Chief of Section, Human Rights and Civilian Protection P-5

Contract

This is a P-5 contract. This kind of contract is known as Professional and Director staff. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's a staff contract. It usually requires 10 years of experience, depending on education.

Salary

The salary for this job should be between 172,845 USD and 216,614 USD.

Please keep in mind that the salary displayed here is an estimation by UN Talent based on the location and the type of contract. It may vary depending on the organization. The recruiter should be able to inform you about the exact salary range. In case the job description contains another salary information, please refer to this one.

Org. Setting and Reporting The position is located in the United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS).

The United Nations Security Council adopted resolution 2524 (2020) authorizing the mandate of UNITAMS to support the political transition in Sudan and the progress towards democratic governance, protection and promotion of human rights and sustainable peace. UNITAMS will support peace processes and the implementation of future peace agreements, assist peace-building, civilian protection and rule of law, in particular in Darfur and the Two Areas. UNITAMS will also support the mobilization of economic and development assistance and the coordination of humanitarian assistance.

The position is based in Khartoum, Sudan and is located in the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG). The incumbent will report to the SRSG.

Responsibilities Under the overall authority of the SRSG and with a reporting line to the High Commissioner for Human Rights whose office provides the substantive support and general policy guidance, the Chief of Section, Human Rights and Civilian Protection, will be responsible for the following duties.

Advisory role: * Advises the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on all human rights promotion and protection activities, including the protection of civilians, transitional justice, the fight against impunity, sexual violence, protection of women and of children in armed conflict, human rights aspects of the peace process, and reports on issues related to human rights; * Advises the SRSG/DSRSG and leads as necessary the mission's efforts on civilian protection, including through development and implementation of the UN system-wide strategy on PoC and in close collaboration with the UNCT and the Protection Cluster; * Advises Government, including the Executive, uniformed services and others, in respect to specific human rights and protection concerns, particularly related to women, children and other vulnerable groups, bringing to their attention actual and potential violations of international human rights and humanitarian law, and suggesting appropriate actions; * Represents the mission 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 policy and decision-making fora and advises on strategic, policy and operational decisions that may have protection and human rights implications; * Participates in Senior Management Team meetings, inform its participants on the activities of the human rights component and recommends measures necessary or desirable for other sections or the Mission to protect and promote human rights in the mission area, mainstream human rights and to implement a human rights-based approach.

Substantive coordination and communication: * Ensures coordination among all civilian protection and human rights activities present in the mission area; the timely and effective flow of information and the channelling of human rights analysis and concerns for inclusion in crisis management and response; * Develops strategies and implementation frameworks for monitoring civilian protection and related human rights issues; * Provides advice at senior levels to the Government, including the Executive, uniformed services and others, in 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; * Provides overall guidance and strategic direction to human rights officers tasked with the protection of children's rights and with conflict-related sexual violence including by ensuring high quality and timely monitoring, analysis and reporting in compliance with established monitoring, analysis and reporting arrangements. * Ensures the integration of human rights and protection aspects into the mission’s efforts to improve protection of civilians, including through participating in the planning and carrying of mission’s response or in establishing coordination mechanisms as necessary; * In close coordination with United Nations agencies, other mission components, and other international actors, supports authorities and civil society at all levels to promote compliance with obligations related to human rights and the protection of civilians and to protect the human rights of those most vulnerable, including women and children, as well as human rights defenders, victims and witnesses; * 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, including children, and witnesses in the context of the fight against impunity; * Leads initial efforts to establish transitional justice in line with the Constitutional Declaration and the peace agreement; * Supports the establishment of mission coordinating mechanisms for the implementation of the Human Rights Due Diligence Policy (HRDDP) on support provided by the UN to non-UN forces as relevant; ensure that risk assessments are undertaken, advice is given to senior management on support, follow-up and monitoring and that appropriate information is provided on the implementation of the Policy; * Maintains close liaison with UNAMID and OHCHR for timely communication on the human rights situation, to support the various UN human rights mechanisms and to maximize the impact of common and joint strategies between OHCHR and the mission; * Ensures coordination and cooperation with the special envoys, independent experts or commissions of inquiry as relevant in incorporating recommendations into the human rights strategy of the mission; * Regularly briefs the diplomatic community on the human rights and protection situation in the country; * Ensures gender considerations are included and reflected in all human rights and protection activities and outputs; * Leads or coordinates other substantive human rights-related components and programmes as determined by the mission structure.

Management, monitoring, analysis, and reporting: * Leads or joins joint protection assessments with other relevant actors; * Manages the work and staff of the component and provides substantive leadership, though, inter-alia, formulating the substantive work program, allocating resources, preparing and reporting on budget and programme performance, evaluating staff performance and ensuring appropriate staffing of the component; * Ensures that the component collects, consolidates and analyses information on human rights developments and threats against civilians received from staff/offices from across the mission area, including through coordinating the collection of human rights data; * Performs other duties as required.

Competencies PROFESSIONALISM: Proven sensitivity to conflict and post-conflict political and social environments and ability to adjust behaviors accordingly; Comprehensive knowledge of human rights principles, international mechanisms and of related concepts, including protection of civilians, child protection, transitional justice, humanitarian action, DDR, legislative, rule of law reforms and conflict related sexual violence; Good knowledge of institutional mandates, policies, guidelines and methodologies related to UN peace operations and to human rights work as well as good understanding of issues related to the integration of human rights in UN peace missions; Capacity to maintain effective partnerships with relevant stakeholders to further the mandate of the organization(s), and to strategically advocate for the integration of human rights in various fora; Sound political judgment, as well as diplomacy, impartiality, and discretion; 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 lead the continual improvement of human rights related work processes and ability to apply best management practices to obtain optimum performance of the human rights component; Understanding of the relevance of information collected by various UN actors for human rights analysis; Sound knowledge of the political background and human rights situation in the country or region; Proven representational, negotiation and managerial skills; Understanding of the relevance of information and data management and its applicability to human rights work; Ability to work and act under pressure in a politically and psychologically difficult environment, with a minimum of comfort and in precarious security conditions; Commitment to implement the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of the peace operation and to mainstream gender in all activities of the human rights and protection component. Shows pride in work and 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. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

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.

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.

VISION: Identifies strategic issues, opportunities and risks; Clearly communicates links between the Organization's strategy and the work unit's goals; Generates and communicates broad and compelling organizational direction, inspiring others to pursue that same direction; Conveys enthusiasm about future possibilities.

JUDGEMENT AND 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.

Education An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in human rights, law, international relations, political science or related field is required. 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 ten years of progressively responsible professional experience at national and international levels in the fields of human rights, humanitarian action, political or social affairs, of which at least seven in the field of human rights is required. Experience in the monitoring and investigating of human rights violations and engagement for the protection of civilians in conflict or post conflict context is required. A minimum of five years in management and leadership capacities including the supervising of teams is required. Professional experience working with the United Nations Common System, or other international or non-governmental organization is required. Experience in advocating for the promotion of and respect for human rights in a conflict or post-conflict environment is required. Experience in advising senior governmental representatives in the human rights area is required. Experience integrating various protection mandates is required. Experience advising transitional justice institutions and/or working with transitional justice mechanisms is desirable. Experience in coordinating multi sectoral response to human rights protection concerns is desirable.

Languages English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of Arabic is desirable.

Assessment Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Special Notice Please note that this is a temporary job opening, open to internal and external candidates. The temporary position is advertised for a duration of 6 months. The selected candidate is expected to start as soon as possible.

Please note that due to the ongoing situation with COVID-19 and the travel restrictions imposed by national authorities, selected candidates may be required to start the assignment/appointment remotely, in agreement with the hiring manager, and until further notice.

A current staff member who holds a fixed-term, permanent or continuing appointment may apply for temporary positions no more than one level above his or her current grade. However, a current staff member who holds an appointment at the G-6 or G-7 level may also apply to temporary positions in the Professional category up to and including the P-3 level, subject to meeting all eligibility and other requirements for the position. A staff member holding a temporary appointment shall be regarded as an external candidate when applying for other positions, and may apply for other temporary positions at any level, subject to section 5.7 below and staff rule 4.16 (b) (ii). Therefore, a staff member holding a temporary appointment in the General Service or related categories may only apply to positions within those categories. For full information on eligibility requirements, please refer to section 5 of ST/AI/2010/4/Rev.1 on Temporary Appointments. In its resolution 66/234, the General Assembly further “stressed that the Secretary-General should not recur to the practice of temporarily filling posts in the Professional and higher categories with General Service staff members who have not passed the General Service to Professional category examination other than on an exceptional basis, and requests the Secretary-General to ensure that temporary occupation of such posts by the General Service staff shall not exceed a period of one year, effective 1 January 2013…” Consequently, eligible candidates in the General Service or related categories for temporary job openings in the Professional category that have not passed the competitive examination may be selected only on an exceptional basis endorsed by the Office of Human Resources where no other suitable candidate could be identified.

Upon separation from service, including, but not limited to, expiration or termination of, or resignation from, a fixed-term, continuing or permanent appointment, a former staff member will be ineligible for re-employment on the basis of a temporary appointment for a period of 31 days following the separation. In the case of separation from service on retirement, a former staff member will be ineligible for re-employment for a period of three months following the separation. This equally applies, mutatis mutandis, with respect to a former or current staff member who has held or holds an appointment in another entity applying the United Nations Staff Regulations and Rules and who applies for a temporary position with the Secretariat.

Retirees above the mandatory age of separation who wish to be considered for the current temporary job opening must indicate the reason for their last separation as "retirement." Such retirees shall not be employed by the Organization, unless (a) the operational requirements of the Organization cannot be met by staff members who are qualified and available to perform the required functions; and (b) the proposed employment would not adversely affect the career development or redeployment opportunities of other staff members and represents both a cost-effective and operationally sound solution to meet the needs of the service.

While this temporary assignment may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, the selection for this position is for a limited period and has no bearing on the future incumbency of the post. An external candidate selected for this position is bound by the prevailing condition of the staff selection system under ST/AI/2010/3, as amended, and ST/AI/2010/4/Rev.1. A staff member holding a temporary appointment who is recruited in the Professional and above categories on a temporary appointment, and placed on a position authorized for one year or longer may not apply for or be reappointed to his/her current position within six months of the end of his/her current service. This provision does not apply to staff members holding temporary appointments and placed on positions authorized for one year or more in duty stations authorized for peacekeeping operations or special political missions.

The expression “Internal candidates”, shall mean staff members who have been recruited after a competitive examination under staff rule 4.16 or after the advice of a central review body under staff rule 4.15.

Please note that candidates will be required to meet the requirements of Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter as well as the requirements of the position. The United Nations is committed to the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity for all its human resources, 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 and/or violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law.

For information on special post allowance, please refer to ST/AI/1999/17. For more details on the administration of temporary appointments please refer to ST/AI/2010/4/Rev.1.

The Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and administrative issuances governing staff appointments can be viewed at: http://www.un.org/hr_handbook/English

Staff members of the United Nations common system organizations who will reach the mandatory age of separation or retirement within the duration of the current temporary need period are not eligible to apply.

Staff members are not eligible to apply for the current temporary job opening if they are unable to serve the specified duration of temporary need before reaching the mandatory age of separation. Submitting an application or selection for the current temporary job opening does not delay or increase the mandatory age of separation.

The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

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. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment.

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 Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of the inspira account-holder homepage.

The 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 according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. 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 reference checks to verify the information provided in the application.

Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (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.