humanitarian law, or international criminal law. A first level university degree with qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Work Experience:
At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in human rights and rule of law related areas, of which at least 7 years must be at the international level. Qualifying years of experience are calculated following the receipt of the first level university degree recognised by the United Nations.
Languages:
Fluency in English or French and knowledge of the other is required. Knowledge of, and ability to work in other official UN languages is an advantage.
Assessment Method:
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which will be followed by a competency-based interview.
Special Notice:
The appointment will be made for an initial period of one year.
Extension of the appointment is subject to Extension of the mandate and/or the availability of the funds.
Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.
This vacancy is subject to availability of post. Staff members of the United Nations Secretariat must fulfill the lateral move requirements to be eligible to apply for this vacancy. Staff members are requested to indicate all qualifying lateral moves in their Personal History Profile (PHP) and cover note.
United Nations Considerations:
The United Nations shall place no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8). The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.
No Fee:
THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.
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