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Consultant (Peacebuilding Fund Project: “‘Infrastructures for peace - Policy dialogue and preventive action”)

OFFICE OF THE UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR
HUMAN RIGHTS IN CENTRAL ASIA


CONSULTANCY


Reference Number: 11/OHCHR/101/BISHKEK

Deadline for Application: 19 August 2011

Type of Contract: Consultancy (at the equivalent of P-3 level)

Duty Station: Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

Duration: 6 months

Starting date: 1 September 2011

Peacebuilding Fund Project: “‘Infrastructures for peace - Policy dialogue and preventive action”

Background
In the context of the peace-building joint project on infrastructures for peace, to be implemented in partnership with UNDP, UNHCR and the Centre for Preventive Diplomacy, OHCHR Regional Office for Central Asia (ROCA) based in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan proposes to engage a short-term consultant.

The Infrastructure for Peace project involves supporting mechanisms for cooperation among relevant stakeholders in peace-building by promoting cooperative problem solving for conflicts, and by strengthening the capacity of communities, civil society and Government institutions to resolve conflicts internally utilizing their own skills (including immediate protection interventions), institutions and resources. The project was designed to promote a framework for immediate action that can be sustained beyond the project duration.

Since the unrest of April 2010, and particularly following the June 2010 inter-ethnic violence in the south of Kyrgyzstan, there has been growing concern at the rise in discriminatory practices faced by minority communities at both the institutional level and within the public at large. The growing inter-ethnic tensions in the country are reportedly contributing to the increase in external and internal migration.

Responsibilities
The Consultant will be working with the OHCHR Regional Office for Central Asia and under the supervision of the Regional Representatives and his Deputy. The main tasks of the Consultant is to work with the Regional Office in order to facilitate its efforts aimed at promoting and protecting minority rights in Kyrgyzstan:

(i) Facilitate an inclusive dialogue on a concept of minority policy and, when adopted, advise on the development of an action plan for its implementation;

(ii) Advise on the development of legislation in Kyrgyzstan, specifically on legislation pertaining to national or ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities and associations established by them;

(iii) Lead and advise on the research, collection of data and preparation of analysis on the promotion and protection of minorities in Kyrgyzstan;

(iv) Organise consultations and the provision of training sessions for state officials and NGO representatives on minority protection in targeted thematic areas, e.g. inclusive participation, cultural linguistic rights and administration of justice;

(v) Act as a resource person for the regional office on minority rights;

(vi) Work with the Regional Office on drafting a plan of action aimed at mainstreaming minority rights within the work of the UN Country Team also involving consultation with members of minorities;

(vii) The consultant is expected to work closely with OHCHR colleagues, to liaise with government officials, parliamentarians as well as relevant international organisations, the UN Country Team of Kyrgyzstan, the Ombudsman institution, NGOs and other relevant actors.


QUALIFICATIONS

Education:
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in a relevant discipline, preferably in international human rights law. A first level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience:
• A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible professional experience in the field of human and minority rights protection.
• Proven experience in conducting research with strong analytical and drafting skills and ability to take into account various policy implications.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to interact with high-level governmental authorities as well as with grassroots organizations, victims of HR violations and NGOs.
• Experience in project management, in particular with regards to human rights issues will be an asset.
• Proven team work skills and ability to produce high quality work under time pressure, in a highly sensitive condition.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Russian with excellent drafting skills.

Other Skills:
• Proven interpersonal skills and ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment, in particular to work with women and vulnerable groups, with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
• Working experience with Windows system and Microsoft office.
• Knowledge of Central Asia region.
• Knowledge of the UN System desirable.

* Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.


Confidentiality

As directed by the Regional Office, the international consultant will maintain the confidentiality of all information, documents and results of the participatory process meetings to which he/she will have access during the consultancy.

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How to apply:
Applicants are instructed to submit the following documents in one single e-mail to: humanresources@ohchr.org

 A completed United Nations Personal History form (PHP) or P-11, in PDF or Word
http://www2.ohchr.org/SPdocs/AboutUs/p11form.doc
 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/101/BISHKEK


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, article 8). The UN also encourages women’s candidatures.