Consultant with the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on Counter-terrorism and Human Rights
Provide expertise on counter-terrorism and human rights.
Overview
Provide expertise on counter-terrorism and human rights.
You have:
- Advanced degree in international law, human rights, humanitarian law, international relations, peace and security and/or related areas
- At least seven years of progressively responsible professional experience in international law, human rights, counter-terrorism, diplomacy, international organisations or related fields
- Specific expertise in counter-terrorism law, human rights and/or international humanitarian law
- Ability to write sophisticated reports on complex legal topics with tight deadlines
- Previous working experience with the United Nations or other international organizations, in particular human rights and counter-terrorism bodies, at technical and/or political levels
- Well-developed diplomatic, inter-personal and oral communication skills
- Fluency in English is required
- Knowledge of another UN language (particularly Arabic, French or Spanish) is an asset
Contract
This is a Consultancy contract. More about Consultancy contracts.
Work Location
UN premises - NY based
Expected duration
Mar 2025 - Feb 2026
Duties and Responsibilities
The Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism is part of the Special Procedures. The Special Rapporteur is mandated to make recommendations to promote and protect human rights while countering terrorism, address the rights of victims of terrorism, conduct country visits to assess human rights situations, and issue annual reports to the UN Human Rights Council and UN General Assembly. Unlike many other Special Procedures mandates, the counter-terrorism mandate includes additional responsibilities to engage with the UN bodies relevant to counter-terrorism, including the General Assembly, Security Council, Counter-terrorism Committee, UNOCT, UNODC and the 47-member Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact and its working groups. To strengthen the Special Rapporteur's presence in NY, a consultant with expertise in counter-terrorism is required to: -Provide advice to the Special Rapporteur on diplomatic, political and legal strategy; -Build and manage the mandate’s diplomatic, United Nations, civil society and other networks; -Provide technical advice and advocate on Security Council and General Assembly counter-terrorism resolutions and debates and periodic reviews of the Global Counter-terrorism Strategy; -Conduct strategic advocacy on the interface between counter-terrorism and international humanitarian law, sanctions and humanitarian exemptions, peace and security, protection of civilians and humanitarian actors, human rights and gender; -Represent the mandate and monitor the UN counter-terrorism architecture in New York; -Draft documents, publications, communications and technical advice on issues as directed; -Regularly attend meetings and provide weekly written information on all developments in NY. -Monitor and advise on law, policy and strategy on counter-terrorism and human rights; -Draft oral presentations and written statements and briefings; -Research and analyse thematic and country issues, including drafting publications; -Research and draft communications on human rights violations in specialized areas; -Engage with other international bodies (regional organisations, Global Counter-terrorism Forum, Financial Action Task Force, Global Internet Forum to Counter-Terrorism); -Assist with conferences, seminars and meetings; -Provide logistical support to the Special Rapporteur (e.g. agenda, deadlines, travel); -Closely liaise and exchange information with the mandate’s Human Rights Officers; -Travel as required.
Qualifications/special skills
-Advanced degree in international law, human rights, humanitarian law, international relations, peace and security and/or related areas; -At least seven years of progressively responsible professional experience in international law, human rights, counter-terrorism, diplomacy, international organisations or related fields; -Specific expertise in counter-terrorism law, human rights and/or international humanitarian law; -Ability to write sophisticated reports on complex legal topics with tight deadlines; -Previous working experience with the United Nations or other international organizations, in particular human rights and counter-terrorism bodies, at technical and/or political levels, including drafting documents, is desirable; -Well-developed diplomatic, inter-personal and oral communication skills.
Languages
Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another UN language (particularly Arabic, French or Spanish) is an asset.
Additional Information
Not available.
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.
Potential interview questions
| Can you describe a time when you had to advocate for human rights in a challenging environment? | This question assesses your experience with advocacy and understanding of human rights issues. | Provide a specific example that highlights your advocacy skills and how you navigated challenges. |
| What strategies would you employ to engage with UN bodies on counter-terrorism initiatives? | The interviewer wants to know your approach to diplomacy within the UN context. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How do you prioritize competing deadlines while drafting reports on complex legal topics? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What experience do you have working with international organizations and how has it prepared you for this role? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How would you approach engaging with victims of terrorism when drafting recommendations? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |