Project Officer, Human Rights

Contract

This is a UNV International Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Specialist contracts.

In Guinea-Bissau despite fundamental political, civil, economic, social and cultural rights being guaranteed by the Constitution, enjoyment of human rights remains a challenge for the population. In the past, human rights violations have been both the cause and consequence of conflict. Today, the potential for human rights violations to trigger conflict remains real.

The UNDP Country Office (CO) in Guinea-Bissau, as key government partner, has been developing and implementing various projects in a variety of governance and rule of law related domains. Currently, the UNDP intends to partner with OHCHR and UNICEF to implement a project funded by the UN Peacebuilding Fund (Jan 2022-Dec 2024).

The project intends to enhance the individual and institutional level capacity of both duty-bearers and rights-holders, in human rights as an essential foundation to build a resilient, peaceful, inclusive and just society. It seeks to do so with full respect for national ownership, by involving both state and non-state actors thus also facilitating dialogue and trust. The project focuses on strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights’ systems to sustain peace by establishing an independent national human rights institution, supporting the implementation of the national human rights action plan, engaging with treaty bodies and other human rights mechanisms, supporting human rights civil society organizations and defenders for monitoring and early warning. The project expects to achieve this objective by boosting individual and institutional capacities of both duty-bearers and rights-holders to address human rights challenges identified as structural conflict drivers.

In this regard, UNDP Guinea-Bissau is looking for a Project Officer to ensure the implementation of project activities related to UNDP responsibilities and to accompany and coordinate the effort between national institutions and local civil society organizations.

Within the delegated authority and under the overall supervision of the Head of Governance Cluster and the direct supervision of the UNDP Chief Technical Advisor for the Rule of Law and secondly, to the Project Manager, the UN Volunteer Project Officer, Human-Rights will be part of the Project Team embedded at UNDP and s/he will:

Project Management Ensure the day-to-day implementation of project outputs and activities under UNDP responsibilities as outlined in the project document Maintain a management oversight and liaise with Project Manager to ensure project implementation is on track in order to ensure the project achieves the planned results in accordance with relevant plans Prepare Annual Work Plans (AWP) and mid-year for UNDP’s part, and contribute to annual and final narrative reports Monitor timely implementation of planned activities, assess the progress toward and the achievement of planned targets Organize regular reviews to track implementation, inform on the progress in project execution (programme and financial) and coordinate revisions and corrective action Liaise with the M&E officers to ensure the timely and continuous implementation of the project M&E plans and ensure that project's monitoring mechanisms are designed and implemented according to UNDP standards Ensure the UNDP's corporate systems (ATLAS) for project management are kept updated Liaise with partners to ensure smooth implementation of all project activities and provide technical support, as appropriate Identify and obtain any support and advice required for the management, planning and control of the project Ensure project meets expectations with respect to quality, budget, delivery timelines, and strategy Advice and take prompt action in case of under-delivery and lack of/delay of financial planning Provide project management support to national implementing partners

Knowledge Management Establish and maintain a usable, auditable and well-communicated records of the project Identify and capture lessons learnt and best practices within the project and develop and draft knowledge outputs Advice on and support the development of communication strategies to position its contents with national and international audiences Analyze new and emerging policy and strategy initiatives at national (national laws and regulations) and international (UN-system) levels, prepare briefings and advice UNDP Management on the implications for the implementation framework of the project Actively promote a knowledge sharing and learning culture between the projects and the CO Contribte to other CO programming activities related to human rights.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities:

Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day); Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country; Provide annual and end of assignment self- reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities.
Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.; Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers; Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering, or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

Professionalism: technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferable to UNDP procedures and rules; ability to apply good judgement; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently; Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and UNDP in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment. Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; Communication: good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to communicate and empathize with staff and local interlocutors; Flexibility: willingness to travel within the area of operations; Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards UNDP’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

Master’s degree in Human-Rights, Law, or Social Sciences; At least 5 years of proven work experience in rule of law and sustaining peacebuilding programmes/projects Previous experience in project management in international development organizations and/or bilateral development agencies. Solid background in Human Rights and the Rule of Law. Applied design thinking in development an asset Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development; Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel; Advanced computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment; Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines; Sound security awareness; Have affinity with or interest in peace, sustainable development, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

Although there is a certain political instability, the day to day life is calm. Neither the International Community nor the population of Guinea-Bissau is not affected the political instability. The UN staff members are equipped with Codan Radios (VHF) for communication with other UN staff members and UN Security Department. Some areas of Bissau have electricity nearly 24 hours per day, others depend on generators. There are several internet cafes in Bissau. The country code is 245. MTN and Orange are the mobile phone companies in the country. There is access to banks and to 24/7 local ATM services. Official language: Portuguese; Spoken language: Creole; Working language at the United Nations: English and French.

Electricity and Communications: Some areas of Bissau have electricity nearly 24 hours per day, others depend on generators. There are several internet cafes in Bissau. The country code is 245. MTN and Orange are the mobile phone companies in the country.

Money/Banking: There is access to banks and to 24/7 local ATM services.

Guinea Bissau is a unique country and Bissau is a unique (humanitarian) operation. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential.