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Chief Human Rights and Justice Section, P-5

Burundi - Bujumbura

Chief Human Rights and Justice Section, P-5

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: 11 Mar 2011
DATE OF ISSUANCE: 09 Feb 2011
ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT: United Nations Integrated Office in Burundi
DUTY STATION: Bujumbura
VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT NUMBER: 11-HRI-BINUB-425152-R-BUJUMBURA

Remuneration
Depending on professional background, experience and family situation, a competitive compensation and benefits package is offered.
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United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity

Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) in Burundi, and the substantive support and guidance of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the incumbent will perform the following main functions as Head of the Human Rights and Justice component: Advisory and Representative role: Act as the Senior Adviser to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and report directly to him/her on issues related to the work of the component, including as regard to human rights, judicial affairs, corrections, transitional justice and the rule of law; Act as the Representative of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Burundi, and report to the High Commissioner in Geneva on issues related to human rights; Represent the Human Rights & Justice component and OHCHR at interagency meetings at country level and advise UN Country Team (UNCT) and Humanitarian Country Team (HCT), as appropriate, to ensure human rights and a human rights based approach are fully integrated into political, humanitarian and development efforts, including with respect to the United Nations Development Assistance and Integrated Strategic Frameworks (UNDAF and ISF), the Consolidated (Humanitarian) Appeal (CAP/CHAP) processes, as well as the national Poverty Reduction Strategy Process (PRSP); Represent the mission and OHCHR on human rights and justice matters during contacts with national and international organisations working in the field of human rights, diplomatic missions, donors and other international actors; Participate in the mission's internal policy and decision-making processes and advice on policy, strategic and operational decisions that may have human rights and justice implications; Participate in the senior management meetings and inform its participants on the activities of the Human Rights and Justice component and recommend measures necessary or desirable for other components of the mission to better protect and promote human rights and justice in Burundi and implement a human rights based approach. Substantive coordination: Assist the Government of Burundi, in close coordination with UN Agencies, Funds and Programmes and other components of the Mission, in its efforts to promote human rights, judicial and corrections development, the rule of law and accountability through, inter alia, the integration of international human rights and criminal justice norms and standards into the legal, judicial, correctional and security sector reform initiatives; the provision of strategic and technical support for the establishment of transitional justice mechanisms; the training of law enforcement bodies on human rights and gender and sexual gender-based violence, and by supporting the capacity building efforts for civil society's engagement with the Government; Ensure the provision of technical advice for strengthening the independence, capacities and legal frameworks key national institutions, in particular judicial and parliamentary institutions, in line with international standards and principles; Ensure the provision of technical expertise for the establishment and strengthening of a National Human Rights Commission and other oversight and accountability institutions, including the Office of the Ombudsman; Ensure the provision of technical advice, and coordinate strategic and operational support to transitional justice mechanisms, established with a view to combating impunity and fostering national reconciliation; Ensure the provision of technical advice and support for the development of the Burundi prison system, including the implementation of a strategic plan for the system; Direct the provision of technical assistance for strengthening the capacity of the Government to meet its human rights obligations including treaty reporting and Universal Periodic Review, and support the mandate of the Independent Expert of the U.N. Human Rights Council on the situation of human rights in Burundi, including in-country missions and reporting, as required; Ensure
monitoring of the human rights situation, including economic, social and cultural rights, as well as the institutional functioning of key rule of law institutions such as police stations, prosecutors' offices, the courts and prisons. Ensure the component collects and analyses information from across the Mission, maintains an updated and functioning human rights database and information management system, and issues public reports on the human rights situation; Establish and maintain principled, constructive working relationships with Burundian authorities in the field of human rights, justice and transitional justice. Support regular dialogue between the Mission, national authorities, and stakeholders, to review progress and gaps, and to follow-up on the implementation of measures for improved human rights compliance, especially by security and law enforcement services; Support Burundian civil society organisations in building their capacity to advocate, monitor and contribute to the development of initiatives, policies and reforms that ensure the respect, protection and fulfilment of human rights, including through fostering dialogue between Government institutions, the UN and civil society; Ensure, as OHCHR representative, that human rights considerations are reflected and integrated in humanitarian activities, including in emergency planning, preparedness and response of the UNCT and HCT, and through participating in and/or playing a lead role in the work of the Protection Cluster, as appropriate and if activated; Ensure the component's contribution to the commitment of the UN to mainstream human rights and integrate gender perspectives/considerations and specific women/girls' rights issues in all the Sections' activities. Managerial responsibilities: Responsible for the overall management of the Human Rights and Justice component, through, inter-alia, formulating the substantive work program of the office and the achievement of the objectives contained therein, allocating resources, preparation and reporting on budget and other programme planning and performance exercises; evaluating staff's performance and ensuring correct staffing of the component; Ensure and demonstrate commitment to build the component's staff competencies, particularly of national staff, to facilitate future transition of responsibilities; Support forward planning by the UN system and national counterparts to meet medium and longer-term human rights needs in Burundi; Responsible for the management and implementation of OHCHR funded projects in Burundi; Maintain close liaison with OHCHR-HQ, including with geographical desk officers, and ensure timely communications on the human rights and justice situation including with the treaty monitoring bodies and the special procedures mechanisms; Perform other duties as required by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and by the HC/OHCHR.

Competencies
Professionalism – Excellent knowledge of and exposure to a range of human rights and justice, including gender issues, the rules governing their protection and the mechanisms available in case of their violations; Familiarity with transitional justice processes, and strengthening justice sector institutions including the prison system; Capacity to relate to and integrate human rights issues and perspectives into other fields -humanitarian action, development, rule of law, legislation reforms and vice versa; Knowledge and understanding of gender concepts and methodologies to integrate women/girl’s rights issues in programmes and activities; Good understanding of the political background and human rights situation in Burundi and the Great Lakes region; Ability to work and act under pressure in a politically and stressful environment, with a minimum of comfort and in precarious security conditions; Sound political judgment, impartiality, diplomacy and discretion. Commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of peace operations. Leadership – 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; and provide advice and guidance to others. Managerial Performance - Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority; Makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member; Accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills; Monitors progress against milestones and deadlines; Is able to build and manage large teams by creating an enabling and motivating environment. Vision – Ability to identify strategic issues, opportunities and risks; Clear communication of links between the Organization’s strategy and the work unit’s goals. Ability to generate and communicate broad and compelling organisational direction and to inspire others to pursue that same direction. Ability to convey enthusiasm about future possibilities. Empowering others - Encourages others to set challenging goals; Holds others accountable for achieving results related to their area of responsibility and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings; Genuinely values all staff members' input and expertise; Shows appreciation and rewards achievement and efforts; Involves others when making decisions that affect them. Communication – Ability to establish and maintain trust and effective working relations with people of different cultural backgrounds with respect for diversity; Capacity to advice and transfer knowledge to external partners, stakeholders, senior officials and staff at all levels; Ability to present and defend difficult positions to external partners, stakeholders, senior officials, and to present information in a concise, persuasive and accurate manner.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education
Advanced university degree (Masters degree or equivalent) in law, political sciences, international relations, social sciences or other discipline, preferably with specialisation in human rights. A relevant combination of university degree, professional training and experience may be considered in lieu of the advanced degree.

Work Experience
At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience acquired at national and international levels in the field of human rights, justice and the rule of law, including in a post-conflict environment and in the development and implementation of capacity building programmes, with at least 3 managing teams. Previous experience in building national institutional capacities to promote and protect human rights is required. Proven experience in public speaking and working with senior governmental officials.

Languages
Fluency in oral and written French and English is required.

Other Skills

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). English and French are the two working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, TRAINING OR ANY OTHER FEES). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON BANK ACCOUNTS.

PLEASE NOTE THAT APPLICATIONS RECEIVED AFTER THE DEADLINE WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
How to apply
How to apply

All applicants are strongly encouraged to apply online as soon as possible after the vacancy has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the vacancy announcement. Because applications submitted by United Nations (UN) staff members are considered first, provided the eligibility requirements set out in ST/AI/2006/3 are met and the application is submitted in a timely fashion, staff members should apply within 15-day or 30-day mark.

Online applications will be acknowledged where an email address has been provided. If you do not receive an e-mail acknowledgement within 24 hours of submission, your application may not have been received. In such cases, please go to “My UN” page and check the status of your application by clicking on “View Application History”, and resubmit the application, if necessary.

1.To start the application process, applicants are required to register by opening a "My UN" account. Go to Login, and Register as a User. Fill in the form and choose a User Name and Password.
2.After opening the account, applicants may apply for vacancies using the Personal History Profile (PHP) provided. Once the PHP has been completed for a particular vacancy, it can be saved and used for future applications. The PHP may be up-dated, when necessary, for future applications.
3.In completing the PHP, please note that all fields marked with an asterisk must be completed.
4.UN staff members must submit scanned copies of their two latest Performance Appraisal System (PAS) reports at the time of application to the appropriate Human Resources Office (HRO)/Personnel Office (PO) to the email address below, clearly indicating the vacancy announcement number. In case you have no access to the digitizing equipment, please submit hard copies of the two latest PAS reports to the relevant HRO/PO via fax.

E-mail: staffing@un.org,

Fax: 1-212-963-2800

Please see the Frequently Asked Questions, if you encounter problems when applying.