UNDP Jobs

The Constitution of Honduras contains several provisions for the guarantee of human rights, encompassing political rights but also establishing the legal framework for family protection, rights of the children, rights of the workers, social security, health, education, culture and housing, in accordance with the Universal Declaration on Human Rights and the International Human Rights Instruments ratified by Honduras.  Still, despite some advances, there are gaps in the enjoyment of some human rights, closely related to the high levels of poverty and the security situation in the country.  Honduras is a country characterized by inequality and exclusion originated in a long historical process, and expressed in all spheres of the national life. Additionally, great efforts are still needed to fight impunity, improve access to justice, eliminate discrimination and dedicate special attention to the excluded groups or in situation of vulnerability (women, children, aging people, indigenous and afro descendents people, and people with disabilities), reduce the level of violence and citizen’s insecurity. Therefore, the need for a highly experienced technical advisor is essential to assist the Government, NGO, the United Nations System and international cooperation partners about human rights matters, particularly in the area of: a) strengthening the justice system (including the penitentiary system); b) improving citizen security; c) strengthening national authorities, in particular the office of the Human Rights Commissioner, and d) providing advice to the Resident Coordinator (RC) and the UN Country Team (UNCT).

• Assists the work of the SHRA in advising Resident Coordinators and United Nations Country Team to build and strengthen national capacities and institutions for the promotion and protection of human rights;
• Provides technical support and advise to relevant national stakeholders on the enhancement of legal frameworks and the strengthening of the Judiciary and other national human rights protection systems, including their ability to meet with international reporting obligations and recommendations;
• Ensures the liaison, coordination and follow-up of assigned human rights activities of the SHRA with the RC, UNCT, Government, the national human rights institution, regional organizations, lawyers and judges, media, NGOs, UN agencies and programmes in respect of various project activities in the country;
• Supports the SHRA, the RC and UNCT in their engagement with international human rights mechanisms such as the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), Treaty Bodies and Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council, as well as those under relevant international instruments of specialized agencies including follow up and implementation of their recommendations;
• Assists the SHRA in reporting on the activities of the Office;
• Provides support for the formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of national technical cooperation projects, including budgetary and administrative aspects of project management;
• Acts as officer-in-charge in the absence of the SHRA for Honduras, and
• Performs any other related duty as required.

• Comprehensive knowledge of and exposure to a range of human rights and humanitarian issues;
• good knowledge of institutional mandates, policies and guidelines related to human rights and humanitarian action;
• good knowledge of the region or country of assignment, including the political environment.
• Good political judgment, advocacy and diplomatic skills and ability to understand and respond to complex political and social contexts.
• Proven ability on programme management is highly desirable.  

• Ability to follow priorities and plan assignments, juggle competing demands and work under pressure of frequent and tight deadlines.

• Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with people in a multi-cultural multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

• Excellent communication (spoken, written and presentation skills); ability to present and defend difficult positions to counterparts, to persuade people with varying points of view, and to present information in a concise and accurate manner.

Functional Competencies:

• Promotes knowledge management in the UNS and a learning environment in the office through leadership and personal example
• In-depth practical knowledge of inter-disciplinary development issues
• Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more Practice Areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills
• Seeks and applies knowledge, information, and best practices from within and outside of the UNS

• Ability to lead strategic planning, change processes, results-based management and reporting
• Ability to lead formulation, oversight of implementation, monitoring and evaluation of development projects
• Ability to apply development theory to the specific country context to identify creative, practical approaches to overcome challenging situations

• Builds strong relationships with clients, focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
• Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities
• Ability to lead effectively, mentoring as well as conflict resolution skills
• Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills
• Demonstrates ability to work under pressure