Programme Assistant (Gulu)

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) represents the world's commitment to universal ideals of human dignity. We have a unique mandate from the international community to promote and protect all human rights.

The High Commissioner for Human Rights is the principal human rights official of the United Nations.

The High Commissioner heads OHCHR and spearheads the United Nations' human rights efforts. We offer leadership, work objectively, educate and take action to empower individuals and assist States in upholding human rights.

We are a part of the United Nations Secretariat with our headquarters in Geneva.

OHCHR’s thematic priorities are strengthening international human rights mechanisms; enhancing equality and countering discrimination; combating impunity and strengthening accountability and the rule of law; integrating human rights in development and in the economic sphere; widening the democratic space; and early warning and protection of human rights in situations of conflict, violence and insecurity.

We also support the work of the United Nations human rights mechanisms, including the treaty bodies established to monitor State Parties' compliance with the core international human rights treaties and the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council. We, promote the right to development, coordinate United Nations human rights education and public information activities, and strengthen human rights across the United Nations system. We work to ensure the enforcement of universally recognized human rights norms, including through promoting both the universal ratification and implementation of the major human rights treaties and respect for the rule of law.

Under the overall guidance of the Deputy Representative, the Programme Assistant provides programme support services ensuring quality, accuracy and consistency of work. The programme Assistant works in close cooperation with other OHCHR staff to exchange information and to support programme delivery.

Description of functions

Substantive support to the implementation of the OHCHR country programme through:

• Assist in collection, analysis and reporting on human rights information
• Assist in designing monitoring tools, indicators and collecting data
• Participate with Human Rights Officers in discussions with relevant Uganda authorities, opposition groups, civil society and other stakeholders for the purpose of information-gathering, advocacy and capacity-building
• Record cases of human rights violations in the OHCHR database
• Monitor trends of human rights violation on print and electronic media
• Support reporting activities on donor contributions
• Contribute to regular report on activities

Support specific OHCHR country programme activities relating to training and advocacy:

• Responsible for the organization and administrative arrangements of training activities and workshops.
• Identify, develop and prepare necessary information, advocacy and training materials.

Records and archives Management

• Provide advisory services to programme staff with the management of files
• Establish a system for maintaining sensitive records of OHCHR

Professionalism: Ability to implement administrative policies/principles, preferably related to project/programme implementation. Affinity with budgeting and accounting. Knowledge of UN activities preferable. Conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results. Calm in stressful situations.

Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals, supports and acts in accordance with the final group decision, solicits input by genuinely valuing other’s ideas and expertise, is willing to learn from others. Ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively, listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately. Asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience, demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Planning and organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources. 

Education: Secondary Education - preferably with specialized certification in Programming or monitoring and evaluation, but it is not a requirement.

Experience: Five years of relevant experience (programmatic and administrative) at the national or international level, preferably in the field of social sciences, human rights and development. Experience in the use of computers and office software (MS Word, Excel and Power point) and in handling of web based information systems.

Language: Fluency in English, with good communications skills and drafting ability. 

Important applicant information

All posts in the GS categories are subject to local recruitment.

Applicant information about UNDP rosters

Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Workforce diversity

UNDP is committed to achieving diversity within its workforce, and encourages all qualified applicants, irrespective of gender, nationality, disabilities, sexual orientation, culture, religious and ethnic backgrounds to apply. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.

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