UNDP Jobs - 48564- Short-Term Expert on Parliamentary Monitoring of t

Short-Term Expert on Parliamentary Monitoring of the Implementation of the European Court Human Rights Judgments

Location :

Yerevan, ARMENIA

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

01-Sep-2014

Application Deadline :

12-Aug-14 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

International Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

1 September 2014 – 19 September 2014 (up to 15 working days)

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

1 September 2014 – 19 September 2014 (up to 15 working days)

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

The overall objective of the EU Advisory Group (EUAG) is to support the Government of the Republic of Armenia in the implementation of its reform agenda and relevant international commitments assumed, including through the implementation of the ENP Action Plan (ENP-AP). The EUAG will achieve these objectives through the continued delivery of an optimal mix of policy, legal and institutional advisory services.

The EUAG is funded by the European Union and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Armenia. An Advisory Board jointly chaired by the EU Delegation, the Presidential Administration and the National Security Council staff acts as the supervisory body for the programme. In 2006 the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly has invited all national parliaments to introduce specific mechanisms and procedures for effective parliamentary oversight of the implementation of the European Court of Human Rights judgments (Resolution 1516 (2006)).

The main idea is that national parliaments should exercise oversight in ensuring that the competent state authorities promptly adopt adequate measures to execute a judgment. Council of Europe Member States High Level Conference on the Future of the European Court of Human Rights held in Brighton in 2012 has once again underlined the value of the ‘parliamentary dimension’ in ensuring appropriate implementation of ECHR standards. In April 2014 the EU Advisory Group has organized an international seminar at the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia on the role of the national parliament in protecting and promoting human rights.

The seminar provided parliamentarians and staff with information on a number of parliamentary instruments available for human rights protection and for enhancing the involvement of the National Assembly in the process of effective implementation of the international human rights standards. As a follow-up to this activity, a comprehensive policy paper will be prepared to provide the National Assembly with concrete recommendations on setting up a parliamentary structure to monitor the implementation of the European Court of Human Rights judgments. This assignment is in support of the Priority Area 2 of the EU-Armenia Action Plan; guidance on establishing a parliamentary monitoring structure will contribute to further strengthening the respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, in compliance with international commitments of Armenia.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the EUAG management and in close coordination with the Human Rights Committee of the National Assembly, the incumbent will assume the responsibility for developing a policy paper on setting up a parliamentary structure in the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia to monitor the implementation of the European Court of Human Rights judgments based on the recommendations of the Council of Europe and best practice of EU Member States.

The paper shall provide concrete recommendations for the establishment of such a structure within the current organizational structure of the National Assembly.

Expected deliverables:

Outline of the policy paper (including a component on best practice) agreed with the EUAG management;
Policy paper on setting up a parliamentary structure in the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia to monitor the implementation of the European Court of Human Rights judgments based on the recommendations of the Council of Europe and best practice of EU Member States, developed and cleared by the EUAG management;
Presentation of the finalized policy paper to the Standing Committee on Protection of Human Rights and Public Affairs and other relevant actors.

Competencies

Functional Competencies:

Knowledge of international/EU human rights standards and legal norms related to implementation of the European Court of Human Rights judgments;
Proven analytical skills;
Highest standards of integrity, discretion and loyalty;
Proficiency in corporate software and IT skills;
Strong oral and written communication skills;
Excellent writing, editing and communication skills in English;
Highest standards of integrity, discretion and loyalty;
Proficiency in corporate software and IT skills.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Advanced university degree in social sciences.

Experience:

Experience in research and analytical work including data collection.

Languages:

Fluency in written and spoken English.