Jobs - 69561- 1626 - Human Rights Project Associate

1626 - Human Rights Project Associate

Location :

Belgrade, SERBIA

Type of Contract :

Service Contract

Starting Date :

01-Jan-2017

Application Deadline :

02-Dec-16 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

SB-3

Duration of Initial Contract :

12 months with possibility of extension

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

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) represents the world's commitment to universal ideals of human dignity. It has a unique mandate from the international community to promote and protect all human rights. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has had an Adviser within the United Nations Resident Coordinator Office since 2008.

OHCHR’s efforts in Serbia aim at positive outcomes in the areas of: strengthening Serbia’s transposition in law, policy and practice of the international law norm of equality and non-discrimination, in particular in those areas where OHCHR has comparative advantage, including implementation in judicial acts and decisions; advancing the human rights of migrants; strengthening civil society’s action to engage the international human rights framework; the development of Serbia’s human rights mechanism for monitoring and reporting on human rights recommendations; and advancing the human rights basis to and mainstreaming in the UN’s work in Serbia. OHCHR work in Serbia is done in the context of the Serbia provisional UNDAF, where we are extensively present in Pillars 1 and 2, as well as in Pillar 5. In 2017, OHCHR will also begin planning its next quadrennium.

Duties and Responsibilities

OHCHR seeks a Human Rights Project Associate to act under the supervision of the Adviser (HRA) to the Resident Coordinator in Serbia to undertake the following:

Assist and support the HRA in all areas of human rights, including vis-à-vis engagement with the Government, National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs), civil society and other stakeholders.
Support the provision of advice, training and technical assistance to the Government, National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs), civil society organizations, community groups and other stakeholders.
Support the development of programming and project proposals, as well as reporting on projects and program. Take part in global OHCHR planning for the new quadrennial, as well as Country Note and annual work planning.
Draft memorandums and other documents providing guidance in the field of international human rights law and norms.
Maintain regular interface with civil society organizations and in the provision of support (such as training and organization of meetings) with the NGO sector, NHRI and other relevant actors, including, as discussed and agreed, with international organizations, national partners and others.
Provide operational and substantive human rights support to human rights training and other capacity building activities for national partners including in the role of expert of facilitator.
Provide operational and substantive human rights support to OHCHR’s joint human rights projects.
Alert as to human rights developments in country. Follow human rights issues in Serbia and provide human rights-based analysis thereof; provide issue-based or situational assessments of legislative, policy or implementation gaps, including with a view to informing the design and implementation of human rights capacity building programmes. Provide detailed briefings on matters within remit.
Provide effective external and internal communication on OHCHR modalities in Serbia, and deputize as authorized.

Competencies

Professionalism:

Knowledge of human rights issues and ability to identify related problems in their political, ethnic, racial, gender equality and socio-economic dimensions.
Knowledge of institutional mandates of human rights organizations, prevailing policies and procedures. Research and analytical skills, including ability to identify and participate in the resolution of human rights issues.
Ability to identify sources for data collection, research and analyze information and draft human rights reports.
Ability to evaluate and integrate information from a variety of sources and assess impact on the human rights situation in the area of assignment.
Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations.
Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
Experienced and adept at understanding cultural sensitivities, communicating with diverse groups, and supporting empowerment across cultural boundaries.

Communication:

Speaks and writes clearly and effectively;
Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately;
Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication;
Tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience;
Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Teamwork:

Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals;
Solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise and willing to learn from others;
Places team agenda before personal agenda;
Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position;
Surfaces conflict with a view to achieving collaborative, human rights-based resolutions;
Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.
Ability to interact and to establish and maintain effective working relationships both as a team member and team leader, with people from different national, ethnic, religious, cultural or other backgrounds, different sexual orientation or gender identity;
Commitment to the celebration of diversity and the advancement of women.

Technological awareness:

Good computer skills

Required Skills and Experience

University degree in human rights, public or international law, political science, international relations, social sciences or related field. Post-graduate (Master’s degree or equivalent) in areas pertaining to human rights is an asset;
Knowledge and working experience with regard to the international human rights machinery and treaties;
A minimum of 2 years of relevant professional experience at national and/or international level in the field of human rights, development and/or humanitarian experience;
Familiarity with the UN human rights system;
Familiarity with European human rights law will be regarded as an asset;
Demonstrated advocacy, communications and networking skills;
Fluency in oral and written English and Serbian; working knowledge of one or more additional languages relevant for Serbia including in particular (although not necessarily limited to) Albanian, Arabic, Bulgarian, Croatian, Hungarian, Pashto, Romani, Romanian, Slovak and/or sign language is an asset;

Demonstrates an ability to promote a culture of diversity, including as concerns differences of culture, gender, religion, ethnicity, nationality, language, HIV status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or other status.

Application instructions:

Click on the button "Apply now".
Input your information in the appropriate Sections: personal information, language proficiency, education, resume and motivation. You can type in, or paste your short Resume into the last box.
Upon completion of the first page, please hit the tab "submit application" at the end of the page. On the next page, you will be asked to upload your Resume. Instead of uploading your Resume, please submit a fully completed and signed UNDP Personal History Form (P-11).
System will only allow one attachment. All docs (P11, academic qualifications/diploma) should be included as one attachment.
Without the completed and signed P11, your application may not be considered. The UNDP Personal History Form can be downloaded at this link: http://www.undp.org.rs/download/P11_SC_SSA.doc.

Note:

Short-listed candidates will be requested to provide, prior to the interview:

Proof of required academic credentials (for external applicants).
Employment verification letter from most recent employer (for external applicants).
Last two completed Performance Appraisal or two Reference Letters for external applicants.

Special consideration:

As this position is under Service Contract modality, only applicants with Serbian nationality or valid working permit in Serbia will be considered for the vacancy.