Senior Policy Advisor (Human Rights)

Before submitting an application, UNHCR staff members intending to apply to this Job Opening are requested to consult the Recruitment and Assignments Policy (RAP, UNHCR/HCP/2017/2 and the Recruitment and Assignments Administrative Instruction (RAAI), UNHCR/AI/2017/7 OF 15 August 2017.

Senior Policy Advisor (Human Rights)

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

Matters of central concern to UNHCR are high on the agenda of the United Nations in New York and are also of prominent concern to civil society and the media.

UNHCR in New York also works closely with the Executive Office of the Secretary General and other parts of the UN Secretariat. UNHCR is appreciated as the agency that has the expertise as far as refugees are concerned and indeed in terms of the migration/ refugee movements notably confronting Europe, Middle East, Africa and South East Asia.
With increasing numbers of refugees, precipitated by new and unresolved conflicts, the Security Council is often engaged with matters of central importance to UNHCR and opportunities for the High Commissioner to address the Security Council may continue to increase. These matters often engage Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) as well as Department of Political Affairs (DPA) whose leadership role in integrated and mission settings coincide with some of the largest UNHCR operations globally.

Additionally, UNHCR Office in New York is frequently called upon to brief and partner with civil society, including academic institutions, regarding refugees and stateless persons.  Moreover it is increasingly is the port of call for global media based in New York on issues pertaining to the UNHCR's global programmes and persons of concern.

The incumbent for this position is expected to interface frequently with counter-parts in the Office of the EOSG, DPA, DPKO, and DSS on matters of central protection and human rights concern.  The incumbent is expected to provide regular and timely analysis of protection developments within the UN and their possible impact on UNHCR and its operations worldwide as well as feed into those processes. He or she is expected to interface frequently with protection and human rights counter-parts, maintain UNHCR¿s involvement in the Rule of Law and 6th Committee, as well as ensure UNHCR¿s involvement in the UN wide humanitarian policy initiatives and represent UNHCR in the counter terrorism discussions.

The incumbent is expected to provide guidance to the colleagues in NY and functional direction on UNHCR¿s inputs into the UN human rights processes including the Regional Monthly Reviews and in regard to briefings and talking points for the Secretary General and his Deputy,and preparation for UNHCR inputs into the SG's Deputies and Executive Committee meetings respectively.  The incumbent is expected to liaise with members of civil society, NGOs and academic institutions on issues pertaining to UNHCR's global mandate.

FUNCTIONAL STATEMENT

Accountability

- High-level interface and contributions are established and maintained at the decision-making level with UN agencies, partners, as well as Permanent Missions, specifically on protection issues.
- Analysis of key developments related to protection and human rights policy within the UN and high-level initiatives provided to UNHCR HQ, NY and Field Offices to support operational effectiveness and inform UNHCR policy and positions.
- Policies and planning processes particularly impacting UNHCR¿s protection mandate and protection response for missions/operations duly informed by UNHCR concern and input for these processes is appropriately facilitated.
- High quality UNHCR background documents and talking points for the Secretary General and Deputy Secretary General are provided as appropriate.
- UNHCR colleagues are provided with clear functional direction on protection policy positions and reporting under their responsibilities.
- UNHCR is appreciated, respected and accountable for the protection of refugees, IDPs, returnees and stateless persons.

Responsibility

- Build and maintain close ties with UN agencies, funds and programmes, the UN Secretariat, and IASC partners at the NY level to identify common priority areas and positions so to strengthen UNHCR¿s objectives, and create linkages and opportunities for partnership.
- Formulate the office engagement strategy with NY-based UN protection/human rights partners and processes, in order to strengthen UNHCR¿s role and influence, and enhance UNHCR¿s contributions to development and implementation protection/human rights policies, with particular vigilance when impacting the implementation of UNHCR¿s mandate.
- Evaluate opportunities and challenges for the pursuit of UNHCR¿s strategic objectives, its positioning within the UN and inter-agency processes and safeguarding of its unique protection mandate during a period of reforms within the UN System and the IASC.
- Maintain up to date knowledge, analyse, contribute to and report on significant developments within relevant NY-based bodies and processes related to protection/human rights, which might affect UNHCR¿s operations and activities.
- Enable consistent and comprehensive UNHCR messaging and interventions through close collaboration with the NY Office¿s humanitarian and emergency, development, solutions, political and security portfolios as well as UNHCR HQ and Field.
- Provide guidance to the colleagues in NY and functional direction on UNHCR¿s inputs into the UN human rights processes including the Regional Quarterly Reviews and in regard to briefings and talking points for the Secretary General and his Deputy.
- Promote UNHCR¿s objectives and the priorities of persons of concern to UNHCR through presentations, provision of written advice, and the participation in briefings, and inter-agency meetings, as appropriate, with a view to influencing policy development, priorities and work programmes of the various NY-based bodies and processes related to protection/human rights response.
- Ensure that the Office¿s interests and concerns are taken into account in UN positions papers and policy statements impacting on UNHCR¿s operations and protection activities.
- Support high level participation of UNHCR in relevant fora, including drafting of briefs, policy papers and talking points.
- Enhance understanding of the Office¿s mandate and operations amongst UN bodies and partners in NY.
- Stay abreast of UNHCR¿s global operations and policies and engage proactively with HQ and the Field to ensure a smooth flow of information and receive inputs on operational issues and policy positions in order to effectively represent UNHCR.
- Cover a geographic region or regions of the world and a number of thematic issues that are assigned to the incumbent.
- Undertake other related tasks as may be assigned by the Director.

Authority

- Represent UNHCR at regular inter-agency working-level and decision making -level fora related to protection and human rights.

ESSENTIAL MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

- Graduate degree (equivalent of a Master's), preferably in law, political science, international relations or other disciplines related to human rights.
- Minimum of 11 years relevant experience at the professional level including at least 10 years in an International capacity.
- Demonstrated excellent understanding of UNHCR protection policies and experience in their pragmatic application.
- Demonstrated facility to engage effectively in inter-agency experience.
- Significant experience in field operations with a strong protection dimension.
- Authoritative knowledge of and wide exposure to the full range of human rights issues, including approaches and techniques to address highly sensitive/complex problems related to UNHCR persons of concern.
- Excellent knowledge of institutional mandates, policies and guidelines related to human rights.
- Proven ability exercise sound independent judgment and discretion in advising on and handling major issues and problems.
- Excellent knowledge of international human rights and humanitarian law.
- Sound political judgment, and strong demonstrated advocacy and diplomatic skills.
- Ability to relate human rights issues and perspectives (including gender issues) to political, social, economic and humanitarian programs in affected countries and areas.
- Conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results.
- Demonstrated ability to identify strategic issues, opportunities and risks; and clearly communicates links between the Organization's strategy and the broader Human rights work of the UN.
- Demonstrated diplomatic and political analysis skills.
- Demonstrated ability to establish and maintains relationships with a broad range of partners to understand needs and gain support.
- Ability to negotiate and ability to influence others to reach agreement on difficult issues.
- Ability to identify key issues in a complex situation, and come to the heart of the problem quickly.
- Significant relevant experience in the field.
- Excellent knowledge of the UNHCR organizational structure at HQ and the field.
- Excellent knowledge of English including written and oral communication skills in English.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS & COMPETENCIES

- Other UN languages. C001L4 - Accountability Level 4
C002L4 - Teamwork & Collaboration Level 4
C003L4 - Communication Level 4
C004L4 - Commitment to Continuous Learning Level 4
C005L4 - Client & Result Orientation Level 4
C006L4 - Organizational Awareness Level 4
M001L4 - Empowering and Building Trust Level 4
M005L4 - Leadership Level 4
M004L4 - Strategic Planning and Vision Level 4
M002L4 - Managing Performance Level 4
M003L4 - Judgement and Decision Making Level 4
X005L4 - Planning and Organizing Level 4
X001L4 - Analytical Thinking Level 4
X007L4 - Political Awareness Level 4

Before applying to this position, we strongly encourage colleagues to read the country specific FAQs information leaflets which can be found  on the Intranet under Staff Resources > Duty of Care. The information leaflets are specifically designed to answer some of the key questions potential applicants might have before deciding to apply. 

The incumbent for this position is expected to interface frequently with counter-parts in the EOSG, DPA, DPKO, and DSS on matters of central protection and human rights concern.  The incumbent is expected to provide regular and timely analysis of protection developments within the UN and their possible impact on UNHCR and its operations worldwide as well as feed into those processes. He or she is expected to interface frequently with protection and human rights counter-parts, maintain UNHCR¿s involvement in the Rule of Law and 6th Committee, as well as ensure UNHCR¿s involvement in the UN wide humanitarian policy initiatives and represent UNHCR in the counter terrorism discussions. The incumbent is expected to provide guidance to the colleagues in NY and functional direction on UNHCR¿s inputs into the UN human rights processes including the Regional Monthly Reviews and in regard to briefings and talking points for the Secretary General and his Deputy, and preparation for UNHCR inputs into the SG's Deputies and Executive Committee meetings respectively.  The incumbent is expected to liaise with members of civil society, NGOs and academic institutions on issues pertaining to UNHCR's global mandate. - Advanced University Degree (Masters or equivalent), preferably in law, political science, international relations or other disciplines related to human rights.
- Minimum of 15 years relevant experience at the professional level including at least 10 years in an International capacity.
- Demonstrated excellent understanding of UNHCR protection policies and experience in their pragmatic application.
- Demonstrated facility to engage effectively in inter-agency experience.
- Significant experience in field operations with a strong protection dimension.
- Authoritative knowledge of and wide exposure to the full range of human rights issues, including approaches and techniques to address highly sensitive/complex problems related to UNHCR persons of concern.
- Excellent knowledge of institutional mandates, policies and guidelines related to human rights.
- Proven ability exercise sound independent judgment and discretion in advising on and handling major issues and problems. - Excellent knowledge of international human rights and humanitarian law.
- Sound political judgment, and strong demonstrated advocacy and diplomatic skills.
- Ability to relate human rights issues and perspectives (including gender issues) to political, social, economic and humanitarian programs in affected countries and areas.
- Conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results.
- Demonstrated ability to identify strategic issues, opportunities and risks; and clearly communicates links between the Organization's strategy and the broader Human rights work of the UN.
- Demonstrated diplomatic and political analysis skills.
- Demonstrated ability to establish and maintains relationships with a broad range of partners to understand needs and gain support. - Ability to negotiate and ability to influence others to reach agreement on difficult issues.
- Ability to identify key issues in a complex situation, and come to the heart of the problem quickly.
- Significant relevant experience in the field.
- Excellent knowledge of the UNHCR organizational structure at HQ and the field.
- Excellent knowledge of English including written and oral communication skills in English. - Matters of central concern to UNHCR are high on the agenda of the United Nations in New York and are also of prominent concern to civil society and the media.
- UNHCR in New York also works closely with the Executive Office of the Secretary General and other parts of the UN Secretariat. UNHCR is appreciated as the agency that has the expertise as far as refugees are concerned and indeed in terms of the migration/ refugee movements notably confronting Europe, Middle East, Africa and South East Asia. - With increasing numbers of refugees, precipitated by new and unresolved conflicts, the Security Council is often engaged with matters of central importance to UNHCR and opportunities for the High Commissioner to address the Security Council may continue to increase. These matters often engage Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO), as well as Department of Political Affairs (DPA), whose leadership role in integrated and mission settings coincide with some of the largest UNHCR operations globally.
- Additionally, UNHCR Office in New York is frequently called upon to brief and partner with civil society, including academic institutions, regarding refugees and stateless persons.  Moreover it is increasingly is the port of call for global media based in New York on issues pertaining to the UNHCR's global programmes and persons of concern. New York is classified as a Category H (Headquarters) duty station with all amenities and excellent infrastructure. The Security Level System is minimal.

Please note that the closing date for all vacancies in the September 2017 Compendium is Monday 6 November 2017 (midnight Geneva time).