Consultant on disability inclusion in counter-terrorism and disarmament

Work Location Home-based

Expected duration Expected Duration: the consultancy will be for a period of 6 months with a possibility of an extension subject to the availability of funding and work requirements.

Duties and Responsibilities Background Info – Job specific

This consultancy will be positioned as a shared expert resource of both the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) and the Office of Disarmament Affairs (UNODA). The Consultant will have dual reporting lines to focal points within each Office of the Under-Secretaries-General.

The United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) was established by the General Assembly in June 2017. The Office has five main functions: (a) provide leadership on the General Assembly counter-terrorism mandates across the United Nations System; (b) enhance coordination and coherence across the 38 Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force entities to ensure the balanced implementation of the four pillars of the Strategy; (c) strengthen the delivery of United Nations counter-terrorism capacity-building assistance to Member States; (d) improve visibility, advocacy and resource mobilization for United Nations counter-terrorism efforts; and (e) ensure that due priority is given to counter-terrorism across the United Nations System and that the important work on preventing violent extremism is firmly rooted in the Strategy.

The United Nations Office of Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) work with United Nations Member States, United Nations system entities, civil society and other partners towards the elimination of weapons of mass destruction and the strict control of conventional weapons. UNODA promote norm-setting and multilateral agreements in the areas of disarmament, arms control and non-proliferation; facilitate dialogue among diverse stakeholders; and advocate for sustainable peace and development. In line with its Strategic Plan 2021-2025, UNODA deliver policies that promote inclusion and accessibility in disarmament processes.

The project for which the consultant is sought aims to operationalize the United Nations Disability Inclusion Strategy in each Office. This Strategy provides the foundation for sustainable and transformative progress on disability inclusion through all pillars of the work of the United Nations. It includes a system-wide policy, an accountability framework and other implementation modalities, and establishes the highest levels of commitment and a vision for the United Nations system on disability inclusion for the next decade. The joint UNOCT-UNODA project is conceived of deliverables aimed to embed the rights of persons with disabilities into the work of both Offices – including their respective policy and programming efforts.

Functional Responsibilities:

Under the overall supervision of the UNOCT and of the UNODA, the incumbent will provide expertise through following:

For UNOCT: - Conduct a desk review on available research and best practices on mainstreaming disability inclusion in counter-terrorism and the prevention and countering of violent extremism policy and programmes in a gender responsive manner.

• Draft an internal policy instrument addressing, inter alia:

• Principles for disability inclusion in UNOCT policy, programming and institutional (communications, resource mobilization, human resources) efforts.

• Guidance on mainstreaming disability inclusion across UNOCT’s work streams, including how to operationalize in a gender responsive manner, the rights of persons with disabilities within UNOCT programming; and

• Development of mechanism to ensure monitoring and reporting, including for the mandatory system-wide reporting under the UN Disability Inclusion Strategy.

• Provide targeted expert briefings and workshops with UNOCT staff for the purposes of gathering lessons-learned and enhancing knowledge across the Office.

For UNODA: - Draft a briefing note on mainstreaming disability in disarmament and arms control policies and programmes for external publication based on internal research conducted and material developed by UNODA.

• Provide expert briefings and workshops with UNODA staff for the purposes of building capacity in areas of disability inclusion.

• Develop a methodology and recommendations for disability-related data collection and analysis of UNODA activities and in disarmament and arms control processes

  Qualifications/special skills Professionalism: In-depth knowledge of and good practical experience in human rights, diversity and inclusion, particularly with a focus on disability rights. Comprehensive knowledge of and exposure to a range of human rights issues related to counter-terrorism and disarmament. Proficiency in drafting and ability to prepare well and under time pressure briefs, opinions, statements and other written materials. Knowledge of relevant institutional mandates, policies and guidelines and ability to integrate human rights perspectives into the work of other departments and agencies work in this field.

Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively, including the ability to produce a variety of written reports in a clear and concise style and to deliver presentations to external audiences with language, tone, style and format tailored to match the audience. Maintains timely and consistent flow of information with relevant colleagues within UNOCT, UNODA and other entities, as relevant. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed and ability to build and maintain effective partnerships.

Planning and organizing: Skills and ability to coordinate the work of others, work to tight deadlines and handle multiple concurrent projects; good understanding of contemporary international relations and of the UN system, organization and interrelationships. Academic Qualifications: Academic Qualifications: Advanced University Degree (Masters or equivalent) in international human rights law, social sciences, social and public policies or political science or in a related area. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Experience: A minimum of ten (10) years relevant experience regarding the rights of persons with disabilities is required. Experience with the UN system or similar multilateral institutions or organizations is desirable.

Language: English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is desirable.

Additional Information Please apply to Job Opening by 16 December 2021.

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.