Job Description for a Post of Administrative Assistant

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OFFICE OF THE UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS

INTERNAL/EXTERNAL VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Reference Number:11/OHCHR/111/GENEVA

Deadline for Application:16 September 2011 (Deadline extended)

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

(short-term assignment)

Duty Station:Geneva

Duration:6 months

Organizational Unit:Research and Rights to Development Division.

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Description of functions

On 13 July 2011, the Secretary-General endorsed the Human Rights Due Diligence Policy on UN support to non-UN security forces (HRDDP). OHCHR and DPKO co-lead the Review Group which developed this policy and is now responsible for providing frameworks and guidance in specific situations to ensure effective implementation. UN entities are required to immediately implement the policy and produce a report on their experience in implementing the policy for a review to be conducted in six months, to determine, whether revisions, including any further implementation measures or mechanisms are required.

Under the direct supervision of the Chief of the Methodology, Education and Training Section (METS), the general guidance of the Chief of the Development and Economic and Social Issues Branch and in close consultation and with inputs from the OHCHR task force established to work on the HRDDP (New York Office, Rule of Law and Democracy Section, METS and Peace Mission Support Section), the incumbent is responsible for coordinating OHCHR action to support implementation of the HRDDP. Functions will include:

-Liaise with UN human rights field presences to monitor implementation, advise and handle requests for support on implementation and interpretation of the policy.

-Collect good practices and lessons learnt on implementation.

-Develop specific OHCHR operational guidance supporting implementation, as needed.

-Ensure internal dissemination of the policy in OHCHR including through targeted briefings to OHCHR branches and divisions.

-Contribute to the work of the NY based Review Group and UN-wide implementation of the policy.

-Write the OHCHR implementation report for the 6-month review and draft other notes or documents as needed.

-Conduct missions as needed (field offices and NY).

-External outreach and communication of the policy.

COMPETENCIES

Professionalism: Comprehensive knowledge of and exposure to a range of human rights issues related to operational, capacity and institutional building support of national security forces; very good knowledge of institutional mandates, policies and guidelines related to security sector issues in the U.N. system; very good knowledge of national human rights protection systems, including law enforcement and security agencies; strong analytical and research skills and ability to conduct in-depth studies and reach conclusions on possible causes and solutions to human rights problems; ability to develop frameworks, methodological tools and guidelines.

Communication: Excellent communication (spoken and written) skills, including the ability to convey complex concepts, both orally and in writing, in a clear and concise style.

Teamwork: Ability to interact and to establish and maintain effective working relations across divisions and with people in a multi-cultural environment.

Judgment/ Decision-making: Ability to identify the key issues in a complex situation, provide advice on sensitive issues and courses of action.

Planning and Organization: Proven ability to plan and organize own work and the work of others.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) preferably in law, international relations or other disciplines related to human rights. A combination of relevant academic qualifications and extensive experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:At least 7 years of experience in the human rights field, including at least 3 years at the international level and experience in a UN human rights field presence. Experience of work on human rights and security issues is an asset.

Languages: Proficiency in English is required (both oral and written). Fluency in French or Spanish is highly desirable. Knowledge of an additional UN language is an asset.

How to apply:

Applicants are instructed to submit the following documentsin 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/111/GENEVA

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 notbe 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: 13 September 2011 11/111/GENEVA, P-4