UNDP Jobs - 43748- Knowledge Management Specialist (Human Rights)

Knowledge Management Specialist (Human Rights)

Location :

New York, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Type of Contract :

FTA International

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

28-Feb-14 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

P-3

Duration of Initial Contract :

one year

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background

Under the leadership of the UNDG Chair, and with the guidance of the UNDG, the overall objective of the United Nations Development Operations Coordination Office (DOCO) is to support the Strategic Priorities of the UNDG, and related coordination goals, and to meet DOCO’s responsibilities under the Management and Accountability system, in furtherance of the QCPR framework.

DOCO supports the UNDG at all levels to better support national partners in meeting the MDGs/IADGs and other critical national development priorities, specifically, the UNDG and its Advisory Group at Headquarters, Regional UNDG Teams, and RCs and UNCTs. In carrying out its responsibilities, DOCO works closely with other UN entities and stakeholders and through various interagency mechanisms.

The UNDG Human Rights Mainstreaming Mechanism (UNDG-HRM) was established in 2009 at the request of the Secretary General. This mechanism aims to bolster system-wide coherence, collaboration and support to Resident Coordinators and United Nations country teams, so that they can better provide support to Member States to strengthen national capacity for the promotion and protection of human rights. The secretariat of the UNDG-HRM is located in DOCO.

Under the general direction and overall guidance of the Policy Adviser, Human Rights, the Knowledge Management Specialist will support the UNDG-HRM’s knowledge management efforts, in line with the UNDG Strategic Priorities and the UNDG-HRM work plan.

Duties and Responsibilities

Management of the Portal:

Manage the HuriTALK UN Practitioner’s Portal on the Human Rights-Based Approach to Development Programming (www.hrbaportal.org) as the major knowledge management platform for HRBA in the UN system.

Networks and partnerships:

Direct development of HuriTALK; facilitating knowledge sharing and development on human rights within and across the human rights and development communities; facilitating face to face and virtual knowledge management and learning events on human rights;
Complete and manage the delivery of inter-agency human rights knowledge products and services including but not limited to: queries and consolidated replies, e-discussions and consultations, news and thematic updates;
Design and produce a periodic newsletter on UNDG-HRM activities;
Build and maintain strategic partnerships with external professionals and institutions and UN agencies in support of knowledge sharing and networking.

Other knowledge management activities:

Coordinate the formulation and implementation of a comprehensive UNDG-HRM knowledge management strategy;
Document good practices and lessons learned on mainstreaming human rights in development programming;
Provide Knowledge Management services for the UNDG-HRM, including facilitating knowledge exchange across the different components of UNDG-HRM support, as well as define needs for the development and implementation of products and services;
Contribute to the Knowledge Management on Human Rights for UNDG;
Collaborate and promote cohesion with knowledge management efforts in the UN system related to human rights;
Perform any other duties requested by the Policy Adviser.

Impact of Results:

A dynamic HuriTALK network with active information and good practice exchange between UN development and human rights practitioners, as well as regular newsletters;
Strengthened knowledge and capacity of HuriTALK members on human rights-related issues as well as their capacity to integrate a human rights-based approach (HRBA) in their work;
Access and availability of guidance material and resources on integrating a human rights-based approach (HRBA) into development programming through an up to date and navigable HRBA Portal;
Availability of case studies and good practices on human rights and development drawn from the country level support provided by the UNDG-HRM.

Competencies

Core Competencies:

Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
Contributes effectively to team-based activities, working collaboratively and sharing information openly; works effectively with colleagues inside the UN as well as its partners and other stakeholders to pursue common goals
Facilitates and encourages open communication in the team, communicating effectively;
Remains calm, composed and patient when facing conflict, manages conflict productively, focusing on mutually acceptable solutions;
Takes initiative and seeks opportunities to initiate action;
Actively produces and disseminates new knowledge; creates/contributes to mechanisms to collect and share knowledge;
Actively seeks learning opportunities; demonstrates commitment to ongoing professional development;
Proposes innovative ideas and new solutions to work.

Functional Competencies:

Good technical knowledge of human rights and human rights-based approach to programming;
Demonstrated ability to contribute to the development of approaches to capacity-building, knowledge management and organizational learning;
Ability to contribute effectively in team-based setting, especially in the area of knowledge-sharing and learning;
Strong skills in networking, knowledge sharing, collaboration and facilitation work online and face to face;
Ability to write clearly and convincingly, adapting style and content to different audiences; speaks clearly and convincingly, demonstrating strong presentation and facilitation skills;
Excellent technical writing skills;
Solid familiarity with current Knowledge Management technologies and social media-based systems;
Anticipates clients’ needs; demonstrates understanding of clients’ perspectives; solicits feedback on service provision and quality;
Good knowledge of UN reform;
Keeps abreast of new developments in area of focus.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Advance university degree in (international) law or in a development related discipline with a focus on Human Rights.

Experience:

At least five years relevant work experience in the field of human rights and related programming, some of which should be with developing countries and within the UN system, Agencies, Funds or Programs;
Knowledge Management experience required;
Good IT skills; including familiarity with social networking and web tools;
Knowledge of design and desk top publishing (an asset).

Language Requirements:

Fluency in oral and written English is required;
Proficiency in another UN working language is highly desirable.