Tiered Approach

In line with the commitment to safeguard capacity and support personnel already in the Organization, a majority of UNDP UNCDF/UNV vacancies are advertised using a tiered application process whereby:

  • Tier 0: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV IP staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments, whose posts will be abolished, or contracts will be terminated or not renewed during 2026.
  • Tier 1: Other UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments
  • Tier 2: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA), personnel on regular PSA contracts, and Expert and Specialist UN Volunteers
  • Tier 3 or no tier indicated: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates

Please make note of the Tier(s) indicated in the vacancy title, if any, and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility to apply.

Background

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and the planet.

In Pakistan, UNDP is working with the Government of Pakistan, civil society, national partners, and the people of Pakistan to help find solutions to persistent development challenges. Its work derives from and contributes to four outcome areas of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (2023-2027) which include: governance; sustainable, inclusive and green economic transformation; climate change resilience and environment; and gender equality and women’s empowerment. Supported by enablers, UNDP uses a portfolio approach in Pakistan, triangulating structural transformation, leaving no one behind, and building resilience.

UNDP's country programme document for Pakistan envisions that all Pakistani people are educated and healthy, their well-being promoted and protected through economic opportunities, jobs and a climate-resilient future in a country where women and girls are safe and able to exercise their rights and to put their trust in and benefit from improved governance.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP:  we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

UNDP Pakistan’s Decentralization, Human Rights, and Local Governance (DHL) project is a multi-sector project aimed at strengthening federal, provincial, and local governance mechanisms against the backdrop of the 18th Constitutional Amendment (2010). DHL works to strengthen rights-based governance in Pakistan at national and sub-national levels. For this objective, the DHL project engages government entities, National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs), private sector, civil society, academia, and other key stakeholders to protect, respect, and promote human rights. Furthermore, UNDP-DHL aims to empower local communities, human rights defenders, and vulnerable & marginalized populations to ensure an inclusive and participatory approach to the implementation of human rights laws, policies, and frameworks. UNDP-DHL has supported the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) to build its technical capacity at the federal and provincial levels for the fulfilment of its mandate as an autonomous national human rights institution and watchdog body since its inception. This support contributed to the NCHR's accreditation as a national human rights institution (NHRI) through the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) accreditation process. UNDP-DHL's support has included, for example, technical support for addressing human rights complaints, planning, legal review, grievance redressal mechanisms, international reporting obligations, and knowledge production. This has also included support to increase NCHR's visibility, awareness, and reach, establishing linkages with civil society organizations and regional and international NHRIs for the exchange of information and best practices. In May 2024, the NCHR was awarded ‘A status’ accreditation by GANHRI. This accreditation signifies the Commission's independence, authority, and status in the international human rights system. Achieving ‘A status’ also means the NCHR has a greater role in promoting and protecting human rights in Pakistan and requires ongoing support to strengthen its ability to fulfil its mandate and maintain its accreditation, particularly in its provincial offices.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Project Rights Based Development Officer will work under the direct supervision of Social Inclusion Specialist and in close collaboration with the broader DHL project team.

Support coordination of effective project implementation

  • Support coordination with National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs), including NCHR, NCSW, and NCRC, as well as the Ministry of Human Rights and relevant federal and provincial human rights departments, to support planning, execution, and follow-up of programme activities in the federal capital and provinces.
  • Support coordination with civil society organizations, human rights defenders, academia, and implementing partners to support inclusive and consultative approaches to rights-based development initiatives.
  • Assist the Rights Based Development Expert and the Social Inclusion Specialist in the preparation of internal, donor, and government reports, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and compliance with UNDP and donor reporting requirements.
  • Regularly track and disseminate updates from international funding partners, particularly the European Union, on thematic priorities relevant to programme design, implementation, and reporting.
  • Support the preparation of concept notes, project proposals, and budgeted workplans for submission to existing and prospective funding partners to expand programme interventions.
  • Coordinate with subject matter experts and Project Officers across provinces to promote cross-learning, coherence, and a harmonized implementation approach.
  • Prepare and disseminate routine communications and knowledge inputs to the Communications and Reporting Officer for internal and external visibility and outreach.
  • Prepare and submit routine progress updates, trackers, and reports to the Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, ensuring alignment with UNDP monitoring frameworks and reporting timelines.
  • Proactively engage with CSOs and NGOs working on priority human rights themes, facilitating linkages with NHRIs and government counterparts to strengthen project planning and implementation.
  • Prepare substantive briefs and analytical notes on potential areas of cooperation, joint initiatives, and opportunities for scale-up, replication, and synergies, and provide recommendations to programme leadership.
  • Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure that project development is aligned with priorities related to gender equality, minority rights, access to justice, and environmental justice.
  • Ensure the consistent application of UNDP rules, procedures, and policies across all project activities.

Monitor and report on progress in implementing project activities and achieving the targets set.

  • Support the development of clear strategies and an effective system for data collection, means of verification, and information sharing and reporting, ensuring alignment with UNDP guidelines.
  • Support monitoring the implementation of activities and progress in achieving goals and targets, with a particular focus on the implementation of Pillar 1 (National Human Rights Institutions) of the EU funded Human Rights Project.
  • Support the preparation of internal, donor, and government reports in line with the reporting schedule and requirements set by UNDP and the EU, and any other relevant donors. Ensure that the reports accurately reflect the contributions and achievements of project partners, civil society organizations, and the private sector.
  • Monitor progress against deliverables of Individual Contractors, Vendors, Implementing Partners, and private sector entities contracted under the Project, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to quality standards.
  • Support the development of concept notes, proposals, and budgets for new activities and thematic areas in human rights, environmental rights, minority rights, and gender justice.
  • Coordinate with the Operations team to support the financial management of NGOs, civil society organizations, and women led organisations involved in the project.

Facilitate knowledge and capacity development, knowledge sharing and advocacy relevant to the assigned thematic area(s)

  • Support the organization of trainings, workshops, and capacity building activities in a consultative manner, involving technical experts and stakeholders from the government, private sector, NGOs, donors, academia, and other relevant partners. Ensure that these activities specifically address human rights, women empowerment, access to gender justice, environmental justice, minority rights, and gender equality.
  • Identify, research, and analyse emerging human rights issues, trends, and challenges relevant to Pakistan and the region to inform programme priorities and stakeholder engagement.
  • Collect, analyse, and synthesize qualitative and quantitative data from primary and secondary sources, including reports, consultations, surveys, and administrative data.
  • Maintain awareness of national and international human rights developments, including legal, policy, and institutional reforms, and integrate relevant insights into programme design and implementation.
  • Actively participate in knowledge networks and communities of practice related to the EU-funded Human Rights Programme, contributing lessons learned and good practices from project implementation.
  • Support the establishment and maintenance of knowledge platforms and repositories, and contribute to the development of knowledge products to support learning and advocacy objectives.
  • Collaborate with project partners, stakeholders, and UNDP’s Communications Unit to raise awareness, support policy dialogue, and amplify the impact of programme interventions through appropriate communication channels.

Facilitate Gender Mainstreaming, Knowledge Sharing and Other Responsibilities

  • Ensure gender aspects are integrated into all existing and new project proposals.
  • Assist in ensuring equal opportunities for female staff within the project.
  • Support adherence to UNDP policies, procedures, and social and environmental standards.
  • Identify, synthesize and document best practices and lessons learned that are generated from the project and implementing partners.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Competencies

Core Competencies

Achieve Results: Level 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline

Think Innovatively: Level 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements 

Learn Continuously: Level 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback

Adapt with Agility: Level 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible 

Act with Determination: Level 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident

Engage and Partner: Level 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships

Enable Diversity and Inclusion: Level 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies

Business Management:

  • Partnership Management : Build and maintain partnerships with wide networks of stakeholders, Governments, civil society and private sector partners, experts and others in line with UNDP strategy and policies
  • Results-based Management : Ability to manage the implementation of strategies, programmes, and projects with a focus at improved performance and demonstrable results. Knowledge and understanding of relevant theories, concepts, methodologies, instruments, and tools.

Business Direction and Strategy

  • Strategic Thinking : Develop effective strategies and prioritised plans in line with UNDP’s mission and objectives, based on the systemic analysis of challenges, opportunities and potential risks; link the general vision to reality on the ground to create tangible targeted solutions; learn from a variety of sources to anticipate and effectively respond to both current and future trends; demonstrate foresight
  • System Thinking : Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system

Partnership Management 

  • Private Sector Engagement : Ability to identify, conduct outreach, and manage relationships with government partners

2030 Agenda: Peace: 

  • Rule of Law, Security and Human Rights: Human Rights
     

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

  • Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in International Relations, Political Science, Economics, Gender, Global Studies, Human Rights, Development Studies, Social Sciences, or relevant field related to human rights is required/

OR

  • A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the areas mentioned above in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree. 
     

Experience:

  • Applicants with a master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field of study are not required to have professional work experience . Two (2) years (with bachelor´s degree) of relevant professional at the national and/or international level in research, policy work, programme analysis and implementation, development, or public relations, with a preferred focus on human rights  is required.

Required skills:

  • At least one (1) year of relevant experience in stakeholder management in the field of development and human rights is required
  • Experience in organizing capacity-development events and stakeholder consultations is required. 
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Excel is required

Desirable Skills:

  • Integrated knowledge and experience of the private and development sectors is desired
  • Experience in supporting the government, UN agencies or any other institutions on Human Rights engagement is an asset.
  • Experience in donor reporting and proposal development is desirable.
  • Proven track record of strong research and analytical skills are desired.

Language proficiency:

  • Fluency in English and Urdu (spoken and written) is required. 

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

Right to select multiple candidates

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.

Scam alert

UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.

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