The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) represents the world's commitment to universal ideals of human dignity. We have a unique mandate from the international community to promote and protect all human rights.
The office also supports the work of the United Nations human rights mechanisms, including the treaty bodies established to monitor State Parties' compliance with the core international human rights treaties and the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council. We, promote the right to development, coordinate United Nations human rights education and public information activities, and strengthen human rights across the United Nations system. We work to ensure the enforcement of universally recognized human rights norms, including through promoting both the universal ratification and implementation of the major human rights treaties and respect for the rule of law.
A. Programme
To ensure all actions required for the effective implementation of the OHCHR Programme by:
- Conducting thorough analysis and research of the political, social and economic situation in the country and preparing substantive inputs for designing the Field Office programmatic actions;
- Leading the field office planning process;
- Regularly monitoring financial and substantive implementation progress and performance and possible implementation risks, including by communicating regularly with the HRA and Desk Officer and promptly inform of any significant risks and proposing risk mitigation measures;
- Ensuring the management of Programme budget and administrative requirements, the overall financial situation of the field office to ensure that no overspending occur;
- Ensuring that the Programme is implemented and completed in line with the goals, timeframe, quality standards and budget;
- Ensuring adherence to United Nations financial regulations and rules;
- Overseeing drafting of progress and financial reports and ensuring that they are submitted on time and according to high standards of quality;
- Analyzing and researching information on donors, preparing substantive briefs on possible areas of cooperation, identifying opportunities for initiation of new projects;
- Planning and designing project proposals and their submission to potential donors, in consultation with the Human Rights Advisor;
- Identifying and fostering potential linkage with relevant national and international partners;
- Ensuring the designing and development of outreach materials, presentations including newsletters. to raise the profile of OHCHR’s related work.
B. Technical
- To formulate recommendations and suggest strategies to better promote and protect human rights in the country;
- To monitor and analyse the ongoing political and human rights situation and propose timely actions when required;
- To contribute to developing advocacy strategies for better promotion and protection of human rights and mechanisms to stop impunity and redress human rights violations;
- To design Human Rights capacity-building modules and conduct planned capacity-building programmes;
- To establish and maintain contact with national authorities, civil society, UN Agencies, Funds, and Programmes with complementary mandates, and other relevant partners to inform on the human rights situation in the country and advise on strategic and policy issues to better promote and protect human rights;
- To ensure the role of Gender focal point and contribute to the integration of gender perspectives/considerations and specific women/girls' rights issues in all activities, programmes and strategies;
- To draft a variety of reports, briefings and other type of communications as required in compliance with established standards;
- To facilitate cooperation and appropriate communication with OHCHR in the establishment of policies and sharing of best practices;
- To contribute to the integration of human rights in humanitarian action, through participating or coordinating emergency preparedness and response activities including in the work of the Protection Cluster, as appropriate;
- When required, to represent OHCHR office at conferences and meetings with strategic partners, civil society organizations, donors, members of the Diplomatic community, UN thematic groups and liaise with those key partners.
A. Professionalism
- Good knowledge and significant experience in project management including in planning, coordination, regular impact monitoring and evaluation of project implementation including budget aspects;
- In-depth knowledge of human rights principles, international mechanisms and of related concepts;
- Comprehensive knowledge of institutional mandates, organizational structures and policies within the UN, guidelines and methodologies relating to human rights;
- Capacity to maintain effective working relationships with other UN, NGO, State and/or government stakeholders and to advocate for the respect and integration of human rights in various fora;
- Ability to produce in-depth analysis of political, ethnic, racial, gender-based, social, economic and other human rights-related problems to assess their impact and to provide concrete strategy recommendations to redress situations;
- Capacity to relate to and integrate human rights issues and perspectives into other fields, including humanitarian action, development, rule of law, legislation reforms and election support, to human rights issues and activities and vice versa;
- Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of problems/issues.
- Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to provide sound advice in connection with Human Rights as well as programme/project implementation.
- Shows pride in work and in achievements; 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.
B. 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.
C. Teamwork
- Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals;
- Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is 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;
- Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.
D. Planning and organizing
- Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies;
- Identifies priority activities and assignments;
- Adjusts priorities as required;
- Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work;
- Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning;
- Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary;
- Uses time efficiently.
E. Accountability
- Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments;
- Delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards;
- Operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules;
- Supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments;
- Takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.
Education:
- Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business administration, economics, international relations, law, political science, social science, public administration, linguistics. A first-level university degree in similar fields in combination with one year of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Experience:
- Relevant experience at the national or international level in project or programme management, technical cooperation, administration or related area.
- Experience in project formulation, implementation including budget management, and monitoring, and exposure to international development cooperation.
- Experience in human rights or closely related field.
- Experience in fundraising strategies and techniques, particularly good knowledge of OHCHR fundraising procedures. Proved experience in capacity-building activities.
Language and other Requirements:
- English and French are the working languages of the United Nations. For the position advertised, fluency in oral and written French, English and Malagasy is required.
- Very good computer skills including high ability to develop communication tools and materials.
Important applicant information
All posts in the GS categories are subject to local recruitment.
Applicant information about UNDP rosters
Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
Workforce diversity
UNDP is committed to achieving diversity within its workforce, and encourages all qualified applicants, irrespective of gender, nationality, disabilities, sexual orientation, culture, religious and ethnic backgrounds to apply. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.
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Contract Duration: 1 Year with possibility for extension