Job Overview
Organization: United Nations Development Programme
Position: Human Rights Advisor
Job ID 24011
Practice Area – Job Family UN Coordination
Duty Station: Kathmandu, Nepal
Background
This position is located in the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator (UNRC) in Kathmandu Nepal. The incumbent will report to the Head of the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office and to the Chief of Asia and the Pacific Section of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).
The National HRA will provide expert advice on the promotion and protection of human rights in Nepal, including transitional justice processes, as well as support the Government and civil society on their engagement with the international human rights systems during the ongoing process of peace, development and democratization in Nepal. The incumbent will also act as a resource person on issues of gender equality, social inclusion, the Human Rights Up Front Initiative and the integration of human rights into disaster preparedness and response efforts (under the guidance of the Head of Office and in collaboration with and in support to technical agencies).
Duties and Responsibilities
Under the direct supervision of the UNRC, and the functional support and guidance of the OHCHR, the National Human Rights Adviser will perform the following functions:
1. Ensures integration of Human Rights strategies into planning and programming focusing on achievement of the following results:
Support the UNRC and the United Nations Country Team (UNCT) in integrating human rights into their programmes and activities, in particular the United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) and other key strategic planning tools, including by building UNCT capacities to apply a human rights-based approach to their programmes and activities, conducting situational assessments and a mapping of UNCT capacities and needs, facilitating country level coordination and acting as a resource person in programme activities implemented by the UNCT;
2. Establishes and maintains strategic partnerships focusing on achievement of the following results:
Advise the UNRC and the UNCT in developing strategies and programmes to build and strengthen national capacities and institutions for the promotion and protection of human rights, based on assessment of national context, capacities and priorities and facilitate access to specific human rights expertise, including by drawing from human rights resources and tools available;
3. As a technical expert ensuring proactive provision of quality advisory services, knowledge products and facilitation of knowledge building and management focusing on achievement of the following results:
Upon request, and under the direct supervision and guidance of the Head of the RCO, provide advice, training and technical assistance to the Government and other national stakeholders with a view to further catalysing coordinated UN responses in order to strengthen national capacity for the promotion and protection of human rights, including follow up to recommendations from the human rights mechanisms; Support the UNRC and the UNCT in promoting human rights as a common UN value and upholding international norms and standards through advocacy and awareness-raising;
Where applicable, advise on integrating human rights in the humanitarian response and post-crisis recovery under the direction of the RC/Humanitarian Coordinator, should a humanitarian emergency be declared in the country of assignment; Support the UNRC and UNCT and national partners in their engagement with international human rights mechanisms such as the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), Treaty Bodies and Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council, as well as those under relevant international instruments of specialized agencies, including by supporting the dissemination and sharing of information, coordinating or facilitating the UNCT’s contributions and programmatic follow up to the recommendations of these bodies, and helping the UNCT to provide timely and effective support to relevant country missions of Special Procedures mandate holders and other UN mechanisms;
And perform other related duties as required.
Competencies
Innovation
Ability to make new and useful ideas work
Level 5: Creates new and relevant ideas and leads others to implement them
Leadership
Ability to persuade others to follow
Level 5: Plans and acts transparently, actively works to removes barriers
People Management
Ability to improve performance and satisfaction
Level 5: Models high professional standards and motivates excellence in others
Communication
Ability to listen, adapt, persuade and transform
Level 5: Gains trust of peers, partners, clients by presenting complex concepts in practical terms to others
Delivery
Ability to get things done while exercising good judgement
Level 5:Critically assesses value and relevance of existing policy / practice and contributes to enhanced delivery of products, services, and innovative solutions
Technical/Functional
Professionalism
Comprehensive knowledge of and exposure to a range of human rights issues, including: approaches and techniques to address sensitive and complex issues; very good knowledge of institutional mandates, policies and guidelines related to human rights including the human rights mechanisms and treaties; operational activities for development, peace and security and humanitarian affairs and good knowledge of and experience in development programming. Comprehensive knowledge of the region or country of assignment, including its human rights and political situation, as well as its culture, history and traditions; demonstrated ability to complete in-depth analysis and reach conclusions on possible causes and solutions to human rights issues; good political judgement and advocacy skills and the ability to understand and respond to sensitive and complex political and social events; ability to describe human rights issues and perspectives, including gender issues. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
Level 5: Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous improvement in professional area of expertise
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.
Level 5: Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous improvement in professional area of expertise
Judgement\ decision making:
Identifies the key issues in a complex situation, and comes to the heart of the problem quickly; Gathers relevant information before making a decision; Considers positive and negative impacts of decisions prior to making them; Takes decisions with an eye to the impact on others and on the Organization; Proposes a course of action or makes a recommendation based on all available information; Checks assumptions against facts; Determines that the actions proposed will satisfy the expressed and underlying needs for the decision; Makes tough decisions when necessary.
Level 5: Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous improvement in professional area of expertise
Leadership:
Serves as a role model that other people want to follow; empowers others to translate vision into results; is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support; anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions; drives for change and improvement; does not accept the status quo; shows the courage to take unpopular stands.
Level 5: Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous improvement in professional area of expertise
Commitment to Continuous Learning:
Keeps abreast of new developments in own occupation/profession; actively seeks to develop oneself professionally and personally; contributes to the learning of colleagues and subordinates; shows willingness to learn from others; seeks feedback to learn and improve.
Level 5: Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous improvement in professional area of expertise
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
• Completion of Master’s degree preferably in law, political science, international relations or other related field.
• Completion of Bachelor’s degree in combination with two more years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the Master’s degree.
Experience:
• At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience at the national level in the field of human rights, with development and/or humanitarian experience.
Language Requirements:
• Fluency in English and Nepali is required.
Other:
• National Professional Officers are nationals of the country in which they are serving, and their functions must have a national context, i.e. functions that require national experience or knowledge of the national language, culture, institutions, and systems.
Last date to apply: 25th June 2019
