Human Rights Expert (Capacity development for the preparation of a national human rights action plan)

The European Union (EU), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Turkmenistan and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) are currently implementing a joint project entitled “Strengthening the national capacity of Turkmenistan to promote and protect human rights”. This project started in September 2009 with a duration of 3 years. The overall objective of this project is to increase knowledge on international human rights standards and mechanisms in Turkmenistan and to strengthen national capacities to promote and protect human rights in accordance with these standards. The main implementing partner is the Turkmen National Institute for Democracy and Human Rights under the President of Turkmenistan. One of the activities foreseen under the project focuses on capacity development to support follow up to recommendations from UN human rights mechanisms. In 2011, Turkmenistan was reviewed by the Committee against Torture and the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. This year the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, the Human Rights Committee and the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women are also scheduled to review Turkmenistan’s reports and issue recommendations. In 2013, Turkmenistan will be considered by the UN Human Rights Council as part of the second cycle of its Universal Periodic Review mechanism. To support capacity development in this area, the project organised a workshop on methodologies, best practices and planning for the development of national human rights action plans in 2011. A workshop on follow up to recommendations from the Universal Periodic Review was also held. This year, the project aims to promote discussion on the recommendations issued by the mentioned treaty bodies in 2011. Additional discussion on the recommendations made by the Human Rights Council during the first cycle of the UPR in 2008 is also planned. The main target group for these activities are the delegations sent by the Government of Turkmenistan to conduct the various treaty body dialogues, as well as the Interdepartmental Commission (IC) on ensuring Turkmenistan’s compliance with international obligations in the area of human rights and international humanitarian law. This Interdepartmental Commission, composed of high level representatives from the main line ministries and public associations, was set up on the basis of a Presidential Decree in 2007 and is mandated to coordinate activities to implement the international legal obligations of Turkmenistan in the area of human rights. A Working Group consisting of working level officials from the various member institutions of the IC was also created.

Duties and Responsibilities

In accordance with the overall objective of the project and under the supervision of the Team Leader/Human Rights Specialist, the Human Rights Expert will conduct the proposed activities to promote discussion on recommendations by UN human rights mechanisms and provide additional specialist advice and expertise in this area, as needed. Key deliverables: Prepare a package of reference materials related to the implementation of recommendations from UN human rights mechanisms, including workshop materials for distribution to beneficiaries (preferably in Russian); Design and facilitate a workshop (tentative duration: 2 days) to discuss recommendations from UN human rights mechanisms; Conduct consultations with relevant stakeholders to discuss the development of one or more plans on implementation of recommendations and draft an outline for such plans; Prepare a mission report that includes recommendations for further steps to support the development of action plans or concrete measures to implement recommendations from UN human rights mechanisms. Proposed Time Frame: Preparation of a package of reference materials, home based, 3 days; Mission to Ashgabat to facilitate the workshop, conduct consultations with relevant stakeholders, and draft an outline for action plans, field work, 5 days; Final mission report, home based, 4 days.

Competencies

Good knowledge of and experience working with UN human rights mechanisms; Excellent training, facilitation and communication skills; Results driven, ability to work under pressure and to meet required deadlines; Good understanding and practice of capacity development; Cultural and gender sensitivity; Diplomatic skills.

Required Skills and Experience

Education: Advanced university degree in a relevant field, such as law, political science, international relations or a related field with a particular focus on human rights. Experience: At least 7 years of relevant working experience; Experience in capacity and institution building in the area of human rights, in particular in relation to the development of national human rights action plans; Knowledge and experience of work in the CIS or Central Asia an advantage. Language Requirements: Excellent written and spoken English; Fluent Russian highly desirable To apply: Interested applicants should send a cover letter, P11, a curriculum vitae, a methodology and a financial proposal.

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.

Human Rights Expert (Capacity development for the preparation of a national human rights action plan)