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Job Opening
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Posting Title: |
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Senior Human Rights Officer, P5
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Job Code Title: |
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SENIOR HUMAN RIGHTS OFFICER
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Department/ Office: |
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Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights
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Duty Station: |
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PRETORIA
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Posting Period: |
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17 February 2015-18 March 2015
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Job Opening number: |
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15-HRI-OHCHR-40269-R-PRETORIA (X)
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Staffing Exercise ID: |
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N/A
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United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity
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Org. Setting and Reporting
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This position is located in the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) Regional Office for Southern Africa, in Pretoria/South Africa. The incumbent reports to the Director of the Field Operations and Technical Cooperation Division and the Director of the Africa Branch, and in coordination with the Chief of Africa Section I, the incumbent will represent the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.
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Responsibilities
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Under the overall direction of the Chief of the Africa Branch, and in consultation with the Chief of Africa Section I, the Regional Representative will: - Provide the High Commissioner with advice on human rights situations in countries of Southern Africa, and alert the High Commissioner to any early-warning signs of serious human rights crises in the Southern Africa region in order for the High Commissioner to take appropriate actions within her mandate; - Develop strategic relationships with United Nations agencies and programs, including the United Nations Country Teams (UNCTs) in Southern Africa and its various sub-offices in the Southern Africa region, by giving advice and lending support as required, especially within the framework of rights-based planning and programming initiatives, such as the Common Country Assessment (CCA) and the United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) and coordination of the regional Southern Africa humanitarian protection cluster; - Lead and supervise the work of the Regional Office including the implementation of the annual work plan, staff recruitment and development, annual planning and reporting and budget and administrative matters. - Ensure the optimal use of resources allocated to the office, establishing an effective system of cost control; - On the basis of the mandate, develop, plan, implement and revise the work plan/budget, human rights strategies and related priorities as appropriate; - Advise relevant government counterparts on the ratification of international human rights treaties, compliance with its reporting commitments before international human rights treaty monitoring bodies and the preparation of pending periodic reports, and follow-up to the recommendations made by these bodies and coordinate support with the UNCT and the RC; Support activities of UN human rights mechanisms, including the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) processes, and advise OHCHR and other relevant UN agencies on the appropriate role to be played in relation to the evolving human rights situation; - Propose policy directives and plans of action to appropriate UN bodies for immediate and long-term solutions to human rights problems in general and in specific geographical areas; Hold bilateral and independent meetings with the Government and State counterparts, to discuss issues related to the mandate of the Office and to advise on steps needed to be taken and ensure that governmental and State institutions and NGOs are fully involved in the implementation of technical cooperation programs; - Seek to ensure the integration of universally recognized human rights standards in the policies and activities of state institutions, including issuing statements expressing the position of the Office on key issues of policy to ensure their conformity with international standards; - Develop and maintain relations with officials of the host government and advise them on human rights issues and policies; Assist the Regional Coordinators (RCs) and the UNCTs of the region in supporting relevant government agencies in the preparation and implementation of national human rights action plans, the reform of the administration of justice, development of human rights education, and trainings on the application of international human rights norms and standards into national law and practice; - Advise the RCs and the UNCTs on strategies to build and strengthen national capacities and institutions for the promotion and protection of human rights; - Represent OHCHR on matters of human rights in meetings with national authorities at the central as well as local levels, with members of the international community, as well as with representatives of national and international NGOs; - Liaise with civil society and media on issues relating to human rights, including building their awareness and capacity to protect and promote human rights, and combat racism and racial discrimination; - Support national human rights institutions in the Southern Africa region; - Promote human rights educational activities and deliver human rights training; Provide technical advice on administration of justice; - Promote the full realization of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and economic, social and cultural rights; - Report to HQ monthly and annually on the activities and the achievement of the objectives set out in the mandate as well as the human rights situation; - Perform other related duties as required.
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Competencies
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PROFESSIONALISM: Authoritative knowledge of and wide exposure to the full range of human rights issues, including approaches and techniques to address highly sensitive/complex problems; excellent knowledge of institutional mandates, policies and guidelines related to human rights; comprehensive knowledge of the region of assignment, including the political and legal environment as they pertain to human rights, demonstrated ability to complete in depth studies and reach conclusions on possible causes and solutions to human rights problems in specific societies and systems; original thinking, independent judgment and discretion in advising on and handling major issues and problems and excellent knowledge of international human rights and humanitarian law; good political judgment, advocacy and diplomatic skills and ability to understand and respond to complex political and social contexts; ability to relate human rights issues and perspectives (including gender issues) to political, social, economic and humanitarian programs in affected countries and areas; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of country office work. Proven ability to negotiate and mediate under difficult circumstances in a highly sensitive and political environment. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
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.
VISION: Identifies strategic issues, opportunities and risks; Clearly communicates links between the Organization’s strategy and the work unit’s goals; Generates and communicates broad and compelling organizational direction, inspiring others to pursue that same direction; Conveys enthusiasm about future possibilities.
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.
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Education
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Advanced University Degree (Masters or equivalent), preferably in law, political science, international relations or other disciplines related to human rights. A first level University degree in combination with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
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Work Experience
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At least 10 years of progressively responsible professional experience at national and international levels in the human rights field. Experience in main streaming human rights, development and humanitarian programs, preferably in the field. Managerial experience gained through advisory or managerial positions.
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Languages
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Fluency in written and spoken English is required. Knowledge of another UN language is an asset.
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Assessment
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Evaluation of qualified candidates will include a written assessment. Successful candidates will be invited to a competency based interview.
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Special Notice
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Extension of the appointment is subject to Extension of the mandate and/or the availability of the funds. 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. Staff members of the United Nations Secretariat must fulfill the lateral move requirements to be eligible to apply for this vacancy. Staff members are requested to indicate all qualifying lateral moves in their Personal History Profile (PHP) and cover note.
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United Nations Considerations
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Job openings posted on the Careers Portal are taken off at midnight (New York time) on the deadline date.
Applications are automatically pre-screened according to the published evaluation criteria of the job opening on the basis of the information provided by applicants. Applications cannot be amended following submission and incomplete applications shall not be considered. The selected candidate will be subject to a reference checking process to verify the information provided in the application.
Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the At-a-Glance on "The Application Process" and the Instructional Manual for the Applicants, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” on the upper right side of the browser on Inspira.
The United Nations shall place 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. (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8). The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.
Candidates will be required to meet the requirements of Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter as well as the requirements of the position. The United Nations is committed to the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity for all its human resources, including but not limited to respect for international human rights and humanitarian law. Candidates may be subject to screening against these standards, including but not limited to whether they have committed, or are alleged to have committed criminal offences and/or violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law.
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No Fee
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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.
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