Background
1.Background
UNDP and OHCHR are seeking suitable candidates for the position of Legal Expert (IC). Under the supervision and guidance of the Chief Technical Advisor/Programme Manager - Rule of Law, the incumbent is expected to support the development of a new, costed National Human Rights Action Plan of Liberia (2019-2024).
The UNDP/OHCHR Joint Programme entitled Strengthening the Rule of Law in Liberia: Justice and Security for the Liberian People (2017-2019) aims to support the Government of Liberia in its efforts to build a society based on the principles of rule of law, human rights and justice. The Programme is geared towards enhancing the capacities of, and public confidence in, rule of law institutions, as well as strengthening access to justice and security, especially for women and girls. Interventions are designed with a view to ensuring sustainability and linking activities to ‘system-level’ policy development.
Support rests on a supply and demand equation that combines enhanced service delivery by resilient justice and security institutions with the public’s ability to access such services and hold duty-bearers to account. By increasing public confidence in the sector, support is designed to be catalytic, strengthening state-society relations and creating an enabling environment for development. As such, the Programme is oriented around the following four mutually reinforcing interventions:
- Capacity of justice and security institutions strengthened and linkages forged
- Civil society contribution to rule of law and community access to justice enhanced
- Gender responsiveness of justice, security and legislative actors strengthened and women and girls’ access to justice and security improved
- Capacity of key actors and stakeholders to monitor progress and results in rule of law development increased
The outcomes and outputs are based on a clearly defined theory of change, building on the lessons learned during the UN system’s engagement with the Liberian rule of law sector since 2003. Capitalizing on the comparative advantages of each of the implementing partners, activities are carefully designed to achieve outputs and contribute to outcome level change that impacts the lives of beneficiaries and engenders systemic resilience and human development.
Duties and Responsibilities
1.Responsibilities / Scope of the assignment
Working closely with colleagues from the Human Rights Protection Division (HRPD) and the Independent National Commission on Human Rights (INCHR) as well as other relevant actors and stakeholders, the incumbent is expected to support the development of a new, costed National Human Rights Action Plan of Liberia, or NHRAP.
By identifying concrete steps the Government of Liberia needs to take to improve the human rights situation and by providing a detailed roadmap for further enhancing institutional capacities in the field of human rights, it is hoped that the new NHRAP will enable the Government of Liberia to devise new and innovate ways and means to adequately remedy human rights violations, and to prevent them from happening in the first place. In addition, it is hoped that the new plan will spell out how best to ensure a whole-of-government approach, denoting how the different branches of government and also civil society will (continue to) work together to help realise the rights of the Liberian people.
Competencies
Competencies
Corporate Competencies
• Demonstrates integrity by modelling the UN values and ethical standards
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
• Treats all people fairly without favoritism
Functional Competencies
Knowledge Management and Learning
• In-depth knowledge of development issues
• Ability to provide and advocate for policy advice
• Actively works towards continuing personal learning and successfully applies newly acquired skills
Interpersonal Skills
• Focuses on impact and results for the client and responds positively to feedback
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
• Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills
• Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors
• Remains calm, in control and good- humored even under pressure
Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills
- Acts with tact and diplomacy
- Remains calm, in control and good-humoured, even under pressure
- Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities
Required Skills and Experience
VII. Recruitment Qualifications
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Education: |
An advanced university degree in human rights or related field
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Experience: |
A minimum of 4 years of progressive experience in the area of human rights and/or international law
Outstanding academic record; extensive list publications in peer-reviewed journals
Extensive experience of working in countries affected by conflict, violence and fragility
Outstanding analytical skills; up-to-date knowledge of capacity development principles and approaches
Extensive experience of working with government authorities as well as civil society organisations and academic institutions
Familiarity with the UN system; previous experience of working in Liberia would constitute an advantage
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Language Requirements: |
Fluency in English, including outstanding writing skills
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