This position is open to Moldovan Nationals Only

BACKGROUND

The UN Human Rights Office (Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights – OHCHR) represents the world’s commitment to universal ideals of human dignity. It has a unique mandate from the international community to promote and protect all human rights.

The OHCHR field presence in Moldova, assists the UN RC Office, UN Country Team in Moldova (UNCT), Government and civil society in strengthening human rights and human rights-based approaches, working closely with the UN Country Team on capacity building and mainstreaming human rights in their work, as well as providing support in engagement with national actors on human rights, including advising national authorities upon request. Thematic priorities for work are Strengthening the rule of law and accountability for human rights violations; Enhancing equality and countering discrimination Integrating human rights in sustainable development; and Enhancing civic space and people’s participation.

Starting from 2023 OHCHR Moldova jointly with other UN entities has been implementing the Joint Action to Strengthen Human Rights in the Transnistrian region of the Republic of Moldova (2023 -2025). Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Human Rights Adviser and in close collaboration with other Human Rights Officers, the incumbent is responsible for the management of OHCHR activities and coordination of all Programme activities through a range of actions: managing and monitoring, conducting activities, ensuring synergies between the components of the Programme, communicating Programme objectives and results, engaging with all stakeholders.

The Manager applies and promotes the principles of results-based management (RBM), as well as a client-oriented approach consistent with OHCHR rules and regulations. He/she is responsible and accountable to the Project Board for the project results. The Coordinator will ensure close coordination of the Programme activities under OHCHR responsibilities with other relevant UN programs, projects and initiatives.

Organizational Setting and Reporting Relationships: This position is located in the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), Field Operations and Technical Cooperation Division (FOTCD), Human Rights Adviser presence in Chisinau, Moldova. The Human Rights Officer reports to the Human Rights Adviser and is under the functional supervision of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Within delegated authority, the Associate Human Rights Officer/Programme Manager will be responsible for the following duties:

• Support the implementation of OHCHR components of the joint Programme, ensuring timely implementation, and coordination with all implementing agencies, as well as monitoring and reporting of and on the Programme implementation.
• Supports the development of, in close collaboration with the UN Human Rights Adviser, the Annual Work and cost plans of the Programme.
• Participates in, and supports the coordination of, workshops, training, conferences, and thematic reports among others.
• Support the effective management and supervision of the resources spending for the country’s presence.
• Researches and collects information pertaining to human rights matters, including their gender dimensions from a variety of data sources to keep abreast of issues/events and provide up-to-date information; assists in the analysis of information, including the impact on the human rights situation in assigned area.
• Drafts a variety of reports, correspondence, talking points, visibility material etc relating to human rights matters.
• Maintains awareness of current human rights issues, including relevant political and legal developments in the area of concern, especially as they relate to the Transnistrian region.
• Participates in human rights training programmes for authorities, representatives of the civil society and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) as well as National Human Rights Institutions in order to promote national capacity building.
• Reviews human rights issues, including their gender dimensions, and participates in discussions with other Human Rights Officers (HROs) on the integration of these issues into political, humanitarian and economic efforts and programmes especially as they relate to the Transnistrian region.
• Assists in promoting efforts for community mobilisation and those that focus on the exercise of rights of the population.
• Participates with other Human Rights Officers in discussions with relevant authorities and other influential actors with the aim of stopping or preventing human rights violations or seeks other remedial action by the authorities to prevent similar violations from occurring in the future.
• Liaises with government, NGOs, Civil Society organizations, National Human Rights Institutions, UN agencies and other partners to create baseline data on the human rights situation, with special attention to vulnerable groups.
• Contributes to the collection and analysis of data as well as identification of trends or patterns for data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting.

Key Results:

The key results have a direct impact on the overall successful achievement of the Joint Programme to Strengthen Human Rights in the Transnistrian region of the Republic of Moldova. Accurate analysis and presentation of information enhances OHCHR’s position as a strong partner. The information provided facilitates the decision-making of the Project Board, the Beneficiary and OHCHR management.

COMPETENCIES: 

Professionalism: 

Knowledge of human rights issues and ability to identify related problems in their political, ethnic, racial, gender equality and socio-economic dimensions. Knowledge of institutional mandates of human rights organizations, prevailing policies and procedures. Research and analytical skills, including the ability to identify and participate in the resolution of human rights issues. Ability to identify sources for data collection, analyze information and draft human rights reports. Shows pride in work and in 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. Able to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management.

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 audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Teamwork:  Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Planning& Organizing:  Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.
Qualifications:

Education:  

• Master’s degree in development studies, political science, human rights, international relations, public affairs, public administration, economics, law or related areas.
• Advanced degree (5 years of studying) in the same fields of study can be considered as corresponding to the requirement.

Experience:

• A minimum of 2 years of progressively responsible experience in human rights is required.
• Experience of work in the Transnistrian region is required.
• Experience in project management is required.
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and advanced knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages, experience in handling of web-based management systems.

Language requirements

• Fluency in oral and written English and Russian.
• Working knowledge of one or more additional languages relevant to Moldova, including Romanian, Bulgarian, Gagauzian, Romani, Ukrainian or sign language is an asset.

Other:

• Non-Smoking environment

Note:

“Please upload copies of your academic qualifications and 3 latest Performance Evaluations (if applicable)”

Applicant information about OHCHR rosters

OHCHR 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 OHCHR at the same grade level and with similar job descriptions, experience, and educational requirements.

Non-discrimination

OHCHR has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.

OHCHR is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin, or other status.

Gender

The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. Qualified women are encouraged to apply. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts.

The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application.

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