Review of the Implementation Challenges and Lessons Learned of the Universal Periodic Review Recommendations

The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) is a unique mechanism of the United Nations which started in April 2008 and consisting of the review of the human rights practices of all States in the world, once every four years. However, the follow-up of the UPR recommendations is the most critical and important phase of the whole UPR process as it is the one leading to the realization of the UPR objective that is the "improvement of the human rights situation on the ground". The success of this phase will also determine the efficiency and credibility of the mechanism and demonstrate States’ engagement in the promotion and strengthening of human rights. Role of UNDP Bratislava Center (BRC): In considering 2011 strategic programming opportunities, one topic has re-emerged as potential entry point for UNDP country offices across the region: Recommendations of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR). The ownership a state and/or government have within the UPR process should be utilised as an incentive to successful follow-up. The Regional Human Rights and Justice Programme of the UNDP Bratislava Regional Center (UNDP BRC) received specific requests for UPR Follow-up (i.e., implementation of the UPR Recommendations) and programming support from UNDP offices in Europe and the CIS (ECIS). For UN/UNDP, UPR is seen as a unique contribution to national development agenda through UN Resident Coordination System. Most of the UNDP offices including designated OHCHR presence at the country level have already been engaged with the respective national counterparts/governments in preparation of the country submission and subsequent sectoral follow-up of the UPR recommendations. The National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs), UNDP’s partners in national programming, due to their specific mandate are increasingly becoming aware of the implications of the UPR process specially the next phase of state party reporting on the implementation of the agreed UPR recommendations. The same trend is noted for Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in the reporting, monitoring, and, national/sectoral assessments. All these provide a developmental platform for UNDP to be more effective in its support to the implementation of the agreed UPR recommendations. This is also in line with UNDP’s support to the strengthening of National Human Rights Protection System (NHRPS), and, national engagements of governments with international human rights mechanism and principles. An International Conference (Responding to the UPR Recommendations: Challenges, Innovation and Leadership), planned in later this year will initiate the process of developing programming support for UNDP offices in 2012 and beyond. The Conference will provide an opportunity to interact, discuss, and exchange knowledge, ideas, and, practical examples from the field. The proposed consultancy and its outputs will feed directly to the preparations of the international conference. It will contribute to the deepening of understanding and capacities of UNDP technical staff and senior managers in the efforts to support the implementation of the UPR recommendations at the country level Rationale: One of the objectives of the Human Rights and Justice Unit at the UNDP BRC is to contribute to the protection and promotion of human rights in Eastern Europe and CIS through the strengthening of the National Human Rights Protection System (NHRPS). As part of its support to the NHRPS, UNDP BRC will conduct through this consultancy, a rapid assessment of the needs and capacity gaps of the national institutions to contribute to the planned and follow up of the UPR recommendations. This will help developing specific methodology and/or functional strategy, if needed. UNDP BRC is looking for an international expert who will be conducting a review of achievements and challenges of UPR recommendations in Europe and CIS. For the interest of a focused review, the consultant may propose case studies in discussion with the UNDP BR of 4 countries from the region (preferably one country from each sub-regions: Western Balkan, Western CIS and Caucasus, Central Asia). Based on the review, consultant should propose a methodology of work (functional process) on the UPR follow-up at the national level; indicate key challenges of implementing the UPR recommendations, related both to enabling environment and institutional capacities, and, capture broader lessons learned and good practices from the region.

Duties and Responsibilities

The assignment has three major outputs: Development of Methodology and/or functional strategy for the UPR recommendations follow-up process at the national level based on available good practices from the ECIS and other regions (i.e., Asia, Africa etc.), as appropriate. Internal Policy Note for UNDP COs highlighting development programming opportunities (i.e., inter-agency, thematic, cross-practice etc.) at the national level; External Report on good practices and lessons learned on the implementation challenges and achievements/lessons learned emanating from the UPR recommendations for the ECIS region. International expert will: Review all available information, including national reports produced by UN Country Teams (UNCTs), NHRIs, CSOs (if any) independent and project evaluations and project-based reports; Review relevant reports from UN treaty bodies, special procedures/human rights mechanisms; If needed, prepare brief questionnaire for UNDP COs to clarify available information and get UNDP Country Offices perspective (in collaboration with UNDP BRC team); Conduct periodic consultation with Task manager (Policy Adviser-Human Rights and Justice, UNDP BRC) on the progress of the assignment; Consult with the UNDP BRC, UN agencies and other relevant partners, including relevant NHRIs and CSOs; Suggest methodology/functional work process for UNDP offices to approach this; Prepare a brief internal policy note for UNDP COs with recommendations on possible programming strategies with the key actors of the national human rights protection system. Recommendation should include potential areas of inter-agency (UNDP-OHCHR, UNDP-UNICEF etc.), cross-practice (i.e., poverty governance etc.) support, project’s objectives, key indicators and targets related to the implementation of the UPR Recommendations (wherever applicable). Draft an external Report on good practices and lessons learned on the implementation challenges, lessons learned and achievements emanating from the UPR recommendations for the ECIS region. Duration: The consultancy is expected to take effect from September. Total number of working days will be approximately 25 days. The draft versions of all reports/outputs should be submitted to UNDP BRC not later than by October 30, 2011. Final versions of the reports/outputs should be submitted by 30 November, 2011 following incorporation of UNDP BRC’s feedback to the draft version of the reports.

Competencies

Excellent analytical, organizational and inter-personal skills; Excellent presentation and communication skills.

Required Skills and Experience

Academic Qualification/Education: Master degree in related areas. Experience: Relevant Experience of working with international human rights mechanisms and/or instruments (i.e., treaty bodies, special procedures, special mechanisms etc.); Strong understanding of the UPR process: Experiences in preparations of national reporting and/or follow-up would be an advantage; Ability to do desk research, collect and analyze data; Understanding of the realities, problems and political processes in Europe and CIS region; Experience of working with UN organizations is an asset. Language Skills: Ability to write in English and experience in preparation of both the internal and external reports and presentations; Fluency in English is a must. Evaluation of Applicants: Individual consultant will be evaluated based on a cumulative analysis taking into consideration the combination of the applicants’ qualifications and financial proposal. The award of the contract should be made to the individual consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as: responsive/compliant/acceptable, and Having received the highest score out of a pre-determined set of weighted technical and financial criteria specific to the solicitation. Only the highest ranked candidates who would be found qualified for the job will be considered for the Financial Evaluation. Technical Criteria - 70% of total evaluation – max. 35 points: Education max points: 10 Proven analytical and research skills – max points: 10 Experience of working in international human rights mechanisms and/or instruments– max points: 10 Experience of working in/with UN agencies – max points: 5 Financial Criteria - 30% of total evaluation – max. 15 points Application procedures: Qualified candidates are requested to apply online via this website. The application should contain: Cover letter explaining why you are the most suitable candidate for the advertised position and a brief methodology on how you will approach and conduct the work (if applicable). Please paste the letter into the "Resume and Motivation" section of the electronic application. Filled P11 form including past experience in similar projects and contact details of referees (blank form can be downloaded from http://europeandcis.undp.org/files/hrforms/P11_modified_for_SCs_and_ICs.doc ); please upload the P11 instead of your CV. Financial Proposal* - specifying a total lump sum amount for the tasks specified in this announcement. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please make sure you have provided all requested materials *Please note that the financial proposal is all-inclusive and shall take into account various expenses incurred by the consultant/contractor during the contract period (e.g. fee, health insurance, vaccination and any other relevant expenses related to the performance of services...). Payments will be made only upon confirmation of UNDP on delivering on the contract obligations in a satisfactory manner. Individual Consultants are responsible for ensuring they have vaccinations/inoculations when travelling to certain countries, as designated by the UN Medical Director. Consultants are also required to comply with the UN security directives set forth under dss.un.org General Terms and conditions as well as other related documents can be found under: http://europeandcis.undp.org/home/jobs Qualified women and members of minorities are encouraged to apply. Due to large number of applications we receive, we are able to inform only the successful candidates about the outcome or status of the selection process.

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.