Programme Analyst on Human Rights & Rule of Law

Instructions to Applicants: Click on the “Apply now” button. Input your information in the appropriate Sections: personal information, language proficiency, education, resume and motivation. Upon completion of the first page, please hit “submit application” tab at the end of the page. Please ensure that CV or P11 and the Cover letter are combined in one file.

The following documents shall be required from the applicants:

Personal CV or P11, indicating all past positions held and their main underlying functions, their durations (month/year), the qualifications, as well as the contact details (email and telephone number) of the Candidate, and at least three (3) the most recent professional references of previous supervisors. References may also include peers.

A cover letter (maximum length: 1 page) indicating why the candidate considers him-/herself to be suitable for the position.

Travel: 

• UNDP will cover the cost of travel of the individual to the duty station, as well as their return to their home upon completion of their services. Travel costs are covered only in the event that the function will be undertaken physically in the duty station and excludes working from home arrangements;
• Any travels related to official performance of duties will be covered by UNDP.

Office/Unit/Project Description:

While progress has been achieved in Rule of Law, Governance, and Human Rights in Eastern Europe and Central Asia (ECIS), the outbreak of COVID-19 has put at significant risk the democratic achievements in the country the region. In the emergency circumstances, the limited overview of the governments’ actions by parliamentary and judiciary has led to a larger scale of abuse of power, weakening of democratic processes, greater restriction of civil and political rights, and the overall decline of trust, revealing the pre-existing fragility of the social contract and further deepening inequalities in the region. Besides, the pandemic has brought up new challenges: the deployment of digital tools to prevent the spread of the virus, such as contact-tracing apps and surveillance systems, raised concerns on the potential misuse of personal data for purposes beyond public health and massive violations of the right to privacy and data protection. Escalated in the meanwhile, the recent border conflicts in several countries have seriously affected the stability in the region, highlighting the persistence of inter-ethnic and political tensions among neighboring States.

The Istanbul Regional Hub (IRH) is UNDP’s main knowledge and advisory hub for the countries serviced by UNDP’s Regional Bureau for Europe and CIS (RBEC). In the region, UNDP works with national and international partners to strengthen the social contract between the state and society in a manner that protects human rights, promotes equality, and enhances social cohesion. This includes advocating for openness, transparency and accountability of public institutions, anti-corruption and strengthening civil society engagement; supporting legal reforms and developing parliamentary processes; strengthening the rule of law including community security and promoting rights and access to justice of marginalized communities; enhancing public services and institutional responsiveness including public sector performance measures, voice and participation, particularly of excluded groups including youth; supporting effective local governance frameworks, decentralization and implementation mechanisms; supporting conflict prevention through national dialogue, local peace committees, and confidence-building activities while building institutional capacity to address risks and crises; and placing gender equality and women at the center of decision-making and peace efforts.

In addition, IRH is currently engaging in the new areas of work on human rights in the region. Recognizing the need for the greater protection of human rights in digital space, IRH is aiming to raise awareness of countries on human rights impacts of the use of digital technologies, and support national partners in development of necessary regulatory frameworks. IRH is also working to promote responsible business environment and wider implementation of United Nations Guiding Principles (UNGPs) on Business and Human Rights in ECIS. It has now started the in-depth analysis and research of B+HR regional and national challenges and trends. It also facilitates collaboration and awareness-raising on B+HR among various stakeholders at the regional level. At the country level, UNDP will provide technical assistance to the countries with interest in developing National Action Plans and National Baseline Assessments on B+HR and to the businesses in piloting Human Rights Due Diligence.

Institutional Arrangement:

The Programme Analyst will work in the Istanbul Regional Hub, under the direct supervision of the Human Rights, Rule of Law, Justice and Security Programme Specialist and overall guidance of the Governance and Peacebuilding Cluster Leader. S/he will work across the Governance and Peacebuilding (GPB) Team, particularly with members of the rule of law and human rights cluster in the GPB Team.

Scope of Work:

The primary objective of the assignment is to substantively contribute to the implementation of the Global Programme for Strengthening the Rule of Law and the Regional Programme of UNDP in ECIS.

More specifically, s/he will undertake the following tasks:

• Substantive analysis and research to feed to the policy and program advice and expertise to the country offices in ECIS focusing on the rule of law, justice, security and human rights issues:
  • Develop analytical products in support of country projects and programmatic frameworks promoting the rule of law, security and human rights;
  • Participate in field missions and events assisting the country offices in their research and analytical programming actions.
• Support conceptualization of policy guidance promoting innovative practices and tools that enable efficient delivery of justice, strengthen security and rights protection in the region:
  • Prepare regional context analysis for various thematic reports, policy notes, concept papers and other research-based knowledge/policy products;
  • Participate in substantive discussions around the rule of law, security and human rights trends and assist in design and delivery of the trainings on the human rights-based approach;
  • Support the design of regional communications, advocacy and promotional campaigns that promote human rights, anti-discrimination and new people-centered approaches to justice and security;
  • Develop regional fact sheets in support of the new programming areas and initiatives, including on Business and Human Rights and rights-based AI and Data Protection.
• Assist in development of the partnership and alliance building in the region:
  • Contribute to the coordination and organization of knowledge events, forums, and conferences promoting regional peer to peer exchange, knowledge sharing and policy dialogue among countries, engaging country offices and national/international partners;
  • Liaise and work closely with the representatives of regional and national partners and UNDP country offices on ongoing and planned initiatives.

UN CORE VALUES AND COMPETENCIES

Professionalism: Shows pride in work and achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

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 the audience; Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients ” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; Identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; Monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; Keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; Meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

Min. Academic Education:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in law, human rights, social science, political science, business management, or related discipline(s).

Min. years of relevant Work experience:

• Minimum of 2 years of work experience with United Nations and development agencies in research and implementation of the programmes/projects in the areas of the rule of law, justice, security, and human rights.

Required skills and competencies:

• At least 2 years of experience of research on issues related to human rights and the rule of law;
• At least 2 years of experience in analyzing, developing, and preparing reports and project documents;
• At least 2 years in organizing events both online and offline, including planning, logistics and reporting, focusing on the engagement of various types of stakeholders (e.g. government, NHRIs, businesses, civil society);
• Demonstrated understanding of geopolitical situation and experience in Eastern Europe and Central Asia on a range of the rule of law and human rights issues.

Desired additional skills and competencies:

• Research experience related to business and human rights, digital rights, social and ethical impacts of digital technologies on human rights;
• Experience in working in a development context and with UN agencies is an asset.

Required Language(s) (at working level):

• Fluency in English is required;
• Knowledge of Russian will be considered an asset.