Background
UNDP together with OHCHR is engaged in long term capacity development Project of the Provedoria for Human Rights and Justice. The Provedoria for Human Rights and Justice (PDHJ) is the national human rights institution (NHRI) of Timor-Leste. Its mandate is “to combat corruption and influence peddling, prevent maladministration and protect and promote human rights and fundamental freedoms of natural and legal persons throughout the national territory.” (Article 5, Law 2004/7 on the establishment of the PDHJ). The PDHJ main office is in Dili regional offices have recently been opened in Oecussie, Baucau, Maliana and Same. Building upon the existing human rights knowledge and skills which have been developed through the implementation of the UNDP-OHCHR Capacity Building Project for the Provedoria (2007-2009), the current Project (2010-2014) continues to strengthen the PDHJ’s human rights mandate, the department of public assistance, the four new PDHJ regional offices and the development of the PDHJ’s legal capacity. The project also provides support to the PDHJ institutional planning and management which is seen as crucial to the effective fulfillment of the human rights mandate.
To achieve these aims the Project has the following principal outputs:
- PDHJ staff are able to conduct legal analysis, are knowledgeable about Human Rights concepts and understands how these concepts are applied in their work.
- PDHJ has effective and efficient institutional structures and management systems
- PDHJ has effective information and knowledge management systems
Duties and Responsibilities
Reporting directly to the Project Manager and in coordination with the legal textbook coordinator, the human rights legal textbook writer (the “consultant”) will draft two chapters of an Introduction to Human Rights Law in Timor Leste, (‘ legal textbook) and provided comments to other chapters to be written by other writers. The overall objective of this textbook is to strengthen human rights law knowledge of PDHJ legal staff and other legal officers through improving access to materials which are specifically developed to the Timor-Leste and ensure, therefore, its relevance and applicability. Specifically this textbook will be used as an important resource in supporting the capacity development of the legal officers of the Provedoria for Human Rights and Justice to be undertaken at the Legal Training Centre in 2012. The textbook will be drafted and produced in Portuguese will a possibility of translation into tetun in 2012. The textbook will be based on 8
Chapters as follows:
Chapter I: Introduction to Human Rights
Chapter II: Civil and Political Rights
Chapter III: Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
Chapter IV: Right to Non-Discrimination
Chapter V: Vulnerable Groups
Chapter VI: Enforcement of Human Rights at National Level
Chapter VII: Enforcement of Human Rights at International Level
Chapter VIII: Relationship HR Law and other International Law Areas
In addition, there shall be an Introductory Chapter containing the Preface and relevant tables of laws and jurisprudence as well as abbreviations. Each chapter will be tailored to specific legal context of Timor Leste. The chapters will be subject to review of the other drafters as well as an external academic expert.
These posts are seeking to recruit human rights law experts to contribute to the drafting chapters of the legal textbook and to provide their expertise in ensuring quality of the other chapters. The consultant, under the direct supervision of the Project Manager, and coordination of the legal textbook team leader, is expected to assume the following responsibilities:
- Review Guide for Writing Legal Textbook and provide comments to first chapter of human rights legal textbook (approx. 1 day)
- Research and draft two chapters of human rights legal textbook in Portuguese (chapter selection will be based on area of expertise of drafter within the pool of drafters) (approx. 25 days)
- Review and provide comments to 5 other chapters written by other writers ( approx. 4 days)
- Re-draft two chapters of the human rights legal textbook based on comments provided by other drafters and editors ( approx. 3 days);
- Re-draft two chapters of the human rights legal textbook based on comments provided by editor, if necessary ( approx. 2 days)
- Undertake coordination and prompt communication with other members of the team and editors at all stages of the process.
Outputs:
- Comments to first chapter of human rights legal textbook ( 30 March 2011)
- First draft of 2 chapters of human rights legal textbook to be circulated for comment by other drafters (30 June 2011)
- Comments to 5 chapters of human rights legal textbook (15 of July 2011)
- Second draft of two chapters of human rights legal textbook (30 July 2011) ;
- Final draft of two chapters of human rights legal textbook ( 30 August 2011).
Competencies
- Demonstrated excellent written communication skills;
- Excellent interpersonal, intercultural and networking with a demonstrated ability to build and maintain professional relationships;
- Cross-cultural experience and sensitivity;
- Commitment to the principle of independence and confidentiality of the PDHJ;
- Ability to work effectively under pressure;
- Ability of meet strict deadlines;
- Ability to provide and receive constructive criticism.
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
- Masters in human rights law is essential;
Experience:
- 7 years experience in working in area of human rights essential;
- Demonstrated experience in development of human rights and legal learning materials;
- Experience in international human rights legal research and analysis essential;
- Experience in drafting human rights and or legal publications an advantage;
- Experience working in post conflict countries or Timor Leste an advantage.
Language Requirements:
- Excellent Portuguese and English language skills are essential and tetun language skills are a clear advantage.