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OFFICE OF THE UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS
INTERNAL/EXTERNAL VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
Reference Number: 11/OHCHR/157/CAMEROON
Deadline for Application: 30 December 2011
Post Title and Level: Regional Representative, P-5
Duty Station: Yaoundé, Cameroon
Duration: 31 May 2012 (temporary replacement)
Organizational Unit: OHCHR Central Africa Regional Office (CARO) United Nations Centre for Human Rights and Democracy in Central Africa (UNCHRD)
Responsibilities
Under the general supervision of the Chief of the Africa Branch and Director of the Field Operations and Technical Cooperation Division (FOTCD) of OHCHR, the incumbent will perform the following responsibilities and tasks in the field of human rights and democracy as the United Nations High Commissioner's Regional Representative for Central Africa and Director of the United Nations Centre for Human Rights and Democracy in Central Africa:
§ Advise OHCHR regarding its regional strategy and activities, as well as regional developments which may have human rights policy and operational implications, in Central Africa;
§ Follow human rights and democracy developments in the Central African region, with a view to keeping OHCHR informed of measures to take in order to effectively contribute to the respect for human rights and democracy;
§ Provide advice to Governments and other regional partners regarding human rights and democracy related aspects of their activities and assist them in addressing human rights and democracy issues that are relevant to their mandate;
§ As a member of the UN Regional System in West and Central Africa (Regional Directors' Team) and various UN Country Teams in Central Africa, develop strategic relationships with the UN Regional Offices and UN Country Teams of the region, advising and lending support as required, especially within the framework of human rights based-planning and programming initiatives, such as the Common Country Assessments and United Nations Development Assistance Frameworks;
§ Develop, widen and enhance OHCHR's network of partners and contacts in Central Africa and identify potential areas of cooperation for OHCHR;
§ Promote the ratification and implementation of international and regional human rights instruments;
§ Advice on strategic interventions, including country visits, by special procedures mandate holders in the region, as appropriate;
§ Participate as resource person in human rights seminars, workshops and other activities in the region, as appropriate;
§ As required, undertake representational responsibilities on behalf of OHCHR and otherwise undertake assignments or missions within the region;
§ Manage the UN Centre for Human Rights and Democracy in Central Africa (Yaoundé Centre), including supervision of international and national staff.
Competencies:
Professionalism - Good knowledge of and exposure to a range of human rights and democracy issues, in particular with regard to national human rights protection systems and human rights mainstreaming; Comprehensive knowledge and experience of the Central Africa region, including its human rights, democracy and political situation, as well as its culture, history and traditions; Ability to exercise independent judgment and discretion in advising on and handling major issues and problems; Demonstrated ability to work in a strategic action-oriented way; Very good knowledge and understanding of the United Nations system, its organs, agencies and programmes, including the UN and African human rights instruments, structures and procedures; Solid knowledge and experience of mainstreaming human rights in the development, humanitarian and/or peace building work of the United Nations.
Communication - Excellent communication (spoken, written and presentational) skills; Ability to present and defend difficult positions to external partners, stakeholders, senior officials, and to persuade people with varying points of view, and to present information in a concise and accurate manner; Excellent interpersonal and proven negotiating skills.
Teamwork - Ability to establish and maintain trust and effective working relationships with people in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
Vision – In-depth understanding of OHCHR's strategic direction in the Central African region and ability to transform it into a results-oriented programme.
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 organize the work of a unit/office and provide advice and guidance to others; Proven record of building and managing teams and creating an enabling environment.
Qualifications:
Education: Advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent), preferably in law, political science, international relations or other disciplines related to human rights or democracy. A combination of relevant academic qualifications and extensive experience may be accepted in lieu of advanced university degree.
Experience: At least 10 years of international experience in human rights related fields, including in the region of assignment, with the workings of the UN system, in particular as regards its political, development and humanitarian functions; Experience with approaches and techniques to address highly sensitive and complex issues and problems; Substantive experience in managing projects and programmes; Proven managerial experience in successfully leading a team of professionals; Prior field experience in an OHCHR or related operation; Substantive and practical experience in the use of programming and planning tools and frameworks, such as the CCA/UNDAF and CAP/CHAP, desirable.
Language: Proficiency in French and English (oral and written) is required; knowledge of another UN language is an advantage.
Skills: Diplomatic and political skills essential.
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/157/CAMEROON
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.
Date of issuance: 20 December 2011 11/157/ CAMEROON, P-5