HUMAN RIGHTS INDIVIDUAL CONTRACTOR

Result of Service The United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism 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 entrusted to the Secretary-General across the United Nations System; (b) enhance coordination and coherence across the Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact entities to ensure the balanced implementation of the four pillars of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism 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.

This post is located in the Human Rights Unit, Human Rights and Gender Section in the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) at Headquarters in New York. Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Section, the incumbent will report to the Human Rights Officer (P4).

The consultant will primarily support the consultation exercise conducted pursuant to operative paragraph 86 of General Assembly resolution 75/291 which called upon the Secretary-General “to assess the need to further enhance the integration of the rule of law, human rights and gender, as cross-cutting elements of the Strategy, in the counter-terrorism efforts of the United Nations system in order to strengthen their effectiveness, including the need for internal advisory or monitoring and evaluation capacity in this regard, and to report on his assessment as part of the report foreseen in paragraph 118 of the present resolution for consideration by Member States”. The consultant will further provide support to the work of the Human Rights Unit, as needed.

Work Location Home-based

Expected duration 3 months

Duties and Responsibilities Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Section, and the direct supervision of the Human Rights Officer (P4)/ Human rights Unit, the incumbent will perform the following functions:

• Support the exercise mandated by paragraph 86 of General Assembly resolution 75/291: conduct desk research; analyze and summarize contributions submitted by stakeholders; contribute to the drafting of the analytical assessment; engage with relevant stakeholders in the context of the consultation; coordinate the logistics for targeted follow-up consultations, etc.;

• Contribute to the preparation of various written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analytical notes, etc.

• Carry out background research on issues related to human rights and counter-terrorism;

• Contribute to creating a matrix of relevant analysis, reports and recommendations by United Nations human rights mechanisms, including the universal periodic review, United Nations human rights treaty bodies, and independent special procedures of the Human Rights Council, relating to the human rights aspects of the fight against terrorism;

• Provides administrative and substantive support to consultative meetings, including background documents and agenda, logistical arrangements, etc.

• Performs other duties as required.

  Qualifications/special skills EDUCATION: Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in law, political science, international relations, social sciences or 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 five years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, political affairs, international relations, law, or a related area is required Experience in working on human rights aspects of counter-terrorism matters is desirable. Familiarity with the United Nations counter-terrorism architecture is an advantage

COMPETENCIES

PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of and exposure to a wide range of human rights issues, including approaches and techniques which address sensitive and complex human rights issues in their political, ethnic, racial, gender and socio-economic dimensions, as it relates to counter-terrorism. Knowledge of institutional mandates, policies and guidelines related to human rights. Knowledge of UN efforts to ensure respect for human rights for all and the rule of law as a fundamental basis of the fight against terrorism. Ability to evaluate and integrate information from a variety of sources and assess impact on the human rights situation in a region or country, including the political environment, legal statutes and counter-terrorism measures as they pertain to human rights. Ability to complete in-depth studies and reach conclusions on possible causes and solutions to human rights problems in specific societies and systems. 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. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

PLANNING AND 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.

COMMUNICATION: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; Asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience; Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Languages English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another United Nations official language is an advantage.

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.