PRINCIPAL HUMAN RIGHTS OFFICER

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 207,733 USD and 262,138 USD.

Please keep in mind that the salary displayed here is an estimation by UN Talent based on the location and the type of contract. It may vary depending on the organization. The recruiter should be able to inform you about the exact salary range. In case the job description contains another salary information, please refer to this one.

Org. Setting and Reporting This post is founded in the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), in the United Nations Joint Human Rights Office (UNJHRO). The UNJHRO is composed of the Human Rights component of MONUSCO and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in the DRC. The Principal Human Rights Officer in the UNJHRO will serve as the Chief of the MONUSCO Human Rights Office and the representative of the High Commissioner (HC) for Human Rights in the DRC. The Principal Human Rights Officer will be based in Kinshasa and will report directly to the Special Representative of the Secretary General (SRSG) for DRC.

Responsibilities Under the overall authority of the SRSG and the HC, the Principal Human Rights Officer in the DRC will be responsible for the following main functions:

ADVISORY AND REPRESENTATIVE ROLES: - Act as the Principal Adviser to the SRSG and report on issues related to human rights, including monitoring and investigation of human rights violations, transitional justice, the fight against impunity, sexual violence, protection of civilians (PoC), Human Rights Due Diligence Policy (HRDDP) and other activities related to the work of the UNJHRO. - Act as the Representative of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in the DRC and report to the HC in Geneva in his/her capacity as Representative of the HC. - Represent the MONUSCO Human Rights Office and OHCHR at interagency meetings at country level and work closely with the UN Resident Coordinator and UN Humanitarian Coordinator while advising UN Country Team (UNCT) and Humanitarian Country Team (HCT) to ensure human rights are fully integrated into political, humanitarian and development efforts, including with respect to the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation framework (UNSDCF and ISF) as well as the Consolidated (Humanitarian) Appeal (CAP/CHAP) processes; Represent MONUSCO and OHCHR in human rights matters during contacts with national and international organisations working in the field of human rights, diplomatic missions, donors, and other international actors; - Participate in the Senior Management Group (SMG) and the SMG on protection and advise on policy decisions that may have direct or indirect human rights implications.

SUBSTANTIVE COORDINATION: - Ensure quality and standards with regard to human rights monitoring and reporting are met, including that regular and timely public reports are issued in consultation with the SRSG and HC. - Establish and maintain liaison with Congolese authorities and ensure they are provided with regular updates on the human rights, justice and transitional justice situation in the country. - Collaborate with DRC Government, UN, and other stakeholders in pursuing justice sector reform and support and improving the compliance of Congolese security institutions with international human rights and humanitarian law, with a view to enhanced PoC. - Oversee the provision of technical assistance and advocacy efforts to promote the enactment of relevant legislation in the National Assembly. - Ensure follow-up of the 'Mapping Exercise of serious human rights and international humanitarian law violations committed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo between 1993 and 2003' and further assist the DRC Government and stakeholders in developing a transitional justice strategy for the country which includes mechanisms to combat impunity and to address the legacy of lack of accountability for serious human rights violations. - Provide support to the DRC Government to improve compliance by the Government with its obligations related to the PoC as well as human rights defenders, victims and witnesses and strengthen civil society capacity in this regard, in close coordination with UN agencies, MONUSCO, and other international actors. - Work closely with relevant mission components, government authorities, civil society organisations and UN agencies and donors to further fight against sexual violence and enhance accountability for violations of human rights related to sexual violence. - Ensure appropriate monitoring of DRC Government and MONUSCO compliance with the HRDDP policy regarding UN support to the FARDC and provision of support for the creation of a mechanism to assess implementation thereof; In close coordination with other MONUSCO components, UN agencies, national institutions, civil society and donors, work at improving the accountability of national and local institutions to address human rights violations, their causes and consequences, including through, inter alia, ensuring provision of technical advice, training and education to build the capacity of institutions and civil society; - Ensure coordination among PoC actors and sections within MONUSCO and lead MONUSCO’s efforts in the area, including through development and implementation of the UN system-wide strategy on PoC and close collaboration with the UNCT and Protection Cluster. - Ensure, 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. - Contribute to ensuring compliance with the UN commitment to mainstream human rights and integrate gender perspectives and specific women/girls' rights issues in all the activities of MONUSCO, in cooperation with the Gender Advisor.

MANAGERIAL RESPONSIBILITIES: - Responsible for the overall management of the UNJHRO and the provision of substantive leadership, though, inter-alia, formulating a human rights strategy and the substantive program of work of the office; allocating resources; reporting on budget/programme performance; evaluating staff performance and ensuring appropriate staffing of the UNJHRO. - Ensure the UNJHRO collects, consolidates and analyses information received from staff/offices from across the mission area, including through coordinating the effective set-up and functioning of a human rights database; the set-up of quality control mechanisms; and the timely entry of data into the database; - Responsible for the planning, management and implementation of OHCHR-funded projects. - Responsible for the planning, management and implementation of OHCHR-funded projects in the DRC, in accordance with approved OHCHR biennial plans. - Ensure provision of substantive support to the various United Nations human rights mechanisms. - Maintain close liaison with OHCHR-HQ, including with geographical desk officers; ensure timely communications on the human rights situation and liaise with the human rights treaty monitoring bodies and special procedures as needed. - Perform other duties as required by the SRSG and the HC.

Competencies PROFESSIONALISM - Excellent knowledge of and exposure to a range of human rights and justice, including transitional justice issues, gender and related sexual violence issues, the rules governing their protection and the mechanisms available in case of violations. Familiarity with the realities of crisis and post-crisis countries and the Great-Lakes region. Proven negotiating and managerial skills; strong ability to take initiatives and to demonstrate autonomy, excellent leadership skills and ability to motivate a multicultural and mixed men/women team; Ability to work and act under pressure in a politically and stressful difficult environment, with a minimum of comfort and in precarious security conditions; Sound political judgement, impartiality, diplomacy and discretion; Ability to relate human rights issues and perspectives, including gender issues, to political, social, economic and humanitarian programmes in affected countries and areas. Knowledge and understanding of gender concepts and methodologies on women/girl’s rights issues. Commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of peace operations. Shows pride in work and in achievements; Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; 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; Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

COMMUNICATION - Excellent interpersonal, representational and communication skills. Ability to present and defend difficult positions to external partners, stakeholders, senior officials, and to present information in a concise, persuasive and accurate manner. 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.

LEADERSHIP - Proven ability to provide effective leadership and transfer advice and knowledge to external partners, stakeholders, senior officials and staff at all levels; Proven ability to plan and organise the work of large Units or Offices and provide advice and guidance to others; Proven record of building and managing large teams and creating an enabling environment, including ability to effectively motivate and develop staff. 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.

VISION – Ability to identify strategic issues, opportunities and risks; Clear communication of links between the Organization’s strategy and the work unit’s goals. Ability to generate and communicate broad and compelling organisational direction and to inspire others to pursue that same direction. Ability to convey enthusiasm about future possibilities.

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 creativity and initiative; 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, social sciences or other related field. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience and professional training may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience At least 15 years of progressively responsible professional experience at national and international levels in the fields of human rights, humanitarian action and transitional justice, including on the causes and resolution of human rights conflicts in accordance with international standards is required.

At least 5 years of supervisory, management and leadership experience is required.

Professional experience with UNCTs, donors and governmental representatives, including advocating for the promotion and respect of human rights is required.

Proven experience in public speaking and representation at high level is required.

Languages English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English and French (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of another United Nations official language and/or relevant local language is desirable.

Assessment Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Special Notice - This position is temporarily available for an initial period of three (3) months. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment.

• While this temporary assignment may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, the selection for this position is for a limited period and has no bearing on the future incumbency of the post.

• United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

• Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.

• Subject to the funding source of the position, the eligibility for this temporary job opening may be limited to candidates based at the duty station.

• This temporary job opening may be limited to “internal candidates,” who have been recruited through a competitive examination administered according to staff rule 4.16 or staff selection process including the review of a central review body established according to staff rule 4.15.

• Staff members of the United Nations common system organizations who will reach the mandatory age of separation or retirement within the duration of the current temporary need period are not eligible to apply.Submitting an application or selection for the current temporary job opening does not delay or increase the mandatory age of separation.

• Retirees above the mandatory age of separation who wish to be considered for the current temporary job opening must indicate the reason for their last separation as "retirement." Such retirees shall not be employed by the Organization, unless (a) the operational requirements of the Organization cannot be met by staff members who are qualified and available to perform the required functions; and (b) the proposed employment would not adversely affect the career development or redeployment opportunities of other staff members and represents both a cost-effective and operationally sound solution to meet the needs of the service.

  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.