OFFICE OF THE UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS
DEPARTMENT OF PEACE-KEEPING OPERATIONS
INTERNAL/EXTERNAL VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Reference Number:	04/OHCHR/049/MINUSTAH
Deadline for Application:	25 June 2004
Post Title and Level:	Chief of Human Rights Section, D-1
Duty Station:	Haiti (Non-family duty station)
Duration:	To be determined by the Department of Peace-Keeping Operations/UN New York
Organization Unit:	United Nations Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH)

Description of Duties

Within delegated authority and under the supervision of the Special Representative of the Secretary General (SRSG), the Chief of Human Rights Section will be responsible for the following:

- Represent the Human Rights Section;

- Formulate and implement the substantive work programme of the Human Rights Sections (HRS).

- Oversee the management of activities undertaken by the HRS, ensure that programmed activities are carried out in a timely fashion and coordinate work in the different areas both within the HRS and MINUSTAH, and with other organizations of the United Nations System, as appropriate;

- Lead, supervise and carry out the work programme of the HRS. Co-ordinate the work carried out by different work units under the HRS; provide programmatic/substantive reviews of the drafts prepared by others;

- Ensure the section’s contribution to the commitment of the United Nations to integrating gender perspectives/considerations and to specific women/girl’s rights issues (e.g. discrimination against women, women’s participation, violence against women, sexual exploitation, etc.) in all UN activities –in cooperation/consultation with the Office of the UN Special Advisor on Gender Issues and UN agencies, as relevant;

- Ensure the support to the UN Agencies on the mainstreaming of human rights;

- Co-ordinate and oversee the preparation of the HRS contributions to reports for UN Bodies, as appropriate;

- Ensure that the outputs produced by the HRS maintain hight quality standards; that reports are clear, objective and based on comprehensive data. Ensure that all outputs produced by the Sections under his/her supervision meet required standards before completion to ensure they comply with the relevant mandates;

- Undertake or oversee the programmatic/administrative tasks necessary for the functioning of the HRS, including preparation, evaluation of staff performance (PAS), interviews of candidates for job-openings, evaluation of candidates and preparation of inputs for results-based budgeting;

- Recruit staff taking due account of geographical balance;

- Manage, guide, develop and train staff under his/her supervision;

- Foster teamwork and communication among staff in the HRS and across organizational boundaries;

- Lead and supervise the organization of meetings, seminars, etc. on substantive-related issues.

- Manage the substantive preparation and organization of such meetings or seminars;

- Represent the HRS and/or participate in international, regional or national meetings and provide programmatic/substantive expertise on an issue, or hold programmatic/substantive and organizational discussions with representatives of other institutions;

- Provide advise on human rights matters to the government authorities as needed;

- Ensure that the work of treaty-established bodies and extra-conventional mechanisms and special procedures of the Commission on Human Rights (including the independent expert on Haiti ) are supported by the HRS;

- Ensure that activities relating to the implementation of international human rights instruments, including recommendations of treaty and mechanisms of the Commission on Human Rights are monitored by the HRS;

- Promote the integration of human rights in all mission activities and facilitate the organization of human rights training for the mission staff;

- Ensure the lessons learned on the promotion and protection of human rights are disseminated and incorporated into related activities;

- Maintain close cooperation with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Geneva, including with the treaty monitoring bodies and the special procedures mechanisms;

- Ensure the preparation of regular reports and ad hoc reports as required;

- Perform other duties as required by the SRSG and OHCHR.

Qualifications

Education :

Advanced University Degree (Masters or equivalent) preferably in law, political science, international relations or other disciplines related to human rights.

Experience :

At least 15 years of progressively responsible professional experience at national and international levels in the human rights field, including the cause and resolution of human rights conflicts in accordance with international standards. Previous experience with the UN in the field, preferably in peace-keeping and/or human rights operations. Proven track record of excellent management and leadership skills. Knowledge and understanding of gender concepts and methodologies and or women/girl’s rights issues, fight against impunity, judiciary training, National Institutions, etc.

Language :

Fluency in French and English is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is an asset.

Other Desirable Skills :

Excellent knowledge of international human rights standards, the rules governing their protection and the mechanisms available in case of their violation. Familiarity with technical cooperation work. Good knowledge of the UN system and its procedures. Ability to provide leadership and take the responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives into substantive work; commitment to the goal of achieving gender balance in staffing. Capacity to coordinate and motivate an important team formed by women and men from different cultures and nationalities. Effective communication skills and ability to establish good working relationships with national and local authorities and international interlocutors. High moral integrity, sound political judgment, as well as diplomacy, impartiality and discretion and proved capacity of initiative, leadership and autonomy. Ability to work and act under pressure and with discretion in a politically sensitive environment, with a minimum of comfort. Excellent computer literacy. Knowledge of the political background and human rights situation in Haiti is an asset.

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External candidates are requested to complete a United Nations Personal History form (P-11), available on OHCHR website.

Interested UN staff at the level of the post or one level below should apply by forwarding an updated UN P-11 form and a copy of most recent performance appraisal.