National Human Rights Officer at United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the United Nations’ global development network. It advocates for change and connects countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life for themselves. It provides expert advice, training and grants support to developing countries, with increasing emphasis on assistance to the least developed countries. It promotes technical and investment cooperation among nations.

Headquartered in New York City, the status of UNDP is that of an executive board within the United Nations General Assembly. The UNDP is funded entirely by voluntary contributions from UN member states. The organization operates in 177 countries, where it works with local governments to meet development challenges and develop local capacity.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: National Human Rights Officer
Job ID: 31964
Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Practice Area – Job Family: Management – Human Rights
Grade: NOB
Vacancy Type: FTA Local
Posting Type: Common System
Contract Duration: 1 Year with possibility for extension

Background
To address the various migration challenges related to climate change, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) launched the CLIMIS project to address the link between human rights, migration and climate change in the Sahel region and to promote a rights-based and gender-sensitive approach to the migration challenges posed by climate change.

CLIMIS plans actions aimed at:

• Identifying gaps in the protection of human rights in the context of migration resulting from the damaging effects of climate change in the Sahel region,
• Promoting a human rights-based and gender-sensitive approach to the migration challenges posed by climate change in the Sahel region and
• Identifying adaptation and mitigation measures to fill protection gaps and ensure that the link between migration and climate change is addressed on the basis of a human rights-based and gender-sensitive approach.

In order to ensure the implementation of project activities, a National Human Rights Specialist will be recruited.

Duties and Responsibilities

• The successful candidate will be responsible for the implementation of the project in Nigeria under the direct supervision of the Senior Human Rights Adviser (SHRA).
• The incumbent of the post will also have a second reporting line to the Project Coordinator, based at the Regional Office for West Africa, and an additional reporting line to Headquarters.
• The successful candidate would also seek to ensure collaboration with colleagues working on the implementation of other related projects, including projects on the protection of migrants (PROMIS) and on human rights at international borders.

In particular, the incumbent will be responsible for the following specific tasks:

• Responsible for the implementation of CLIMIS project activities at national level;
• Undertake monthly monitoring and support visits, including to pilot communities, for discussions with the authorities and affected populations;
• Provide information to the Project Coordinator based at the Regional Office for West Africa and the Project Officer based at headquarters to contribute to the regional and global processes;
• Support related national or UNCT initiatives;
• Collect data, conduct interviews, analyse findings and support the conduct of substantive research and analysis on the link between human rights, migration and climate change at the local, national and regional level;
• Contribute to the development of project tools, including capacity-building tools (e.g. an OHCHR core training module on the link between human rights, migration and climate change);
• Assist in identifying and building relationships with relevant authorities and actors at national and local level, including community-based organizations, and in the selection of pilot local communities;
• Organize meetings with selected pilot local communities, national authorities, national human rights institutions and other key actors and promote awareness to ensure the meaningful, effective and informed participation of all people, especially women, in decision-making processes related to climate change and human mobility;
• Build the capacity of key actors to effectively address human rights challenges in the context of climate change and migration;
• Raise awareness and provide technical support to national authorities and regional bodies, including relevant ministries and national assemblies, in order to strengthen migration, environment and gender equality policies through a human rights-based and gender-sensitive approach;
• Participate in project activities at regional, national and local level;
• Provide information for donor reports;
• Assist in the drafting of publications if necessary;
• Perform any other duties as may be assigned by supervisor.

The incumbent will interact with:

• All mechanisms, UN or otherwise implementing programs on migration and/or climate change.

Competencies
Professionalism:

• In-depth experience of human rights work with migrants. Knowledge of climate change will be considered as an asset;
• Knowledge of public policy and practice in the areas of human rights, migration and climate change, as well as the mandate of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights;
• Possess substantial knowledge and very good skills in research and analysis;
• Be able to identify and contribute to the solution of problems and issues. Have knowledge of various research methodologies and sources, including qualitative interviews, electronic sources on the Internet, intranet and other databases;
• Take pride in one’s work and results; demonstrate professional competence and mastery of the subject matter;
• Comply with the instructions issued by the reporting line as set out above;
• Apply conscientiousness and efficiency in the performance of his/her tasks in order to be able to honor commitments, meet deadlines and achieve expected results;
• Act for professional rather than personal reasons, persevere in the face of obstacles and difficulties, keep calm in crisis situations;
• Commit to treating all persons equally and ensure their equal participation in all activities.

Communication:

• Communicate regularly and share information with the project members;
• Express oneself clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing;
• Listen to others, understand them well and follow-up appropriately;
• Ask appropriate questions to seek clarification and facilitate dialogue;
• Adapt language, tone, style and presentation to the audience being addressed.

Teamwork:

• Working in collaboration with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; soliciting input, valuing the ideas and competence of each individual; be willing to learn from others; put the interests of the team ahead of personal benefit; accept and abide by decisions along the lines of hierarchy set out above, even when these decisions may not fully reflect one’s own position; share the team’s successes and acknowledge the share of the responsibility for its failures.

Customer Care:

• Viewing all those who are provided with services as “clients” and seeking to see things from the clients’ point of view with a focus on the result to be achieved;
• Establish and maintain productive partnerships with clients by earning their trust and respect; identify client needs and respond with appropriate solutions;
• Monitor clients’ internal and external developments so that problems can be anticipated;
• Keep clients informed of project progress; respect product or service delivery deadlines.

Required Skills and Experience
Education:

• Master’s Degree preferably in Law, International Relations, Political Science, Environmental Law and Policy or in General Social or Human Sciences.

Experience:

• A minimum of two (2) years of relevant professional experience in human rights, migration and climate change;
• Good knowledge of international, regional and national legal instruments and mechanisms for the promotion and protection of human rights;
• Knowledge of project management, monitoring and evaluation is an asset.
• International cooperation and community work is an asset.
• Good knowledge of the operational context in Nigeria

Languages:

• Fluency in English (written and spoken) is required
• Knowledge of local languages is an asset.

Application Closing Date
12th August, 2020.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

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
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.