Background

Between February and October 2011, Libya was embroiled in a bloody and protracted liberation struggle between the autocratic regime, and revolutionary forces determined to put an end to the dictator’s 42 year rule. The conflict had a weakening effect on the rule of law architecture and institutions, especially with regard to the provision of justice and security.

Following the end of the conflict, the Security Council mandated a political mission to support Libya in the transition period (UNSMIL). UNDP has been closely collaborating with UNSMIL Human rights/transitional justice/rule of law and police components in order to develop a strong partnership in support of capacity building for strengthened rule of law in Libya.

The overall objective of the present programme is to assist the restoration of justice and security in Libya in support of the country’s transition to democracy. The programme seeks to develop the capacities of key institutions to deliver equitable and efficient services to the Libyan people, facilitate recovery and promote development. Simultaneously, it aims to empower civil society and the Libyan people to access justice, resolve disputes and build peace. Accordingly, the programme is designed to contribute to three important outcomes for the country.

  1. Strengthened capacity of Libyan rule of law institutions to provide services in a way which supports the transition to democracy.
  2. Improved access to justice for conflict affected populations especially survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), women and the displaced.
  3. Progress achieved in implementation of Transitional Justice process including contributing to national consensus on Transitional Justice.

In striving for these outcomes, UNDP will work over the next 2 years in close collaboration with the relevant Libyan authorities, and within the context of broader international support to strengthening the rule of law in Libya. In this regard, this programme document represents the basis for UNDP’s cooperation with the United Nations Assistance Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) in these areas, and with the broader UN Country Team.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the authority of the Resident Representative, the Country Director, the Deputy Country Director (Programme) and under the direct supervision of the Programme Manager (Rule of Law), the Programme Specialist performs the following:

The Rule Of Law (RoL) Specialist works in close collaboration with the relevant components of UNDP and UNSMIL particularly with Rule of Law team members, as well as operations and programme staff as required for resolving project implementation specific issues. The RoL Specialist assists the CO and UNSMIL in all relevant activities to implement a Rule of Law Project in Libya and may be embedded in UNSMIL and RoJ.

The RoL Specialist ensures that the implementation of the Project is consistent with UNDP rules and regulations and will focus on the following areas:

Summary of key functions:

  • Provides Rule of Law and Transitional Justice expertise and support;
  • Promotes strategic partnerships and supports resource mobilisation;
  • Promote networking and knowledge sharing within UNDP and the UN system.

Under the supervision of the UNDP Rule of Law Programme Manager and the UNSMIL Head of Human Rights/Transitional Justice section, the Rule of Law Specialist  implements the RoL Project, in particular outcome 3 on transitional justice and provides technical expertise and support:

  • Provides technical support and advice for programme implementation in close collaboration and coordination with the relevant components of UNDP Libya and UNSMIL;
  • Provides Rule of Law, especially transitional justice, expertise including international legal best practices and principles.
  • Advises on the preparation of project implementation activities and selection of implementing partners such as government institutions, service providers, and NGOs;
  • Develops proper financial and substantial planning, monitoring and evaluation tools such as budgets, work-plans and monitoring and evaluation strategies;
  • Monitors progress against plans, including through field visits and monitoring missions;
  • Reports timely against plans, including timely and articulate progress and financial reports;
  • Identifies risks and challenges to the on-going operations of the RoL Project and provides advice to the Programme Manager and the UNSMIL Human Rights/Transitional Justice section on mitigation strategies;
  • Advise the programme manager on progress and, where relevant, additional needs in relation to the project implementation and follow up activities.
Promotes strategic partnerships and supports resource mobilization:
  • Support partnership building and coordination on Rule of Law efforts;
  • Acts as liaison between UNDP and UNSMIL on Rule of Law initiatives and supports mechanisms for the joint implementation of Rule of Law project activities specifically and for effective coordination on other Rule of Law efforts;
  • Forges close linkages with other UN programmes, agencies and entities as well as other international and national stakeholders concerned with or providing assistance on rule of law issues in Libya and helps ensure that sequencing and implementation of Rule of Law activities is coordinated;
  • Identifies opportunities for the development of the RoL work in Libya and supports resource mobilization and partnership building;
  • Prepares donor and communications briefings for the RoL Programme Manager and the CO to enable them to mobilize the resources necessary for the support of the Projects.

Promote networking and knowledge sharing within UNDP and the UN system:

  • Contribute to the global RoL and Justice Community of practices, incl. by providing inputs to CoP networks and participating to CoP meetings;
  • Promote information sharing.

Impact of Results:

The Programme Specialist (Rule of Law) will have a direct impact on the success of the programme by managing the successful DEX project implementation of the Rule of Law Programme.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

  • Demonstrates integrity by modelling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
  • Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP;
  • Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
  • Treats all people fairly without favouritism.

Functional Competencies:

Knowledge Management and Learning

  • Promotes a knowledge sharing and learning culture in the office through personal example;
  • Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more Practice Areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills;
  • Keeps abreast of new developments in own occupation/profession;
  • Actively seeks to develop oneself professionally and personally;
  • Contributes to the learning of colleagues and subordinates;
  • Shows willingness to learn from others.

Development and Operational Effectiveness

  • Ability to apply conceptual models in support of implementation, monitoring and evaluation of development programmes and projects;
  • Strong IT skills;
  • Ability to lead implementation of new systems (business side), and affect staff behavioural/attitudinal change;
  • Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients ” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view;
  • Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect;
  • Identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions;
  • Monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems;
  • Keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects;
  • Meets timeline for delivery of products or services to clients.

Management and Leadership

  • Focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
  • Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
  • Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills;
  • Remains calm, in control and good humoured even under pressure;
  • Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities;
  • Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority;
  • Makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member;
  • Accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills;
  • Monitors progress against milestones and deadlines;
  • Regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff.

Required Skills and Experience

Education: 

  • Master’s Degree in Law (MA/LLM), International Relations, Political Science, or other relevant field.

Experience: 

  • 7 years of relevant experience in development in a governmental, multilateral or civil society organization in a multi-cultural setting;
  • 3 or more years of advisory responsibilities of similar size and complexity;
  • Experience in Transitional Justice is an asset.

Language requirements:

  • Fluency in English both oral and written;
  • Working knowledge of Arabic would be an asset.