Organizational Setting and Reporting Relationships:
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has had a field presence in the Republic of Serbia since 1998, and as an Adviser (Human Rights) (HRA) unit within the Resident Coordinator Office since 2008. The Adviser (Human Rights) aims to bring the international legal and normative expertise of OHCHR in support of the Resident Coordinator, United Nations Country Team, Government, NHRI and civil society in Serbia. OHCHR participates in the implementation of strategic priority area 3 within UNSDCF 2021-2025.
Duties and Responsibilities
Under the direct operational supervision of the Resident Coordinator (RC), and under the overall guidance and supervision of OHCHR’s Chief of Europe and Central Asia Section to the Field Operations and Technical Cooperation Division, the Human Rights Adviser (HRA) will:
(i) Advise the Resident Coordinator and the UN Country Team on strategies to build and strengthen national capacities and institutions for the promotion and protection of human rights, including through human rights mainstreaming in UN development cooperation programmes.
(ii) Advise human rights state actors (duty bearers) - including the Government, representative bodies and national human rights institutions - on how best to promote UN normative values; enhance legal frameworks and judicial capacity; and develop the national capacity of protection machinery, including its ability to meet international reporting obligations.
(iii) Liaise with, and provide capacity building support (such as training, organization of meetings and facilitation of access) to civil society organizations engaged in the promotion and implementation of UN normative values in human rights including, where necessary, by encouraging dialogue between state actors and civil society.
(iv) Follow human rights issues in Serbia and provide human rights-based analysis thereof; provide issue-based or situational assessments of legislative, policy or implementation gaps to OHCHR, the RC and UNCT as appropriate, including with a view to informing the design and implementation of human rights capacity building programmes.
(v) Provide operational and substantive human rights support to human rights training and other capacity building activities for national partners and UNCT, including in the role of expert facilitator.
The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.
Supervisory/Managerial Responsibilities: Supervision and performance management of Office Programme Team.
COMPETENCIES:
Professionalism - Knowledge of and wide exposure to the full range of human rights issues in Serbia , in particular with regard to national protection systems, and human rights mainstreaming; Strong knowledge of institutional mandates and international standards pertaining to human rights; Experience with approaches and techniques to address highly sensitive and complex issues and problems; Ability to exercise independent judgment and discretion in advising on and handling major issues and problems; Substantive experience in managing projects and programmes; Very good knowledge of the structure and functions of the United Nations system, its organs, agencies and programmes; Solid knowledge and experience of mainstreaming human rights in the development, humanitarian and/or peace building work of the United Nations.
Communication - Excellent communication (Spoken, written and presentational) skills; Ability to present and defend difficult positions to external partners, stakeholders, senior officials, to persuade people with varying points of view, and to present information in a concise and accurate manner; Excellent interpersonal and proven negotiating skills.
Teamwork - Ability to establish and maintain trust and working relations with people in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
Leadership - Proven ability to provide effective leadership and transfer advice and knowledge to external partners, stakeholders, senior officials and staff at all levels; Proven ability to plan and organize the work of a unit/office and provide advice and guidance to others; Proven record of building and managing teams and creating an enabling environment.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Education: Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in human rights, public or international law, political science, international relations or a related field. A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Work experience: Minimum 5 years (with master’s degree) or 7 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience at the national or international level i n providing management advisory services in the field of human rights, development and/or humanitarian action.
Languages: Fluency in written and spoken English and Serbian languages is required.
Specialist knowledge and skills:
Understanding of the key human rights issues in Serbia.
Specialist knowledge and working experience with regard to the international human rights machinery and treaties.
Familiarity with human rights protection systems and development cooperation work of the United Nations, European Union, Council of Europe and OSCE.
Good communication and drafting skills.
Demonstrated ability to work in an advisory capacity.
Demonstrated advocacy, communication and networking skills, and capacity for good judgment with regard to sensitive issues.
Cultural and gender sensitivity.
Excellent organizational skills.
Ability to work under pressure.
Apply by: 10 Jan 2024
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