Policy Specialist (Rule of Law, Security and Human Rights)

UNDP is the knowledge frontier organization for sustainable development in the UN Development System and serves as the integrator for collective action to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNDP’s policy work carried out at HQ, Regional and Country Office levels, forms a contiguous spectrum of deep local knowledge to cutting-edge global perspectives and advocacy. In this context, UNDP invests in the Global Policy Network (GPN), a network of field- based and global technical expertise across a wide range of knowledge domains and in support of the signature solutions and organizational capabilities envisioned in the Strategic Plan. Within the GPN, the Crisis Bureau guides UNDP’s corporate crisis-related strategies and vision for crisis prevention, response and recovery.

The Rule of Law, Security and Human Rights Specialist is one of the lead experts in the Rule of Law and Human Rights knowledge domain. S/he is based in the Regional Hub as part of the Governance and Peacebuilding team while also being a team member of, and regularly liaising with the global Rule of law, Security and Human Rights for Sustainable Peace and Development team within the UNDP Crisis Bureau, and as part of the GPN. He/she will provide intellectual and strategic engagement as well as technical guidance on Rule of Law, Security and Human Rights issues for UNDP, and represent UNDP in the wider Rule of Law and Human Rights community of practice, in particular within the UNDP- DPKO Global Focal Point for Rule of Law arrangement and the Tripartite Partnership (TPP - UNDP, OHCHR and the Global Alliance for National Human Rights Institutions), with bilateral partners, external experts, etc.

Working to ensure quality and coherent policy and programme advisory services within their region and across other regions, as well as alignment with the Strategic Plan, the Specialist advances the credibility and recognition of UNDP’s capabilities and drives innovation in this knowledge domain and associated community of practice. The Specialist will work closely with the Rule of Law, Security and Human Rights community of practice across UNDP to support corporate learning and, in particular, the implementation of the Global Programme for Strengthening the Rule of Law and Human Rights for Sustaining Peace & Fostering Development

In collaboration with other Advisors and Specialists in the Regional Hubs, HQ, Country Offices, Global Policy Centers, and rosters of external advisors, s/he is responsible for leading the provision of technical expertise and policy and programme advisory services to Country Offices, supports the implementation of the regional programme and, where appropriate, works closely with key UN and external partners. S/he responds to requests from Country Offices and under the guidance of the Regional Hub Manager and Head of the Rule of Law, Security and Human rights team (New York), and in collaboration with corporate support providers, such as the Country Support Management Team, the Crisis and Fragility Engagement and Policy Team and the SDG integrator Team.

Summary of Key Functions:

1. Substantive delivery of technical assistance, policy development and programme support;
2. Substantive development of tools and resources, from across UNDP’s network of expertise;
3. Knowledge management and community of practice networking;
4. Advocacy and partner engagement for effective policy positioning in the region in particular around South-South cooperation.

1. Substantive delivery of technical assistance, policy development and programme support:

• Provide policy advisory and programming services to COs within the region, that respond to country office needs, including through the provision of capacity building and backstopping to COs and UNCTs; in areas related to rule of law, community security, human rights, access to justice.
• Work with the Regional Bureau’s Country Advisors to ensure relevant, timely and multi-disciplinary response to Country needs for policy services.
• Support programming and implementation of the Global Programme for Strengthening the Rule of Law and Human Rights for Sustaining Peace & Fostering Development.
• Ensure support to implementation of the Human Rights Due Diligence Policy.
• Collaborate substantively with COs and Regional Programmes to achieve regional/CO strategic goals and plans by supporting relevant regional initiatives and promoting synergies with the regional programmes;
• Support COs in project design, planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and results reporting in line with RBM guidelines, and support quality assurance, risk management and due diligence processes;
• Provide sector specific and technical policy advice for crisis situations in coordination with the Country Support Management Team.
• Ensure risks are monitored and managed across the portfolio of advisory engagements including UNDAF formulation.
• Provide policy advisory and programming services to COs in other regions as requested by the Crisis Bureau and in agreement with the Governance and Peacebuilding team (Istanbul) and the Head of Rule of Law, Security and Human Rights for Sustainable Peace and Development (HQ).
• Provide substantive inputs and drive innovation in the development of UNDP’s policies for the thematic area and contribute to the formulation of global policy products.

2. Substantive development of tools and resources, from across UNDP’s network of expertise:

• Provide technical expertise in identifying tools, developing methodologies and producing knowledge management products linked to crisis-related rule of law, security and human rights.
• Provide technical expertise on the content development for regional/CO knowledge products through the analysis of data, case evidence, and research findings in accordance with corporate standards.
• Contribute to the identification and scoping of technical issues warranting collaboration with HQ and regional teams to research, develop and share knowledge-based tools, such as policy positions/practice notes/concept papers and other research-based products to influence/advance policy dialogue in the knowledge domain and present UNDP’s knowledge assets and capabilities at global and regional forums.
• Work closely with policy teams in HQ to advance research, testing and roll-out of newly commissioned policy/business development initiatives, by providing the regional perspective/specificities as well as experience-based insights on what is of most practical value for national counterparts and regional leaders;
• Design and deliver training on programming tools including by developing training packs for COs to facilitate innovation learning, foster and encourage policy innovation and continuous improvement to enhance programme delivery.

3. Knowledge management and community of practice networking:

• Contribute to the continuous analysis, documentation, codification of national and regional experiences/lessons learned and the development of replicable tools from applied initiatives
• Review regional data, case evidence and research findings to distill pivotal lessons for UNDP regionally and globally.
• Advocate and enable South-South facilitation of exchanges and experiences sharing where valuable.
• Support the capacity development of UNDP staff in application of tools and practices.
• Development and strengthening of linkages with peacebuilding and governance community of practice, both inside and outside of the UN system.

4. Advocacy and partner engagement for effective policy positioning in the region:

• Advocate the application of ground-breaking Rule of Law, Security and Human Rights-based approaches, especially as an integrated approach to achieving the SDGs, in various regional and country fora with a view to deepen related political commitment and related reforms.
• Represent UNDP within engagements in interagency coordination in Rule of Law, Security and Human Rights policy areas and in particular support the UNDP-DPKO Global Focal Point arrangement and the Tripartite partnership of UNDP, OHCHR and the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions.
• Engage in a dialogue with donors, identify funding opportunities and endeavors to ensure sufficient resource mobilization for Country Offices in close consultation with HQ.
• Provide technical advice on relationship management of regional partners and resource mobilization in line with Crisis Bureau priorities and corporate guidelines.
• Provide technical advice on mobilizing and fostering external partnerships behind regional initiatives;
• Manage the building of strategic alliances and partnerships, especially with key think tanks and non- governmental organizations.
• Ensure UNDP/Crisis Bureau Representation at inter-agency meetings, academic conferences, donor consultations and other events.
• Collaborate with UNDP advisors / programme managers and country- and regional-based and Peace and Development Advisors.

Core:
Innovation

• Ability to make new and useful ideas work.

Leadership:

• Ability to persuade others to follow.

People Management:

• Ability to improve performance and satisfaction.

Communication:

• Ability to listen, adapt, persuade and transform.

Delivery:

• Ability to get things done while exercising good judgement.

Technical/Functional:
Rule of Law, Justice, and Security:

• Knowledge of Rule of law, Justice and Citizen Security concepts and principles and ability to apply to strategic and/or practical situations.

Human Rights and HR Mainstreaming:

• Knowledge of international Human Rights standards and principles and the ability to apply to strategic and/or practical situations and Human rights mainstreaming (HRBA) and application of human rights policies (HRDDP, RUF).

Transitional Justice:

• Knowledge of transitional justice and victim assistance issues and concepts and ability to apply in strategic and/or practical situations.

Sustainable Development Goals:

• Knowledge of the Sustainable Development Goals and the ability to apply to strategic and/or practical situations.

Substantive Networking:

• Ability to substantively engage and foster networks with academia, research institutions, and think tanks.

Knowledge Management:

• Ability to capture, develop, share and effectively use information and knowledge.

Collaboration & Partnerships:

• Ability to develop, maintain, and strengthen partnerships with others inside (Programmes/projects) or outside the organization who can provide information, assistance, and support. Sets overall direction for the formation and management of strategic relationships contributing to the overall positioning of UNDP.

Management & Coordination:

• Ability to manage and coordinate campaigns and people with inspiration. Believe in and promote diversity in the workplace and reshaping the workforce to meet need.

Education:   

• A Master's degree, preferably in international development, law, international affairs, public administration, public policy, development economics, or other relevant field, or extensive compensating experience in Rule of Law, Security and/or Human Rights.

Experience:

• A minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in either public sectors (national or multilateral, including UN), private (academia, non- governmental sector, corporate), with increasing level of responsibility
• Experience in managing and supervising projects aimed at developing the national capacities for human rights, security, justice, rule of law and development sector;
• Proven track record and experience in the UN System related to rule of law, security and human rights.
• Experience of working in politically complex settings.
• Excellent negotiating and communication skills and ability to mobilize support from a wide range of partners (public, private, academic, civil society, business community leaders)
• Proven track record of management and resource mobilization skills

Language Requirements:

• Russian and English proficiency required;
• Working knowledge of other UN languages highly desirable.

Important information for US Permanent Residents ('Green Card' holders)

Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment. 

UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.

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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