United Nations Development Programme-JOBS,New York, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

POLICY SPECIALIST, HUMAN RIGHTS COORDINATION, New York

United Nations Development Programme
304 East 45th Street
New York

POLICY SPECIALIST, HUMAN RIGHTS COORDINATION

Location :New York, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Type of Contract :TA International

Post Level :P-4

Languages Required :Starting Date :(date when the selected candidate is expected to start)

01-Jul-2013

Duration of Initial Contract :6 months

Background

Under the leadership of the UNDG Chair, and with the guidance of the UNDG, the overall objective of the United Nations Development Coordination Office (DOCO) is to support the strategic priorities of the UNDG, and related coordination goals, and to meet DOCO’s responsibilities under the Management and Accountability (M &A) system, in furtherance of the TCPR framework. DOCO supports the UNDG at all levels to better support national partners in meeting the MDGs/IADGs and other critical national development priorities, specifically, the UNDG and its Advisory Group at Headquarters, Regional UNDG Teams, and RCs and UNCTs. In carrying out its responsibilities, DOCO works closely with other UN entities and stakeholders (including DPA, DPKO, DSS, WB, OCHA and the Policy Committee in case of crisis countries), and through various interagency mechanisms.

The Headquarters Support Team (HST) is DOCO’s Headquarters-facing coordination policy and practice team that provides the following four primary services in support of UNDG strategic priorities, in collaboration with the Field Support Team( FST):

    Highlight key operational coordination issues and lessons learned for discussion and decision by UNDG.
    Develop, manage and facilitate the use of interagency networks of expertise to support implementation of UNDG strategic priorities and address coordination issues at the field level.
    Support the UNDG in formulating, managing and implementing ongoing global coordination work plans.
    Provide advice and support to the Director on the need for and take advantage of opportunities to leverage and to deepen UNDG leadership/influence in pursuit of development coordination objectives

Under the general direction and overall guidance of the Policy Adviser, Human Rights, the Policy Specialist is responsible for supporting the UNDG in developing policies, guidelines and tools to support the UNCTs and Regional UNDG Teams in mainstreaming human rights into their work; supporting the coordination of interagency work programme of the UNDG Human Rights Mainstreaming mechanism; and contributing to strengthening knowledge management efforts under the UNDG on human rights, consistent with the 2005 World Summit Outcome.

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of functions

    Policy coordination and technical support
    Collaboration with DOCO colleagues and other UN system and external partners
    Knowledge management and sharing

Policy coordination and technical support

•     Provide technical support to the UNDG-HRM on the integration of human rights into UNDG strategic priorities, policies and technical guidance. On behalf of UNDG-HRM, and in close collaboration with OHCHR, draft and finalize policy and technical documents, guidance and protocols; provide policy inputs and technical guidance; develop briefing papers and discussion points for inter-agency discussions and consideration by the UNDG-HRM and the UNDG; facilitate development of policy proposals; and performing related activities in these areas, 
•     Support the Policy Adviser and Chairs of the UNDG-HRM in effectively coordinating the implementation of the agreed UNDG-HRM work programme and provide advice in ensuring the alignment with the overall UNDG strategic priorities and UNDG work plan.
•     Support the Policy Adviser and Chairs of the UNDG-HRM in effectively coordinating the HRM mechanism; act as the HRM-secretariat.
•     Advise on progress related to human rights mainstreaming ; review results of assessments and other feedback, and make recommendations to the Policy Adviser regarding modifications to human rights mainstreaming policies, guidance and materials;
•     Develop, maintain and share for easy access a roster of experts in human rights and human rights based approach , and related tools and principles
• Collaboration with DOCO colleagues and other UN system and external partners
•     In collaboration with the FST, and as requested, provide technical advice and support on human rights mainstreaming to the Regional UNDG Teams and UNCTs;
•     Provide technical support to the Policy Adviser and to the UNDG HRM in effectively supporting the work of the Regional UNDG Teams in advancing human rights mainstreaming efforts.
•     With delegated authority of the Policy Adviser, participate at the working level, as appropriate, in policy fora and technical committees related to matters on human rights mainstreaming within and outside the UN. Act as a resource person in the assigned areas to ensure that UNDG agreed policies are adequately communicated to key partners, including donors.

Knowledge management and sharing

•     In cooperation with the FST, analyze and advise on the application of lessons learned and experiences into fine-tuning guidelines and tools for human rights mainstreaming.
•     Support the work of the Regional Human Rights Advisers through facilitating the sharing of experiences and lessons learned among the regions.
•     Recommend and/or introduce innovations and best practices in DOCO based on emerging trends, best practices , mechanisms and tools..
•     Share DOCO knowledge management concepts, practices and precepts, with groups/teams/task forces through active collaboration and interaction to reinforce their understanding and compliance with UNDG policy.

Impact of Results

The Policy Specialist will ensure the availability of effective policies and tools, training and support for UN country teams and RCs on human rights mainstreaming in context of UN operational activities for development. By effectively supporting the UNDG Human Rights Mechanism, the Policy Specialist will contribute to affirming the centrality of human rights in  the development work of the UN System, as affirmed in the 2005 World Summit Outcome.

Competencies

Core Competencies:

    Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards
    Advocates and promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of the UN
    Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
    Treats all people fairly without favoritism
    Demonstrates and promotes the values of the UN in actions and decisions and acts in accordance with the standard of conduct for international civil servants
    Shows willingness to work without bias with all persons regardless of gender, nationality, religion or culture
    Contributes effectively to team-based activities, working collaboratively and sharing information openly; works effectively with colleagues inside the UN as well as its partners and other stakeholders to pursue common goals
    Facilitates and encourages open communication in the team, communicating effectively.
    Remains calm, composed and patient when facing conflict, manages conflict productively, focusing on mutually acceptable solutions
    Takes initiative and seeks opportunities to initiate action
    Actively produces and disseminates new knowledge; creates/contributes to mechanisms to collect and share knowledge
    Actively seeks learning opportunities; demonstrates commitment to ongoing professional development
    Proposes innovate ideas and new solutions to work

Functional Competencies:

•     Demonstrated ability to support and maintain inter-agency networks and partnerships
•     Good technical knowledge of  human rights and human rights-based approach to programming
•     Keeps abreast of new developments in area of focus
•     Good knowledge of UN reform
•     Proven ability to coordinate and support formulation and development of policies, procedures and guidance
•     Demonstrated ability to contribute to the development of change processes
•     Demonstrated ability to adapt best management practices to support the achievement of Unit/team goals
•     Demonstrated ability to contribute to the development of approaches to capacity-building, knowledge management and organizational learning
•     Ability to contribute effectively in team-based setting, especially in the area of knowledge-sharing and learning
•     Ability to write clearly and convincingly, adapting style and content to different audiences; speaks clearly and convincingly, demonstrating strong presentation and facilitation skills;
•     Good technical writing skills;
•     Anticipates clients’ needs; demonstrates understanding of clients’ perspectives; solicits feedback on service provision and quality.

Required Skills and Experience

Education

    Advance university degree in human rights, international law, political, social, economic, business management or other related social science field is required.

Experience

    At least seven years relevant work experience in the field of human rights and related programming, some of which should be with developing countries and within the UN system, Agencies, Funds or Programs.

Language Requirements

    Fluency in oral and written English is required. Proficiency in another UN working language is desirable.

For current FTA holders - detail assignment if possible

FC: 11300

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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.
Closing Date: Friday, 10 May 2013

http://unjobs.org/vacancies/1367298727856