PRINCIPAL HUMAN RIGHTS OFFICER

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UN MINUSCA - United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic

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Application deadline 3 years ago: Friday 5 Mar 2021 at 23:59 UTC

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Contract

This is a D-1 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 15 years of experience, depending on education.

Salary

The salary for this job should be between 204,902 USD and 258,565 USD.

Salary for a D-1 contract in Bangui

The international rate of 128,707 USD, with an additional 59.2% (post adjustment) at this the location, applies. Please note that depending on the location, a higher post adjustment might still result in a lower purchasing power.

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Org. Setting and Reporting This position is located within the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in Central African Republic (MINUSCA). The Principal Human Rights Officer will be based in Bangui, which is a non-family duty station. The Principal Human Rights Officer will report to the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General (DSRSG) for CAR, and to the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Geneva.

Responsibilities Under the overall authority of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) through the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General (DSRSG) and with a reporting line to the High Commissioner for Human Rights, whose office provides the substantive support and general policy guidance, and in line with Security Council Resolution 2552 (2020), the Principal Human Rights Officer will be responsible for the following duties in the mission area:

Advisory and representative roles: •Acts as the Principal Advisor to 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 peace and reconciliation, and human rights and elections, hate speech, and reports on issues related to human rights and the work of the Human Rights component; •Acts as the Representative of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in the country, and reports to the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Geneva in this capacity; •Represents the MINUSCA Human Rights component and OHCHR at inter-agency meetings in the country and, in his/her capacity as OHCHR's representative, advises the United Nations Country Team (UNCT) and the Humanitarian Country Team (HCT) to ensure that human rights issues are fully integrated into political, humanitarian and development efforts and programmes including with respect to the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and Common Country Analysis (CCA) ) as well as the Consolidated (Humanitarian) Appeal (C(H)AP) processes; •Advises the SRSG/DSRSG and ensures as necessary the integration of human rights aspects into the Mission's efforts on Protection of Civilians (PoC), including through support to the implementation of the UN system-wide strategy on PoC and in close collaboration with the UNCT and the Protection Cluster and advises on the Human Rights Due Diligence Policy and serves as the Secretariat to the Mission’s HRDDP Task Force; •Provides advice to senior levels of Government, including the Executive, Parliament, 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; •Represents the Mission and OHCHR 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, notably all senior mission leadership fora, and advises on strategic, policy and operational decisions that may have human rights implications; •Participates in Senior Management Group and Crisis Management Team meetings informs its participants on the activities of the human rights component and recommends measures necessary or desirable for other sections of 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: •Ensures coordination among all human rights activities present in the mission area; ensures the timely and effective flow of information and the channelling of human rights analysis and concerns for inclusion in crisis management and response; •Develops, implements and oversees a human rights monitoring strategy; •Ensures investigations of human rights violations are conducted and recommendations of conclusive reports are followed up with the Government and other concerned stakeholders; •Ensures the issuance of public reports in consultation with the SRSG/DSRSG and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in a timely and regular manner in accordance with current policy directives and guidance on public reporting by peace missions; •Provides overall guidance and strategic direction to human rights officers tasked with the protection of children’s rights and with conflict-related sexual violence , by ensuring dedicated capacity and by participating in the strategic design of joint work plans and ensuring high quality and timely monitoring, analysis and reporting in compliance with established monitoring, analysis and reporting arrangements; •Ensures the integration of human rights aspects into the Mission’s efforts to improve protection of civilians (PoC), including through participating in the planning and implementation of the Mission’s response or in establishing coordination mechanisms as necessary; •Ensures coordination with military peacekeepers and UNPOL on Protection of Civilians’ response, notably in translating human rights early warning information into operational response and in responding to gross human rights violations; •In close coordination with United Nations agencies, funds and programmes, other mission components, and other international actors, supports authorities and civil society at all levels to promote compliance with obligations related to 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 reinforcement of the national human rights institution, building civil society and state capacities and in setting protection programs to support victims and witnesses in the context of the fight against impunity; •Leads the Mission strategy on the fight against impunity in cooperation with other relevant Mission components and leads transitional justice efforts as appropriate with relevant stakeholders; •Ensures, as OHCHR representative, that human rights considerations are reflected and integrated in humanitarian activities, including in emergency planning, preparedness and response, and through participating in and/or playing a lead role in the work of the Protection Cluster, as appropriate; •Counsels the Government and advocates for compliance with international human rights standards in the drafting of legislation, as relevant, and to this effect, collaborate with the Government, UN, and other stakeholders in the planning and implementation of rule of law and security sector reforms; •Maintains close liaison with UN counterparts in the country, including in neighbouring countries, with regard to developments that could affect the observance of the human rights in the mission area; •Supports the establishment, participates or chairs as appropriate, 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; ensures 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 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 the provision of support to the Government, civil society and the UNCT on the Universal Periodic Review process, as relevant, and the implementation of recommendations thereon derived; •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; •Ensures gender considerations are included and reflected in all human rights activities and outputs and ensure compliance with the UN commitment to promote gender equality and mainstreaming in Mission activities, in cooperation with the mission's Gender Adviser; •Leads or coordinates other substantive human rights-related components and programmes as determined by the mission structure.

Managerial responsibilities: •Manages the Human Rights component and OHCHR technical cooperation programmes and the provision of substantive leadership, though, inter-alia, formulating the substantive work programme, allocating resources, preparing and reporting on budget and programme performance, evaluating staff performance, and ensuring appropriate staffing of the component; •Leads the planning, management and implementation of OHCHR-funded projects in the country; •Ensures that the Human Rights component collects, consolidates and analyses information on human rights developments received from staff/offices from across the mission area, including through coordinating the effective functioning of a human rights database; the establishment of quality control mechanisms and the timely and quality entry of data into the database; •Performs other duties as required by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General and/or the High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Competencies PROFESSIONALISM: Proven sensitivity to conflict and post-conflict political and social environments and ability to adjust behaviours accordingly; Comprehensive knowledge of human rights principles, international mechanisms and of related concepts, including the protection of civilians, 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; Capacity to maintain effective partnerships with relevant stakeholders to further the mandate of the organization, 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 component; Shows pride in work and in achievements; 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;

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 audience; Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

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.

LEADERSHIP: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow; Empowers others to translate vision into results; Is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; Establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support; Anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions; Drives for change and improvement, does not accept the status quo; Shows the courage to take unpopular stands. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing.

MANAGING PERFORMANCE: Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority; Makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member; Accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills; Monitors progress against milestones and deadlines; Regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff; Encourages risk-taking and supports staff when they make mistakes; Actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff; Appraises performance fairly.

Education An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in human rights, international relations, political science, law or a related area. 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 Over 15 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 ten in the field of human rights is required. Such experience must encompass the monitoring and investigating of human rights violations including from within a field operation. A minimum of seven years in management and leadership capacities is required, including the supervising of large teams. Professional experience working with the United Nations Common System, or other international or nongovernmental organization, advocating for the promotion of and respect for human rights in a conflict or post-conflict environment is required. Human rights experience in assigned geographic conflict or post conflict locations is required. A proven record of advisory experience to senior governmental representatives in the area of human rights is required. Prior experience coordinating multi-sectoral response to human rights protection concerns including through engaging with military and police for the protection of civilians is desirable. Professional experience working with United Nations Country Teams, donors and governmental representatives, including advocating for the promotion and respect of human rights is desirable.

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

Assessment Previously rostered candidates are not subject to any further assessment and as such, will not be invited for such an assessment.

Special Notice This "Recruit from Roster" job opening is only open to roster applicants who are already placed on pre-approved rosters, following a review by a United Nations Central Review Body. Only roster applicants who were placed on rosters with similar functions at the same level are considered to be eligible candidates. Eligible applicants receive an email inviting them to apply. Rostered applicants are encouraged to apply only if they are interested and available to take up the position at the duty station/s specified in the Job Opening. Applying to this job opening carries an expectation to accept the offer, if selected.

The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity 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.

The paramount consideration in the appointment, transfer, or promotion of staff shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. By accepting an offer of appointment, United Nations staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and assignment by him or her to any activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). In this context, all internationally recruited staff members shall be required to move periodically to discharge new functions within or across duty stations under conditions established by the Secretary-General.

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.

Added 3 years ago - Updated 3 years ago - Source: careers.un.org