International Consultant - Coordinator for the Ukraine Monitoring Initiative (SSA)

Background:

ODIHR assists OSCE participating States with implementing their human dimension commitments, which includes monitoring of human rights and building capacity of State and non-State actors in overall nine thematic portfolios.

The objective of the Human Rights Monitoring Fund is to collect thematic and country-based information on the human rights situation in participating States based on OSCE commitments and international human rights standards, identifying areas of concern and developing targeted, gender-sensitive recommendations to OSCE participating States on how to address identified gaps. 

As the main OSCE institution concerned with the human dimension of security, ODIHR is tasked, inter alia, with assisting the OSCE participating States in the implementation of their human dimension commitments (Helsinki 1992). ODIHR’s monitoring mandate is based on a number of commitments (Helsinki 1992, Budapest 1994, Oslo 1998, Maastricht 2003). Moreover, ODIHR serves as a point of contact for information provided by participating States (Rome 1993), and participating States have expressed their determination to co-operate within the OSCE and with its institutions and representatives in a spirit of solidarity and partnership in a continuing review of implementation (Istanbul 1999). 

In order to fulfil its mandate, ODIHR carries out a comprehensive monitoring initiative as of 24 February 2022.
 

Objective of Assignment: 

The objective of this consultancy is to contribute to ODIHR’s Ukraine Monitoring Initiative, by coordinating the work of the remote monitoring team and upcoming monitors deployment and assess serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law within the territory of Ukraine against OSCE commitments and international humanitarian and human rights law.

Duration of Assignment:
Free text to be Entered by Recruiter

Tasks and Responsibilities:

Under the supervision of the Deputy Head of the Human Rights Department, the consultant will be part of a monitoring team set up by ODIHR in order to monitor, document and assess the conduct of hostilities for potential violations of human rights and IHL, in line with its mandate. 

In close consultation with the Human Rights Adviser, the consultant will:

1. Coordinate the potential deployments of ODIHR monitors for the purpose of collection of testimonies from witnesses and survivors of international humanitarian and human rights law violations, as well as refugees and IDPs from the occupied/reclaimed territories of Ukraine by: liaising with project support consultants, interpreters, and core team; 
2. Coordinate the online collection of testimonies, including by liaising with project support consultants, interpreters and core team, as well as assisting in devising and updating online interviewing protocols;
3. Coordinate activities in drafting the Ukraine Monitoring Initiative reports;
4. Coordinate collection and verification of information for the purpose of regularly informing the leadership of organization on developments concerning the scope of monitoring of the Ukraine Monitoring Initiative;
5. Advise Deputy Head of the Human Rights Department on the management of activities and available resources to achieve the mission mandate, taking into account security and humanitarian context; 
6. Support investigations, analysis and development of individual case files of attacks concerning alleged violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law;
7. Review and prepare written analyses as needed to support the work of the team or requests from senior management; 
8. Prepare and participate in regular team meetings, briefings, and presentations with other members of the team, ODIHR structures, and other relevant stakeholders;
9. Monitor and evaluate all aspects of the activities in co-ordination with the Deputy Head of the Human Rights Department; 
10. Manage dynamic tasking based on situational awareness;
11. Perform other duties as required.
     

Necessary Qualifications:

• Advanced university degree in law, political science, international relations or other disciplines related to human rights such as conflict or security studies, is required. A first-level university degree in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree; 
• At least 6 years of professional experience in human rights, in information analysis in the context of international humanitarian law and human rights;
• Well-developed management, negotiation, communication, organizational, interpersonal and leadership skills;
• Excellent analytical and drafting abilities; 
• Excellent knowledge of English, oral and in writing; 
• Ability to work under time pressure and meet tight deadlines;
• Ability to work with sensitive content; 
• Excellent gender awareness and knowledge of gender mainstreaming;
• Excellent communication skills;
• Experience of working in a multilateral/multicultural environment;
• Knowledge of Russian and Ukrainian language is considered an asset.

Remuneration Package:

Remuneration will be based on the selected consultant's/expert's qualifications, experience, the tasks and deliverables for this position and in accordance with the OSCE established rates.

If you wish to apply for this position, please use the OSCE's online application link found under https://vacancies.osce.org/.

The OSCE retains the discretion to re-advertise/re-post the vacancy, to cancel the recruitment or to offer an appointment with a modified job description or for a different duration.

Only those candidates who are selected to participate in the subsequent stages of recruitment will be contacted.

The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all religious, ethnic and social backgrounds to apply to become a part of the Organization. 

Candidates should be aware that OSCE officials shall conduct themselves at all times in a manner befitting the status of an international civil servant. This includes avoiding any action which may adversely reflect on the integrity, independence and impartiality of their position and function as officials of the OSCE. The OSCE is committed to applying the highest ethical standards in carrying out its mandate. For more information on the values set out in OSCE Competency Model, please see https://jobs.osce.org/resources/document/our-competency-model.

Please be aware that the OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application and review process.