Local Human Rights expert on Civil and Political rights to support the Ministry of Justice in developing the Human Rights Action Plan for 2023-2025

Contract

This is a National Consultant contract. More about National Consultant contracts.

Background

Through the EU funded “Accountable Institutions and Human Rights Protection in Armenia” Project, UNDP, UNICEF, UNFPA and OSCE support the Government of Armenia (GoA) efforts towards inclusive, accountable and effective service delivery in the field of rule of law, security, enhanced human rights protection and Constitutional reform. The Project aims to strengthen rights-based approach in public service to safeguard protection, equality and inclusiveness, in line with the EU-GoA Financing Agreement “Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA) Reform Facility'. This engagement contributes to implementation of CEPA provisions and implementation of the roadmap, adopted by the GoA in the areas of rule of law and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. The focus is placed on good governance, non-discrimination and gender equality, rights of persons belonging to minorities, justice and security reform. The Project will equally contribute to implementation of the Agenda 2030, focusing on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16 (peace and strong institutions), SDG 10 (reduced inequalities) and SDG 5 (gender equality).

The Project objectives are implemented through the three components: Human Rights, Police Reform and Constitutional Reform.

Under the Human Rights Component implemented by UNDP, UNICEF and UNFPA, the Project focuses, inter alia, on effective implementation of Human Rights Strategy and Action Plan (HRAP) for 2020-2022, as well as on the support to the development of the new HRAP for 2023-2025.

The Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action, adopted by the 1993 World Conference on Human Rights, recommended “that each State consider the desirability of drawing up a national action plan identifying steps whereby that State would improve the promotion and protection of human rights”.[1] Since then, Armenia have adopted three Human Rights Action Plans (HRAP). HRAPs have the potential to be a valuable tool to more systematically promote and protect fundamental rights.

The activities directed at implementation of the HRAP 2020-2022 aim to support more efficient coordination, monitoring and evaluation process, and to strengthen the capacity of the HRAP Secretariat and the Coordinating Council with the stronger participation of the HRDO, CSOs and the Parliament in the processes. The activities will stem from the actions implemented under the Human Rights Budget Support Programme, making use of the www.e-rights.am platform, links to SDGs and international commitments in the field, including ECtHR decisions. In July 2022, the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) announced the start of the new HRAP development process and called for active collaboration of the civil society, Parliament and the Human Rights Defender’s Office in the process.

To support the MoJ in the development process, UNDP seeks a local expert to review the progress of implementation of the current plan, advise on results framework and work with the MoJ for drafting the new HRAP for 2023-2025.

[1] Adopted on 25 June 1993, Part II, par. 71.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the UNDP Human Rights, Justice and Rule of Law Programme Manager and in close coordination with the Human Rights Expert, the Consultant will work with the MoJ to:

1. Assess effectiveness, relevance, efficiency and sustainability of the HRAP 2020-2022 and the results achieved related to civil and political rights:
2. Review the recommendations for HRAP 2023-2025 on civil and political rights received from line ministries and agencies bodies, CSOs and international development partners;
3. Contribute to the discussions and consultations organised by the MoJ with participation of line ministries and agencies, CSOs and development partners, facilitate the exchange of experience and good practice in the relevant area of practice;
4. Provide technical inputs towards the development of the draft HRAP 2023-2025 and its design and monitoring framework.

Assessment of implementation of HRAP 2020-2022:

• Assess the progress over implementation of the HRAP 2020-2022 in the area of civil and political rights based on desk review;
• Assess to what extent are stated outputs achieved and what progress has been made towards stated outcomes;
• Assess to what extent have the HRAP 2020-2022 contributed to the protection and promotion of civil and political rights in Armenia;
• Assess what factors and inputs contributed to achieving or not achieving results and progress, and to what extent;
• Assess were the HRAP 2020-2022 design and partnerships appropriate and effective;
• To what extent did focal points in line ministries and agencies effectively promote and monitor implementation of HRAP 2020-2022;
• Assess what factors have contributed to the effectiveness/ineffectiveness and efficiency/inefficiency of the implementation of the HRAP 2020-2022;
• Assess any unexpected results (if any);
• Evaluate the extent to which the HRAP 2020-2022 has applied a human rights-based approach and a gender perspective and how this has contributed to outputs and outcomes;
• Evaluate commitment by government and non-governmental stakeholders to the HRAP 2020-2022, including whether sufficient resources have been allocated and spent;
• Assess synergies between HRAP 2020-2022 and other national development strategies;
• Assess capacity gaps (if any) for effective implementation of HRAP 2020-2022;
• Extract, analyse and present best practices, lessons learned and recommendations from the design and implementation of the HRAP 2020-2022 for continued positive impact of HRAP 2020-2022 for human rights support in Armenia.

Review of recommendations and contribution to discussions:

• Review the recommendations for HRAP 2023-2025 on civil and political rights received from line ministries and agencies bodies, CSOs and international development partners;
• Participate and facilitate consultations organised by the MoJ with participation of line ministries and agencies, CSOs and development partners, facilitate the exchange of experience and good practice in the relevant area of practice;
• Engage in co-ordination and joint planning at national level with the MoJ, government ministries and agencies, civil society, UNDP, UN agencies, EU and other development partners.

Supporting the development of the new HRAP 2023-2025:

• Provide expertise to MoJ, line ministries and agencies involved, on the development of HRAP 2023-2025 specific actions (e.g., legislation, policies, practice, training schemes and awareness campaigns) to support their efforts towards the achievement of the relevant UN sustainable development goals (SDGs) and the implementation of relevant international human rights instruments and standards;
• Conduct rapid needs assessments as needed and provide advice on the development of actions, standards, co-operation and monitoring activities within its field of competence, otherwise support MoJ in drafting the HRAP 2023-2025;
• Promote and support development of actions and policies across the priority areas of political and civil rights and the cross-cutting themes identified by the Government, CSOs and international development partners;
• Take due account of integrating a gender perspective and to building cohesive society in the performance of its tasks;
• Support development of the monitoring and evaluation framework of the HRAP in the relevant area of practice, including identification of the results chains, baselines and targets in the area of civil and political rights for the HRAP 2023-2025 and ensure synchronisation with other strategies and action plans.

Deliverables:

Description of Deliverables

Delivery Time

1

Assessment report on effectiveness, relevance, efficiency and sustainability of the HRAP 2020-2022 and the results achieved related to civil and political rights

15 October 2022

2

Report on the review of the recommendations for HRAP 2023-2025 on civil and political rights received from line ministries and agencies bodies, CSOs and international development partners

1 February 2023

3

Summary report on consultations with the government, CSOs and development partners in the relevant area of practice

1 February 2023

4

Draft chapters of HRAP 2023-2025 on civil and political rights (including monitoring and evaluation framework)

1 April 2023

Payment terms

Payment will be made in three installments upon completion of the tasks under each deliverable and approval of deliverables by the UNDP country office.

• Deliverable 1: 20% of total amount:
• Deliverable 2-3: 50% of total amount:
• Deliverable 4: 30% of total amount

Terms and Conditions for provision of services:

The UNDP Project team will support the consultant in establishment of working relations with the MoJ and in receiving all necessary information for the successful implementation of the tasks. The Consultant shall promote coherence of the draft HRAP 2023-2025 with the best practices in this area.

For example. Handbook on National Human Rights Plans of Action. Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. New York and Geneva. 29 August 2002.

National human rights action plans in the EU Practices, experiences and lessons learned for more systematic working methods on human rights. Report of the National Liaison Officer Working Party on National Human Rights Action Plans. Vienna, 27–28 March 2019. European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA). https://fra.europa.eu/sites/default/files/fra_uploads/2020_outcome-report-wp-national-human-rights-action-plans.pdf.

Competencies

Core Competencies

• Demonstrated commitment to UNDP’s mission, vision and values;
• Demonstrated cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• Demonstrated diplomacy and tact in dealing with sensitive and complex situation
• Demonstrated ability to negotiate and apply good judgement;
• Commitment to continuous learning;
• Highest standards of integrity, discretion and loyalty.

Functional Competencies

• Demonstrate professional competence and mastery of subject matter;
• Professionalism: Good knowledge of and exposure to a range of human rights issues, good knowledge of institutional mandates, policies and guidelines related to human rights; good knowledge of the latest developments in the field of human rights;
• High degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership;
• Ability to share knowledge using most effective tools and methodologies to ensure maximum learning impact;
• Planning and organizing: Ability to establish priorities and to plan work assignments, juggle competing demands and work under pressure of frequent and tight deadlines;
• Openness to change and receiving/integrating feedback;
• Strong attention to detail and analytical aptitude;
• Ability to set priorities and manage time effectively;
• Communication: Strong communication (spoken, written and presentation) skills, including ability to produce a variety of written reports and documents in a clear concise style;
• Team work: Proven interpersonal skills and ability to work in a multi-cultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity, sound judgment and good team spirit, communication and teamwork;
• Good understanding of gender mainstreaming;
• Good computer skills, including proficiency in word processing, Excel and other commercial software packages.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Advanced university degree or equivalent preferable in law, political science, international relations or other disciplines related to human rights. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:

• At least 7 years of experience and expertise in the field of Human Rights with the focus on Civil and Political rights, monitoring and reporting;
• At least 5 years of experience in providing policy advice in the field of Human Rights to the Government;
• At least 5 years of experience in research and analysis;
• Proven knowledge of International and Regional Human Rights Instruments and standards;
• Solid experience in drafting guidelines and policy documents;
• Well established partnership with the Government and the CSOs;
• Demonstrated experience and skills in facilitating stakeholder/working group consultations;
• Excellent writing, editing and oral communication skills in Armenian;
• Previous engagement in drafting HRAP is an asset.

Language skills:

• Fluency in Armenian and English is required

CANDIDATES WILL BE EVALUATED BASED ON THE FOLLOWING METHODOLOGY:

Candidates will be evaluated using a cumulative analysis method taking into consideration the combination of the applicants' technical qualifications, experience and financial proposal.The contract will be awarded to the candidate whose offer has been evaluated and determined as technically responsive/compliant/acceptable to the requirements of the ToR and received the highest cumulative (technical and financial) score out of below defined technical and financial criteria.

Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 49 points in the technical evaluation would be considered for financial evaluation.

Technical Criteria - 70% of total evaluation - max. 70 points

Financial Criteria - 30% of total evaluation - max. 30 points.

DOCUMENTS TO BE INCLUDED WHEN SUBMITTING THE APPLICATION.

• Financial Proposal and Availability form: OFFEROR’S LETTER TO UNDP (A total lump sum option is applicable for this assignment)
• CV shall include Education/Qualification, Processional Certification, Employment Records /Experience

General Conditions of Contract is available here: GENERAL CONDITIONS OF CONTRACT

Note: Please note you can upload only one document to this application (scan all documents that should be included in the application in one single PDF file and upload it).