Assessment Period
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Please note that applicants who apply as rostered candidates are not subject to any further assessment and accordingly, will not be invited to participate in the SPT or any other assessments (including any written exam, interview, etc.) throughout the selection process. For more information about the assessment process, please visit the United Nations HR Portal.
Please note that applicants who apply as rostered candidates are not subject to any further assessment and accordingly, will not be invited to participate in the SPT or any other assessments (including any written exam, interview, etc.) throughout the selection process. For more information about the assessment process, please visit the United Nations HR Portal.
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Special Notice
Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.
Extension of the appointment is subject to extension of the mandate and/or the availability of the funds.
Staff members of the United Nations Secretariat must fulfill the lateral move(s) or geographical requirements as set out in ST/AI/2016/1 to be eligible to apply for this job opening. Staff members are requested to indicate all qualifying lateral or geographical move(s) in their Personal History Profile (PHP) and cover note.
Extension of the appointment is subject to extension of the mandate and/or the availability of the funds.
Staff members of the United Nations Secretariat must fulfill the lateral move(s) or geographical requirements as set out in ST/AI/2016/1 to be eligible to apply for this job opening. Staff members are requested to indicate all qualifying lateral or geographical move(s) in their Personal History Profile (PHP) and cover note.
Org. Setting and Reporting
This position is located in the African Union/UN Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) in El Fasher. El Fasher is classified as “E” hardship duty station and a non-family duty station. The incumbent has a dual reporting line to the AU-UN Joint Special Representative for Darfur (JSR) and the High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Mandate The African Union/UN Hybrid operation in Darfur, referred to by its acronym UNAMID, was established on 31 July 2007 with the adoption of Security Council resolution 1769. UNAMID has the protection of civilians as its core mandate, but is also tasked with contributing to security for humanitarian assistance, monitoring and verifying implementation of DDPD of 2011 and any subsequent agreements between the Government of Sudan and the armed movements , assisting an inclusive political process, contributing to the promotion of human rights and the rule of law, and monitoring and reporting on the situation along the borders with Chad and the Central African Republic (CAR).
For more information on the mission visit: http://www.un.org/en/peacekeeping/missions/unamid/
Mandate The African Union/UN Hybrid operation in Darfur, referred to by its acronym UNAMID, was established on 31 July 2007 with the adoption of Security Council resolution 1769. UNAMID has the protection of civilians as its core mandate, but is also tasked with contributing to security for humanitarian assistance, monitoring and verifying implementation of DDPD of 2011 and any subsequent agreements between the Government of Sudan and the armed movements , assisting an inclusive political process, contributing to the promotion of human rights and the rule of law, and monitoring and reporting on the situation along the borders with Chad and the Central African Republic (CAR).
For more information on the mission visit: http://www.un.org/en/peacekeeping/missions/unamid/
Responsibilities
Within limits of delegated authority, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:
Advisory and representative roles:
• Acts as the Principal Adviser to the AU Joint Special Representative on all human rights promotion and protection activities in the mission area, including the protection of civilians, transitional justice, the fight against impunity, the protection of women and children in armed conflict, sexual and gender-based violence including conflict-related sexual violence, human rights aspects of peace and reconciliation, and technical cooperation projects related to human rights, and reports on issues related to human rights and the work of the Human Rights component;
• Acts as the Representative of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Sudan and reports to the High Commissioner (HC) in Geneva in this capacity;
• Represents the Human Rights component and OHCHR at inter-agency meetings in the country and, in his/her capacity as the HC’s representative, advises the United Nations Country Team (UNCT) and the Humanitarian Country Team (HCT) to ensure that human rights issues are fully integrated into political, humanitarian and development efforts and programmes including with respect to the United Nations Development Assistance and Integrated Strategic Frameworks (UNDAF and ISF) as well as the Consolidated Humanitarian Appeal (CHAP) processes;
• Advises the JSR/DJSR and oversees the implementation by the Senior Child Protection Adviser and Senior Women Protection Adviser of the Children and Armed Conflict (CAAC) and Sexual Violence in Conflict (SVC) mandates, including the ongoing work of the Monitoring and Reporting Mechanism (MRM) and the Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting Arrangements (MARA) and ensures that the Special Representatives of the Secretary-General on Children and Armed Conflict (SRSG-CAAC) and Sexual Violence in Conflict (SRSG-SVC) are systematically informed of strategic developments, progress and challenges related to their respective mandates;
• Contributes to the Mission’s efforts on Protection of Civilians, including through the implementation of the UN system-wide strategy on PoC and close collaboration with the UNCT and the Protection Cluster; Ensures the integration of human rights into the mission's efforts to improve protection of civilians, including through participating in the planning and carrying out the mission's response or supporting coordination mechanisms as necessary, and ensuring that human rights early warning information is translated into operational responses and in responding to gross human rights violations;
• Advises the Government at senior levels, including the Government of Sudan, Darfur Regional Authority (DRA) and the Darfur state governments, non-state actors, uniformed services and others, with respect to specific human rights concerns, bringing to their attention actual and potential violations of international human rights and humanitarian law, and suggesting appropriate actions;
• Advises the Government on strategies, policies and actions necessary to ratify and report on key international human rights instruments and on its obligations under the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), on cooperating with Special Procedures Mandate-Holders and on ensuring respect and implementation of international human rights law and standards;
• Represents UNAMID and OHCHR on human rights matters during contacts with national and international organizations working in the field of human rights, diplomatic missions, donors, and other international actors;
• Participates in the mission's internal advisory, policy and decision-making fora, namely all senior mission leadership fora, and advises on strategic, policy and operational decisions that may have human rights and protection implications and on measures necessary for the Mission to protect and promote human rights in the mission area, mainstream human rights and implement a human rights-based approach, with special attention to peace processes, good offices and national priorities;
• Advise relevant stakeholder participants of the Darfur-based political process and other initiatives aimed at achieving sustained peace in Darfur on issues related to human rights, including justice and reconciliation issues and accountability.
Substantive coordination:
• Ensures coordination of all human rights activities in the mission area; ensures timely and effective flow of information within UNAMID and with OHCHR and the channelling of human rights analysis and concerns for inclusion in crisis management and response;
• Develops a human rights monitoring strategy; Ensures investigations of human rights violations are conducted, timely and regular public reports are issued in consultation with the JSR and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and recommendations of reports are followed up with the Government;
• Promotes and oversees initiatives linked to supporting and strengthening the national human rights promotion and protection system in the country, including through, inter alia, the establishment or reinforcing of a national human rights institution, building civil society and state capacities and in setting protection programs to support victims and witnesses in the context of the fight against impunity in close coordination with national authorities and civil society;
• Ensures, as OHCHR Representative, that human rights considerations are reflected and integrated into humanitarian activities, including in emergency planning, preparedness and response, and through participating and/or playing a lead role in the Protection Cluster, as appropriate;
• Counsels the Government and advocates for compliance with international human rights standards in the drafting of legislation, including of the Constitution as relevant, and to this effect, collaborates with the Government, UN, and other stakeholders in the planning and implementation of rule of law and security sector reforms and provides strategic advice to improve compliance with human rights and international humanitarian law with a view to combat impunity;
• Oversees the UN’s implementation of the Human Rights Due Diligence Policy (HRDDP), ensuring coherence in its application across UN entities and effective communication and coordination, and advises the JSR on strategic issues related to HRDDP implementation as necessary.
• Ensures gender considerations are included and reflected in all human rights activities and outputs and ensures compliance with the UN commitment to promote gender equality and mainstreaming in Mission activities, in cooperation with the mission's Gender Adviser.
Managerial responsibilities:
• Responsible for the overall management of the component and the substantive leadership, through , inter alia, formulating human rights strategy and substantive programme of work of the office, allocating resources; reporting on budget/programming performance; evaluating staff performance and ensuring appropriate staffing of the component
• Maintains close relationship with OHCHR-HQ , including the geographic desk officers, ensures timely communications on the human rights situation, and ensures liaison with the human rights treaty monitoring bodies and special procedures;
• Performs other duties as required by the AU Joint Special Representative and the High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Advisory and representative roles:
• Acts as the Principal Adviser to the AU Joint Special Representative on all human rights promotion and protection activities in the mission area, including the protection of civilians, transitional justice, the fight against impunity, the protection of women and children in armed conflict, sexual and gender-based violence including conflict-related sexual violence, human rights aspects of peace and reconciliation, and technical cooperation projects related to human rights, and reports on issues related to human rights and the work of the Human Rights component;
• Acts as the Representative of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Sudan and reports to the High Commissioner (HC) in Geneva in this capacity;
• Represents the Human Rights component and OHCHR at inter-agency meetings in the country and, in his/her capacity as the HC’s representative, advises the United Nations Country Team (UNCT) and the Humanitarian Country Team (HCT) to ensure that human rights issues are fully integrated into political, humanitarian and development efforts and programmes including with respect to the United Nations Development Assistance and Integrated Strategic Frameworks (UNDAF and ISF) as well as the Consolidated Humanitarian Appeal (CHAP) processes;
• Advises the JSR/DJSR and oversees the implementation by the Senior Child Protection Adviser and Senior Women Protection Adviser of the Children and Armed Conflict (CAAC) and Sexual Violence in Conflict (SVC) mandates, including the ongoing work of the Monitoring and Reporting Mechanism (MRM) and the Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting Arrangements (MARA) and ensures that the Special Representatives of the Secretary-General on Children and Armed Conflict (SRSG-CAAC) and Sexual Violence in Conflict (SRSG-SVC) are systematically informed of strategic developments, progress and challenges related to their respective mandates;
• Contributes to the Mission’s efforts on Protection of Civilians, including through the implementation of the UN system-wide strategy on PoC and close collaboration with the UNCT and the Protection Cluster; Ensures the integration of human rights into the mission's efforts to improve protection of civilians, including through participating in the planning and carrying out the mission's response or supporting coordination mechanisms as necessary, and ensuring that human rights early warning information is translated into operational responses and in responding to gross human rights violations;
• Advises the Government at senior levels, including the Government of Sudan, Darfur Regional Authority (DRA) and the Darfur state governments, non-state actors, uniformed services and others, with respect to specific human rights concerns, bringing to their attention actual and potential violations of international human rights and humanitarian law, and suggesting appropriate actions;
• Advises the Government on strategies, policies and actions necessary to ratify and report on key international human rights instruments and on its obligations under the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), on cooperating with Special Procedures Mandate-Holders and on ensuring respect and implementation of international human rights law and standards;
• Represents UNAMID and OHCHR on human rights matters during contacts with national and international organizations working in the field of human rights, diplomatic missions, donors, and other international actors;
• Participates in the mission's internal advisory, policy and decision-making fora, namely all senior mission leadership fora, and advises on strategic, policy and operational decisions that may have human rights and protection implications and on measures necessary for the Mission to protect and promote human rights in the mission area, mainstream human rights and implement a human rights-based approach, with special attention to peace processes, good offices and national priorities;
• Advise relevant stakeholder participants of the Darfur-based political process and other initiatives aimed at achieving sustained peace in Darfur on issues related to human rights, including justice and reconciliation issues and accountability.
Substantive coordination:
• Ensures coordination of all human rights activities in the mission area; ensures timely and effective flow of information within UNAMID and with OHCHR and the channelling of human rights analysis and concerns for inclusion in crisis management and response;
• Develops a human rights monitoring strategy; Ensures investigations of human rights violations are conducted, timely and regular public reports are issued in consultation with the JSR and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and recommendations of reports are followed up with the Government;
• Promotes and oversees initiatives linked to supporting and strengthening the national human rights promotion and protection system in the country, including through, inter alia, the establishment or reinforcing of a national human rights institution, building civil society and state capacities and in setting protection programs to support victims and witnesses in the context of the fight against impunity in close coordination with national authorities and civil society;
• Ensures, as OHCHR Representative, that human rights considerations are reflected and integrated into humanitarian activities, including in emergency planning, preparedness and response, and through participating and/or playing a lead role in the Protection Cluster, as appropriate;
• Counsels the Government and advocates for compliance with international human rights standards in the drafting of legislation, including of the Constitution as relevant, and to this effect, collaborates with the Government, UN, and other stakeholders in the planning and implementation of rule of law and security sector reforms and provides strategic advice to improve compliance with human rights and international humanitarian law with a view to combat impunity;
• Oversees the UN’s implementation of the Human Rights Due Diligence Policy (HRDDP), ensuring coherence in its application across UN entities and effective communication and coordination, and advises the JSR on strategic issues related to HRDDP implementation as necessary.
• Ensures gender considerations are included and reflected in all human rights activities and outputs and ensures compliance with the UN commitment to promote gender equality and mainstreaming in Mission activities, in cooperation with the mission's Gender Adviser.
Managerial responsibilities:
• Responsible for the overall management of the component and the substantive leadership, through , inter alia, formulating human rights strategy and substantive programme of work of the office, allocating resources; reporting on budget/programming performance; evaluating staff performance and ensuring appropriate staffing of the component
• Maintains close relationship with OHCHR-HQ , including the geographic desk officers, ensures timely communications on the human rights situation, and ensures liaison with the human rights treaty monitoring bodies and special procedures;
• Performs other duties as required by the AU Joint Special Representative and the High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Competencies
Professionalism: Knowledge of and exposure to a range of human rights and justice issues, the international human rights legal framework, including mechanisms available for redress, and relevant UN human rights-related mandates, policies and operational frameworks, including on conflict-related sexual violence, children and armed conflict, the protection of civilians, humanitarian action, DDR and security sector reform, legislative and rule of law reforms, and the Human Rights Due Diligence Policy (HRDDP); 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; Knowledge of the human rights considerations in conflict and post-conflict contexts; Demonstrated managerial skills, and capacity to maintain effective partnerships with relevant stakeholders to further the mandate of the organization and to strategically advocate for the integration of human rights in various fora; Capacity to lead the continual improvement of human rights-related work processes and ability to obtain optimum performance of the human rights component; Knowledge for the organisation and conduct of human rights investigations; Knowledge and understanding of gender concepts and methodologies and on women/girl's rights issues; Ability to work and act under pressure in a politically and stressful environment, with a minimum of comfort and in dangerous security conditions; Sound political judgment, impartiality, diplomacy and discretion; Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; 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.
Integrity: Demonstrates the values of the United Nations in daily activities and behaviours; acts without consideration of personal gain; resists undue political pressure in decision-making; does not abuse power or authority; stands by decisions that are in the Organization’s interest, even if they are unpopular; takes prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour.
Respect for Diversity: Works effectively with people from all backgrounds; treats all people with dignity and respect; treats men and women equally; shows respect for and understanding of diverse points of view and demonstrates this understanding in daily work and decision-making; examines own biases and behaviours to avoid stereotypical responses; does not discriminate against any individual or group.
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.
Planning & 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.
Integrity: Demonstrates the values of the United Nations in daily activities and behaviours; acts without consideration of personal gain; resists undue political pressure in decision-making; does not abuse power or authority; stands by decisions that are in the Organization’s interest, even if they are unpopular; takes prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour.
Respect for Diversity: Works effectively with people from all backgrounds; treats all people with dignity and respect; treats men and women equally; shows respect for and understanding of diverse points of view and demonstrates this understanding in daily work and decision-making; examines own biases and behaviours to avoid stereotypical responses; does not discriminate against any individual or group.
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.
Planning & 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.
Managerial Competencies
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 conflict by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions; Drives for change and improvement: does not accept the status quo; Shows the courage to take unpopular stands; Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing.
Judgement/decision making: Understands cultural sensitivities , especially on gender related issues, in context of Darfur in particular Sudan in general; 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 a decision; takes decision 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.
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 conflict by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions; Drives for change and improvement: does not accept the status quo; Shows the courage to take unpopular stands; Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing.
Judgement/decision making: Understands cultural sensitivities , especially on gender related issues, in context of Darfur in particular Sudan in general; 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 a decision; takes decision 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.
Education
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent degree) in human rights, international relations, political science, law, or other related field. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Work Experience
A minimum of fifteen years of progressively responsible professional experience at national and/or international levels in human rights, political affairs, international relations, law or related area is required, of which at least ten years must be in human rights. Experience in the monitoring and investigation of human rights violations is required. Experience in management and leadership roles, including the supervision of large teams, is required. Experience advising senior governmental representatives on human rights and advocating for the promotion of and respect for human rights in a conflict or post-conflict environment is required. Experience implementing human rights compliance policies, including the establishment and oversight of coordination mechanisms, is desirable.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of Arabic is desirable. Knowledge of other UN official language is an advantage.
Assessment
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview. Core values and competencies will be assessed throughout the evaluation process.
HOW TO APPLY:
To apply, please click link
United Nations Considerations
According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity, including but not limited to, respect for international human rights and humanitarian law. Candidates may be subject to screening against these standards, including but not limited to, whether they have committed or are alleged to have committed criminal offences or violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law.
Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.
Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the At-a-Glance on "The Application Process" and the Instructional Manual for the Applicants, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of the inspira account-holder homepage.
The screening and evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications, including but not limited to, their education, work experience, and language skills, according to the instructions provided on inspira. Applicants will be disqualified from consideration if they do not demonstrate in their application that they meet the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations. Applicants are solely responsible for providing complete and accurate information at the time of application: no amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to a reference-checking process to verify the information provided in the application.
Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at midnight (New York time) on the deadline date.
Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.
Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the At-a-Glance on "The Application Process" and the Instructional Manual for the Applicants, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of the inspira account-holder homepage.
The screening and evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications, including but not limited to, their education, work experience, and language skills, according to the instructions provided on inspira. Applicants will be disqualified from consideration if they do not demonstrate in their application that they meet the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations. Applicants are solely responsible for providing complete and accurate information at the time of application: no amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to a reference-checking process to verify the information provided in the application.
Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at midnight (New York time) on the deadline date.
No Fee
THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.