UNDP Jobs - 28173- Long-term Advisor to the Human Rights Defender

Long-term Advisor to the Human Rights Defender

Location :

YEREVAN, ARMENIA

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

19-Mar-2012

Application Deadline :

22-Feb-12 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

International Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

1 year (150 working days within 1 year period)

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

1 year (150 working days within 1 year period)

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 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 (ENPAP).
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, implement the 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.

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 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. The assistance will be continued by supporting the involvement of the Human Rights Defender (HRD) and civil society organizations in the process of drafting the 2012-2016 National Human Rights Protection Plan based on the mentioned Strategy.

EUAG will also provide the support to the Human Rights Defender’s Office by providing 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 for the Human Rights Defender (HRD) in the development of the institution in accordance with the Paris Principles and strengthening of respect for human rights in compliance with Armenia’s international commitments.

The Advisor will be based in the Office of the principal counterpart and will report to the EUAG Team Leader. Under the overall guidance of the EUAG Team Leader the Advisor is expected to:

Advise the HRD in making more active use of EU instruments, TAIEX in particular, for the capacity development and strengthening of the institution
Support the HRD in elaboration of amendments to the Law on Human Rights Defender introducing structural changes to the institution and providing more clarity on its mandate
Provide advisory services to the HRD in establishing regular and structured communication with state institutions
Support the National Preventive Mechanism in increasing effectiveness of preventive visits to detention places through reporting, specific recommendations and a follow-up of each visit.
Advise the HRD in increasing the level of his participation in the processes of UN Treaty Bodies.
Assist the HRD in developing Report on the implementation by Armenia of the Convention against Torture, Report on the implementation by Armenia of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights as well as Mid-term review report on Armenia’s progress in implementing UPR recommendations.
Advise and assist the HRD to organize the follow-up meetings/roundtables on the Concluding Observations of UN Committee against Torture and Human Rights Committee where different stakeholders could discuss the recommendations of the treaty bodies and agree on the ways for their implementation.
Advise the HRD regarding the draft and final Human Rights Protection Strategy of the Republic of Armenia and its implementation plan.
Invite beneficiaries to contact HRDO in order to get EUAG Advisor’s input to the important human rights documents.
Develop and maintain good working relationships with all stakeholders, related projects and the donor community.
Ensure that the management reporting timelines defined in the Work Plan are adhered to and that outputs/results are delivered on time.

The Advisor will adhere at all times to the provisions of the Code of Conduct. The performance of the Advisor will be regularly reviewed against the above provisions by the EUAG Team Leader.

The Advisor is expected to produce the following deliverables:

Draft law amendment to the Law on Human Rights Defender submitted to the National Assembly.
Quarterly (semi-annual) round-table meetings with state institutions to discuss the progress in implementation of Human Rights Defender’s recommendations organised.
Reports of the National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) on the results of preventive visits are more comprehensive and recommendations to detention places more precise.
Report on the implementation by Armenia of the UN Convention against Torture issued.
Report on the implementation by Armenia of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights issued.
Mid-term review report on Armenia’s progress in implementing Universal Periodic review recommendations issued
Follow-up meetings/roundtables on the Concluding Observations of UN Committee against Torture and Human Rights Committee organised.
TAIEX Expert Mission on developing staff evaluation and incentive systems completed.
TAIEX seminar-workshop/study visit on NPM capacity building completed.
• Contributions for the EUAG monthly, quarterly and annual reports provided.

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.
Highly developed coordination and facilitation skills and the ability to negotiate complex agenda with a broad range of international partners.
Previous work experience in Armenia would be an advantage.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

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

Experience:

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.
Minimum of 4 years experience in working at senior level in a Member State HRD/Ombudsman institution.

Language:

Proficient command of English.
Knowledge of other EU community languages and some knowledge of Russian or Armenian would be an asset;

Important Note:

Priority will be given to seconded candidates from the EU Member States. Seconded candidates should clearly indicate their secondment and confirm that their candidacy is supported by the relevant governmental body.