UNDP Jobs - 71349- Human Rights and Rule of Law Intern

Human Rights and Rule of Law Intern

Location :

Istanbul, TURKEY

Type of Contract :

Internship

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

05-Apr-17 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

Intern

Duration of Initial Contract :

3-6 months starting from April 2017

Languages Required :

English Russian

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

Democratic governance, human rights and rule of law in ECIS face significant challenges due to regional dynamics including the ongoing refugee and migrant crisis in Europe and sporadic armed violence in Ukraine and Turkey. Shrinking democratic space under restrictive counter-terrorism and security policies by authorities in some of the countries deteriorated respect for freedoms of expression, association, and peaceful assembly. Prone to corruption, weak rule of law and national human rights protection systems, politically compromised judicial systems, and lack of access to quality public services and justice for the most vulnerable and marginalized, including minorities, remain key challenges in the region. Inadequate gender equality in institutions and decision-making, and the prevalence of sexual and gender-based violence remain critical human rights concerns.

Against this backdrop and in line with its Strategic Plan (2014-17), UNDP works with national and international partners to address the above challenges and ensure that citizens’ expectations for voice, development, the rule of law and accountability are met by stronger systems of democratic governance. It also undertakes consistent action to achieve the targets of SDG 16 on peace, justice and inclusive institutions for countries in the region.

As a key priority of engagement on human rights in the region and at global level, UNDP supports capacity building of National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) for their improved effectiveness and independence. It also assists in the design and implementation of National Human Rights Action Plans (NHRAPs), including the establishment of an implementation and monitoring system for the plans with broader engagement of civil society. In 2016, Istanbul Hub of UNDP held a series of regional consultations for the NHRIs from 25 countries from ECIS and Arab regions to promote the role of NHRIs in SDG implementation and ensuring a human-rights- based-approach in the implementation of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda and advocating for “leaving no one behind”. Further to this action, UNDP will continue capacity building of NHRIs on human rights monitoring and fact-finding, including the role in conflict and crisis-affected situations and foster closer cooperation amongst NHRIs at regional and global levels. In addition, UNDP supports the establishment of sustainable systems for the provision of free legal aid and access to justice services in several countries of the region, focusing on the needs of poor and socially disadvantaged groups, including rural populations, IDPs, migrants and refugees.

The Governance and Peacebuilding Team of UNDP Istanbul Regional Hub, covering ECIS region, provides advisory services to the countries to strengthen their national and civil society capacities, raise their awareness, offer evidence based analysis and facilitate sharing of experience on implementation of international human rights, rule of law, access to justice and security standards. The intern is expected to support Governance and Peacebuilding Team in the implementation of the component on Human Rights and Rule of Law of UNDP Regional Programme "Supporting voice for citizens, development, the rule of law and accountability" for 2014-2017.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Programme Specialist on Human Rights, Rule of Law, Justice and Security, the Intern will:

Provide research support in field of rule of law, human rights and justice;
Draft issue briefs and short policy pieces;
Support the organization of meetings and workshops;
Support the development of assessments.

Competencies

Strong analytical, reporting and writing abilities;
Strong interpersonal skills, communication and diplomatic skills;
Ability to work in a team;
Openness to change and ability to receive/integrate feedback
Ability to work under pressure and stressful situations.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Enrollment in a Master degree programme in legal studies, social science, public or business administration or development field.

Experience:

Demonstrated strong interest and academic background in Human Rights, Justice and Rule of Law issues;
An interest in global mobility; adaptability to varied physical and other environments;
A desire to work with and gain the confidence and respect of people with different language, national and cultural backgrounds
Respect for the principles of the United Nations Charter and the UNDP Statement of Purpose.

Language skills:

Written and spoken proficiency in English, knowledge of Russian is an asset.

Notes:

Financial Issues:
Internships within the UN system are unpaid and subject to conditions the applicant must get familiar with prior to signing his/her internship agreement.

The costs associated with the internship must be borne by the nominating institution, related institution or government, which may provide the required financial assistance to its students; or by the student, who will have to obtain financing for subsistence and make his or her own arrangements for travel, accommodation etc.

Application procedure:
The application should contain:

Brief Cover Letter (in English) stating interest in and qualifications for the post and your availability;
Current and complete CV in English.

Please combine all your documents into one (1) single PDF document as the system only allows to upload maximum one document.

Selected candidate must submit following documents:

Official letter from the University confirming enrolment in a graduate-level degree programme;
Proof of medical and life/accident insurance valid for the location in which the internship will be carried out. Selected intern must have medical and life insurance.

Conditions:

UNDP only accepts interns for a minimum of 6 weeks and a maximum of 6 months;
UNDP accepts no responsibility for costs arising from accidents, illness or death during the internship;
Interns are not staff members and may not represent UNDP in any official capacity;
Interns are responsible to arrange for their own visa and residence documents, and need to plan for these well in advance;
The purpose of the internship is not to lead to further employment with UNDP but to complement an intern’s studies; therefore, there should be no expectation of employment at the end of an internship;
More information available at: http://www.eurasia.undp.org/content/rbec/en/home/about_us/jobs/internships/