UN Jobs – National Human Rights Officer – Rule of Law and Accountability – United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Job Title: National Human Rights Officer – Rule of Law and Accountability
Organization: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Duty Station: Kampala, Uganda
About US:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the United Nation’s global development network. UNDP advocates for change and connects countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. The UNDP provides expert advice, training, grant support to developing countries including Uganda with increasing emphasis on assistance to the least developed countries.
About the Project:
In implementing the mandate of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, OHCHR Uganda carries out interventions under five thematic areas: Strengthening the rule of law and accountability for human rights violations; Enhancing and protecting Civic Space and people’s Participation; Integrating human rights in sustainable development; Enhancing equality and countering discrimination; and Increasing implementation of the international human rights mechanisms’ outcomes. OHCHR’s interventions relate to the provision of technical assistance, including legal advice and capacity building, monitoring of human rights issues, and engaging in advocacy, among others.
OHCHR Uganda is seeking a National Human Rights Officer with a strong legal background and proven drafting, research, advocacy and organizing skills, to work on interventions in the thematic area of strengthening the rule of law and accountability for human rights violations.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
Under the overall supervision of the Head of Office and under the direct supervision of the OHCHR Human Rights Officer and within delegated authority, the National Human Rights Officer will be responsible for the following duties:
- Assist in the execution of the Office work plan;
- Assist to develop and coordinate an Office-wide strategy to promote the respect and protection of human rights in the country, and contribute in particular to the realization of Sustainable Development Goal 16;
- Review, monitor and evaluate activities related to the implementation of international human rights instruments, including recommendations of treaty bodies and mechanisms of the Human Rights Council, in relation to the country;
- Take part in promoting and overseeing initiatives linked to supporting human rights promotion and protection, in collaboration with the existing civil society organisations (including NGOs) and UN agencies;
- Provide technical support to capacity-building and awareness-raising activities directly organized by OHCHR or co-organized with national partners;
- Contribute to the establishment and maintenance of a strong network of local and international human rights partners for the regular exchange of human rights information;
- Keep abreast of, including by liaising with relevant stakeholders, and research on legal developments in the country concerning access to justice, including transitional justice and inform relevant colleagues, also suggesting possible actions;
- Provide substantive and timely legal analysis on proposed bills and existing laws, regulations and other relevant documents, in particular concerning rule of law and non-discrimination issues, with the aim of advancing advocacy engagements;
- Draft technical documents, provide updates on assigned interventions under the relevant thematic area, and contribute inputs to other documents as requested;
- Develop an engagement strategy with Parliament, and in particular the Parliamentary Human Rights Committee, the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, the Justice Law and Order Sector Secretariat and other relevant institutional counterparts;
- Participate in technical meetings dealing with human rights/legal developments within the Justice Law and Order Sector;
- In consultation with the head of office, represent OHCHR at other working-level meetings, including coordination mechanisms, and liaise with development partners, civil society and other stakeholders, as requested;
- Ensure the integration of gender perspectives and attention to specific women/girl’s and children’s rights issues within all activities;
- Ensure optimal uses of resources allocated for activity implementation;
- Develop, plan and implement any other assigned activities as agreed upon with management.
Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
- The ideal applicant must hold a University Degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law, political sciences, international relations, social sciences or any other discipline related to human rights. A first level university degree with a relevant combination of academic qualifications and work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
- Minimum of 2 years of relevant experience working with national, regional, or international organizations or non-governmental organizations, in the field of human rights, rule of law, relevant legal advisory services, or a related field. Experience working with international human rights standards, instruments and mechanisms would be an asset. Demonstrated knowledge and experience with the JLOS sector would be an asset.
- Experience utilizing computers, including word processing, spreadsheet and other standard software packages and systems
How to Apply:
All Interested candidates please apply online at the link below
Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
UNDP is committed to achieving diversity within its workforce, and encourages all qualified applicants, irrespective of gender, nationality, disabilities, sexual orientation, culture, religious and ethnic backgrounds to apply. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.
Deadline: 29th July 2020