Background

UNDP Pakistan’s Decentralization, Human Rights and Local Governance (DHL) project is a multi-sector project aimed at strengthening federal, provincial and local governance mechanisms against the backdrop of the 18th Constitutional Amendment (2010). The core objective of the project is to ensure inclusive service delivery in all 4 provinces of Pakistan by providing capacity development support to relevant federal ministries and provincial line departments with an aim to create an enabling environment for effective local governance and rights-based development. At the policy level, the project focuses on supporting provincial governments in preparing inclusive policies; at the institutional level the project emphasizes on digitization of existing government systems and at the community level the project works towards social inclusion of vulnerable populations, especially women in coordination with provincial human rights, local government and social welfare departments. The project incorporates gender equity and gender equality as a cross-cutting theme, with specific focus on enhancing capacities and accountability on gender equal and disaggregated approach. This means developing and implementing specific measures to ensure the effective inclusion and voice of women, girls and persons with non-binary gender identities – specifically from the most marginalized and disenfranchised groups. The project has three main components: (1) human rights; (2) social inclusion and gender equality (3) community stabilization. An expanding cross-cutting programmatic area of the DHL project is its interventions related to supporting the multistakeholder implementation of the UN Guiding Principles on Business & Human Rights in Pakistan. The Business & Human Rights  (BHR) Officer will work under the direct supervision of the Business & Human Rights Specialist and in close collaboration with the broader DHL project team

Duties and Responsibilities

The Business & Human Rights Officer will work under the direct supervision of the Business & Human Rights Specialist and in close collaboration with the broader DHL project team

The individual shall undertake the following duties and responsibilities:

Provide Business & Human Rights Project Support

Support in implementing DHL’s BHR initiatives in line with donor requirements and project objectives. Support the development of strategies for strengthening human rights due diligence frameworks in Pakistan. Assist in aligning UNDP Pakistan’s BHR initiatives with regional and global trends through engagement with UNDP’s Global Business & Human Rights team. Provide logistical and administrative support for BHR-related procurement and recruitment processes. Support cross-fertilization of BHR activities with DHL’s environmental justice programming and private sector engagement  Integrate Business and Human Rights (BHR) activities with local, regional, and international policy priorities, focusing on environmental sustainability, carbon footprint reduction, trade enhancement, socially responsible growth, local livelihoods, and ecosystem preservation etc.

Build Partnerships and Enhance Stakeholder Engagement

Assist in mapping and analyzing donor funding strategies, state priorities, and stakeholder needs related to BHR. Support in managing existing partnerships with government, private sector, and civil society actors to enhance responsible business practices in Pakistan. Expand partnerships by exploring and outreaching to potential small- medium- & large-scale private sector organizations that can be onboarded onto the DHL programme activities and/or can provide learning lessons/case studies for other private sector entities. Contribute to the development of concept notes and project proposals. Facilitate coordination across UN agencies and other stakeholders for joint BHR initiatives.

Ensure Reporting and Communication

Assist in compiling reports, presentations, and briefing notes for internal and external stakeholders. Support documentation of activities, outputs, and outcomes related to BHR initiatives. Liaise with DHL provincial teams to ensure a coherent approach to project implementation and reporting. Provide assistance in organizing and documenting project-related events and stakeholder engagements.

Facilitate Gender Mainstreaming, Knowledge Sharing and Other Responsibilities

Ensure gender aspects are integrated into all existing and new project proposals. Assist in ensuring equal opportunities for female staff within the project. Support adherence to UNDP policies, procedures, and social and environmental standards. Identify, synthesize and document best practices and lessons learned that are generated from the project and implementing partners. Undertake any other activities assigned by the Business & Human Rights Specialist or senior management.
The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Impact of Results 

The Business & Human Rights Officer’s actions will have a direct impact on the overall quality of the DHL project interventions. The impact will be visible by analyzing the implementation of results in the Project Strategy and Work Plans. 
The incumbent of the position will uphold the non-discriminatory behavior and ensure that:

Human rights and gender equality is prioritized as an ethical principle within all actions; Activities are designed and implemented in accordance with “Social and Environmental Standards of UN”; All forms of diversities based on ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, disability, religion, class, gender are respected within all implementations including data production; Differentiated needs of women, men and persons with non-binary gender identities are considered; Inclusive approach is reflected within all actions and implementations, in that sense an enabling and accessible setup in various senses such as disability gender language barrier is created; Necessary arrangements to provide gender parity within all committees, meetings, trainings, etc.
 

Competencies

Core competencies:

Achieve Results: Level 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline Think Innovatively: Level 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements  Learn Continuously: Level 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback Adapt with Agility: Level 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible  Act with Determination: Level 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident Engage and Partner: Level 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships Enable Diversity and Inclusion: Level 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies:

Business Management     

Partnership Management. Build and maintain partnerships with wide networks of stakeholders, Governments, civil society and private sector partners, experts and  others in line with UNDP strategy and policies Results-based Management. Ability to manage the implementation of strategies, programmes, and projects with a focus at improved performance and demonstrable results. Knowledge and understanding of relevant theories, concepts, methodologies, instruments, and tools.

Business Direction and Strategy    

Strategic Thinking. Develop effective strategies and prioritized plans in line with UNDP’s mission and objectives, based on the systemic analysis of challenges, opportunities and potential risks; link the general vision to reality on the ground to create tangible targeted solutions; learn from a variety of sources to anticipate and effectively respond to both current and future trends; demonstrate foresight System Thinking. Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system

Partnership Management    

Private Sector Engagement. Ability to identify, conduct outreach, and manage relationships with the private sector

2030 Agenda: Peace    

Rule of Law, Security and Human Rights. Business and Human Rights

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Development Studies, Social Sciences, International Relations, Business Administration or related field is required. OR A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the areas mentioned above in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree. 

Experience:

Minimum two (2) years (with master´s degree) or four (4) years (with bachelor´s degree) of relevant professional experience business & human rights, responsible business practices, corporate social responsibility, private sector, or responsible supply chain management is required At least two (2) years of relevant experience in programme management in the field of international development is required Experience in organizing capacity-building events and stakeholder consultations is required.  Proficiency in Microsoft Office is required Integrated knowledge and experience of the private and development sectors is desired Experience in supporting the government, UN agencies or any other institutions on Business & Human Rights or private sector engagement is an asset. Experience in donor reporting and proposal development is desirable. Proven track record of strong research and analytical skills are desired. Familiarity with the UN Guiding Principles on Business & Human Rights and their application is desired. 

Required languages:

Fluency in English and Urdu (spoken and written) is required. 

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

Right to select multiple candidates

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.

Scam alert

UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.

 

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