Background

The EU Advisory Group (EUAG) supports the Government of Armenia in its reform agenda as further detailed in the extended EU/Armenia Action Plan in the framework of the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP). The overall objective of the project is to support the Republic of Armenia (RA) in the implementation of Armenia's reform agenda and relevant international commitments assumed by Armenia including through the implementation of the extended ENP Action Plan (ENP AP) and the upcoming EU-Armenia Association Agenda.
 
The EUAG will achieve these objectives through the continued delivery of an optimal mix of policy, legal and institutional advisory services. These services are targeted at assisting the national authorities to negotiate and conclude the EU-Armenian Association Agreement and the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (DCFTA), implement the extended EU-Armenia ENP Action Plan and make effective use of European Commission (EC) external assistance instruments and programmes to support the implementation of core policy areas.
 
Armenia’s EU political association and economic integration process has so far consisted mainly in a policy reform formulation phase based upon the ENP Action Plan and the EU-Armenia Association Agreement/DCFTA negotiations for the medium- and long-term future. After the policy formulation phase is completed, further substantial legal approximation and institutional improvements and practical steps for implementation of particular policies should follow, thus generating longer-term impacts.

The Association Agreement will be built around the sharing of common values such as human rights and democracy and fundamental freedoms, and a commitment to co-operation at international level and within the multilateral rules-based system.
 
Goals and Specifics of Assignment

Human Rights policy is entirely dedicated to the systemic shift needed in the protection of Human Rights and Rule of Law in the country. Assistance in the development of Democracy and Human Rights has been one of the corner stones of the EUAG.
Assistance in the area of Human Rights is included in the scope of work of the EUAG consistently with the specific actions as identified in the extended ENP Action Plan and in the Republic of Armenia List of Actions for the Implementation the Strategy of Accelerating the Reforms in the Republic of Armenia within the Framework of EU Eastern Partnership.
During 2011 the EUAG took an active role together with the RA Human Rights Defender’s Office and RA National Security Council Secretariat in drafting the National Human Rights Protection Strategy which was signed by the President in 2012. The assistance has continued by supporting the involvement of the Human Rights Defender (HRD) and civil society organizations in the process of drafting the National Human Rights Protection Plan based on the mentioned Strategy.
The EUAG has also provided support to the Human Rights Defender’s Office through advice and recommendations on strategic planning and capacity development of the institution, further legislative amendments to strengthen the mandate of the institution, further development of co-operation with civil society and state institutions, NA Standing Committee on Protection of Human Rights and Public Affairs in particular, promotion of inter-institutional dialogue and cooperation initiatives in the field of human rights protection, establishment of cooperation with UN Treaty Bodies and monitoring implementation of their recommendations and continuous capacity development of National Preventive Mechanism under the Optional Protocol on Convention against Torture as well as increased implementation of its recommendations.

Duties and Responsibilities

The main tasks of the Advisor are to provide policy advice to the Human Rights Defender's Office as main counterpart, as well as other relevant institutions including the National Security Council, the Prime Minister's Office (as coordinating for relevant Ministries such as Ministry of Justice), National Assembly as well as all other public institutions involved in implementing the recommendations on human rights issued in the latest ENP progress report, on strengthening respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms in Armenia, in compliance with international commitments of Armenia (PCA, CoE, OSCE, UN).

Under the overall guidance of the EUAG Management, and the EU Delegation in terms of policy dialogue, the Advisor is expected to:

  • Promote approximation of Armenia’s legal framework with EU legislation and best practices across the Armenian institutional spectrum in the fields of human rights;
  • Provide policy advice on the commitments and implementation of the ENP AP/future Association Agenda and monitor progress in policies and actions relevant in the field;
  • Help introduce best practices with respect to human rights in the policy-making process across all relevant institutions and bodies;
  • Advise the HRD and other relevant institutions regarding the Human Rights Protection Strategy of the Republic of Armenia and its Action Plan;
  • Provide policy advice on developing the Human Rights Defender's Office in accordance with the “Paris Principles” based on UN General Assembly Resolution 48/134 of December 1993;
  • Support the National Preventive Mechanism in increasing effectiveness;
  • Advise the HRD in increasing the level of participation in the processes of UN Treaty Bodies and providing reports on implementation of Armenia's human rights commitments on UPR, UN Committees and others;
  • Regarding gender equality, further analyse and provide recommendations on gender mainstreaming and protection of women’s rights;
  • Provide policy advice on ensuring respect for the rights of persons belonging to national minorities;
  • Provide policy recommendations on further reform of the penitentiary system in line with the recommendations of the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT);
  • Provide policy advice on continuing efforts to ensure trade union’s rights and core labour standards, based on European standards and in accordance with relevant ILO conventions;
  • Assist the beneficiaries to identify and access the appropriate EU financing mechanism to support the implementation of the policies (e.g. Twinning, TAIEX, BSP, CIB, Framework Contract, other TA); ensure coordination with relevant to Human Rights projects;
  • Advise the beneficiaries on applicable policy-monitoring systems and processes;
  • Ensure that the management reporting timelines defined in the Work Plan are adhered to and that outputs/results are delivered on time.
The Advisor is expected to produce the following deliverables:
  • A comprehensive needs assessment and identification of gaps to be provided regularly (minimum twice a year) and serve as basis for work plans and other actions;
  • Work plans are elaborated in close cooperation with the Beneficiary and the EU Delegation, approved by the EUAG Management and implemented accordingly; and gender issues, including labour discrimination;
  • Analytical reports and recommendations on how to improve human rights incorporation in the policy process across policy-making bodies;
  • Policy advice and recommendations to relevant institutions regarding the Human Rights Protection Action Plan and its implementation;
  • Analytical report on further development of the HRD Office;
  • Recommendations provided to the HRD Report on the implementation on the UN Convention on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights;
  • Policy recommendations on the Mid-term review report on Armenia’s progress in implementing Universal Periodic review recommendations;
  • Recommendations on implementation of the Concluding Observations of UN Committee against Torture and Human Rights Committee;
  • Policy paper on gender equality with recommendations on gender mainstreaming and protection of women’s rights;
  • Analytical report on ensuring respect for the rights of persons belonging to national minorities;
  • Policy recommendations on trade union’s rights and core labour standards, based on European standards and in accordance with relevant ILO conventions;
  • At least 2 EU high level public events and/or seminars supported (including coordination and presentations);
  • Contributions for the EUAG monthly, quarterly and annual reports provided;
  • Evidence of advice on the use of other EU instruments for implementation of reforms, evidence of coordination with other EU funded projects.
  • A final handover note with main information on the respective policy sector (key legislation and EU priorities, key issues, stakeholders, related external assistance projects and contact information) and mission results as well as future needs for assistance.

Competencies

Corporate competencies:
  • Demonstrates integrity by modeling 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 favoritism;
  • Fulfills all obligations to gender sensitivity and zero tolerance for sexual harassment.
Functional competencies:
  • Solid knowledge and clear understanding of the EU policies including ENP or EU accession policy and Community assistance programmes;
  • Good knowledge of the EU-Armenia relations and of the structures of the Armenian administration is an asset;
  • Highly developed analytical, writing and facilitation skills and the ability to negotiate complex agenda with a broad range of international partners;

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

  • University education preferably a post-graduate level in Law, Public Administration or equivalent;

Experience:

  • A minimum of 8 years of working experience in the field of monitoring respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, notably in the areas outlined in the mandate above;
  • A minimum of 4 years experience in working at senior level in a Member State HRD/Ombudsman institution;

Language requirements:

  • Proficient command of English. Some knowledge of Russian or Armenian would be an asset.

FC: 30079