OFFICE OF THE UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS

INTERNAL/EXTERNAL VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Reference Number: 11/OHCHR/025R/KOSOVO

Deadline for Application: 22 November 2011

Post Title and Level: Human Rights Officer, P-4

Duty Station: Pristina, Kosovo

Duration: 1 December 2011 to 31 March 2012

Organizational Unit: Field Operations and Technical Cooperation Division

Americas, Europe and Central Asia Branch

______

Responsibilities

This post is to be found in the Pristina Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights under the overall supervision of the Chief of the Americas, Europe and Central Asia Branch, Field Operations and Technical Cooperation Division , and in regular consultation with the Chief of the Europe and Central Asia Section, the Officer's main responsibilities and tasks would include: Developing a strategy and work plan for the Office's protection work, and supervising national and international staff; Monitoring, researching and analysing the human rights situation in the area of geographic responsibility, specifically to: - oversee investigations of selected cases to ensure that effective interventions are made through institutions, mechanisms or procedures at the national and international level - analyse relevant aspects of cases in order to identify trends, possible patterns of human rights violations and systematic practices, and to prepare thematic reports and briefing papers as appropriate, including analysis and proposed actions; - identify structural causes of human rights violations to assist in developing technical cooperation interventions to address them; - ensure that individuals and organizations working for human rights are able to carry out their work in safety; - oversee observation of key trials; Establishing and maintaining regular contact and co-operation with relevant authorities, UNMIK and UN Kosovo Team, regional organizations, NGOs and other representatives of civil society in order to address specific cases and patterns, and to secure preventive action and effective remedy; Preparing and contributing to regular internal and external reports in accordance with the Office's reporting requirements; Providing briefings on the situation and assisting in liaison with the media.

Competencies

Professionalism: Comprehensive knowledge of and exposure to a range of human rights issues, to include approaches and techniques to address sensitive and complex problems; very good knowledge of institutional mandates, policy and guidelines related to human rights; ability to identify human rights issues and perspectives, including gender issues and relate them to political, social, economic and humanitarian programmes. Good analytical, research and investigative skills. Discretion and sound judgment in applying expertise to resolve complex and/or sensitive issues.

Communication: Excellent communication (spoke and written) skills, including the ability to convey complex concepts and recommendations at senior level, both orally and in writing, in a clear, concise style and to deliver presentations to external audiences.

Planning and Organizing: Ability to establish priorities and to plan work assignments, juggle competing demands, including overseeing work of more junior staff, and work under pressure of frequent and tight deadlines.

Technology Awareness: Good computer skills, including proficiency in word processing, spreadsheets and other relevant software packages.

Leadership: Ability to oversee work of more junior staff and provide guidance on conduct of activities, often in a sensitive environment; proven record of building and managing teams and creating an enabling work environment, including the ability to effectively lead, supervise, develop and evaluate staff and to ensure effective transfer of knowledge/skills.

Qualifications

Education

Advanced university degree in Law, social/political science, international relations, journalism or a related field. A combination of relevant academic qualifications and extensive experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

A minimum of 7 years of progressive professional experience in the protection of human rights and related areas. Knowledge and understanding of UN human rights instruments and procedures. Knowledge and extensive working experience of investigating and protecting human rights in fragile countries with weak democratic institutions and knowledge of South East European region will be an asset. Proven managerial skills and experience in successfully leading a team of professionals.

Languages

Fluency in English, with excellent drafting skills. Working knowledge of Serbian and/or Albanian is an asset.

Other Desirable Skills

Prior field experience in an OHCHR or human rights component in a UN operation would be an asset. Ability to present positions on behalf of OHCHR with authority, excellent diplomatic and political skills.

How to apply:

Applicants are instructed to submit the following documents in one single e-mail to:

§  A completed United Nations Personal History form (PHP) or P-11, in PDF or Word

§  A cover letter as attached document;

§  United Nations staff members must submit scanned copies of their latest Performance Appraisal System (PAS).

Important:

Please mention the reference number of the vacancy announcement in the subject header of your e-mail: 11/OHCHR/025R/KOSOVO

Name any attached documents as follows:

LAST NAME First name – Type of document

Example: SMITH Jacqueline – PHP.doc

SMITH Jacqueline - Cover letter.doc

SMITH Jacqueline – PAS.pdf

Note: Applications without P-11 or PHP cannot be considered;

Applications received after the deadline or not compliant with the instructions will not be accepted.

Please note that, because of the volume of messages, applications will not be acknowledged.

Only applicants possessing the required qualifications will be taken into consideration. Only the successful candidate will be notified of the outcome of the selection.

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, article8). The UN also encourages women’s candidatures.

The Secretary-General reserves the right to appoint a candidate at one level below the advertised level of the post.

"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".

______

Date of issuance: 15/11/2011 11/025/KOSOVO P-4