Location: Burundi (Bujumbura)
Closing date: 21 May 2008
Job Description

The position is located within the United Nations Integrated Office in Burundi (Bureau Intégré des Nations Unies au Burundi), BINUB. The incumbent will be heading the Integrated Human Rights and Justice Division, with HQ in Bujumbura and regional offices covering Bujumbura Rural, Ngozi/Muyinga, Gitega and Makamba).

FUNCTIONS

Under the direct supervision of the Executive Representative of the Secretary-General (ESRSG), and the substantive support and general policy guidance of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the incumbent will be responsible for the following main functions:

- Act as the Principal Adviser to the Executive Representative of the Secretary- General (ERSG) and report directly to him on issues related to human rights, justice, transitional justice and rule of law and activities related to the work of the Human Rights and Justice Division,
- Act as the Representative of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (HCHR) in Burundi, and report to the High Commissioner in Geneva in his/her capacity as Representative of the High Commissioner;
- Serve as Executive Secretary/Senior Representative of the United Nations on the Tripartite Steering Commission charged with organizing national consultations on transitional justice mechanisms in Burundi; provide the Commission with the necessary policy/technical advice for the timely execution of its mandate,
- Participate in the United Nations Integrated Management Team (UNIMT) meetings and provide the UNIMT with information on the Human Rights and Justice Division’s activities including through the provision of advise on any measures necessary or desirable for other sections of the mission, working groups and other actors, including NGOs, and bilateral and multilateral partners to better protect and promote human rights in Burundi;
- Responsible for the overall management of the Human Rights and Justice Division and the provision of substantive leadership, through, inter-alia, establishing work plans, allocating resources, report budgeting, assessing staff’s performance and ensuring correct staffing of the Division;
- Ensure quality and standards with regard to monitoring and reporting are met, including that public reports are issued in consultation with the ERSG and HC/OHCHR;
- Ensure the Division collects, consolidates and analyses information received from staff/offices from across the mission area, including through coordinating the effective set-up and functioning of a human rights database; the set-up of quality control mechanisms and the timely and quality entry of data in that system;
- Responsible for the management and implementation of OHCHR funded projects in Burundi;
- Ensure the Division’s contribution to the commitment of the UN to mainstream human rights and integrate gender perspectives/considerations and specific women/girls’ rights issues in all the Sections’ activities;
- Coordinate with other actors, including UN entities on the ground, bilateral and multi-lateral partners, to disseminate and mainstream human rights principles in all field programs and activities;
- Establish and maintain principled but constructive working relationships with Burundian authorities in the field of human rights, justice and transitional justice and ensure that authorities and other national stakeholders are provided with regular updates on trends in the human rights and justice landscape , with a view to collaborating in identifying means of strengthening human rights and justice in the context of democratic governance;
- Direct the provision of technical assistance for strengthening the capacity of the Government to meet its human rights treaty obligations;
- Maintain close liaison with OHCHR-HQ, including with geographical desk officers, and ensure timely communications on the human rights and justice situation;
- Perform other related duties as requested by the ERSG, or, in his or her capacity as Representative of the High Commissioner, as requested by the HC/OHCHR.

COMPETENCIES

Professionalism – Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of and exposure to a range of human rights and justice, including transitional justice issues, gender issues, the rules governing their protection and the mechanisms available in case of their violations. Proven negotiating and managerial skills; strong ability to take initiatives and to demonstrate autonomy, excellent leadership skills and ability to motivate a multicultural and mixed men/women team; Ability to work and act under pressure in a politically and psychologically difficult environment, with a minimum of comfort and in precarious security conditions; Sound political judgement, impartiality, diplomacy and discretion.

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 large Units or Offices and provide advice and guidance to others; Proven record of building and managing large teams and creating an enabling environment, including ability to effectively lead and develop staff..

Communication – Excellent interpersonal, representational and communication skills. Ability to present and defend difficult positions to external partners, stakeholders, senior officials, and to present information in a concise, persuasive and accurate manner.

Teamwork – Ability to establish and maintain trust and effective working relations with people of different cultural backgrounds with respect for diversity.
QUALIFICATIONS

Education - Advanced university degree (Masters degree or equivalent) in law, political sciences, international relations, social sciences or other discipline, preferably with specialization in human rights. A relevant combination of university degree, professional training and experience may be considered in lieu of the advanced degree.

Work Experience - At least 15 years of progressively responsible relevant experience at the national and international level in the field of human rights, justice and the rule of law, with at least 5 years of supervisory, management and leadership experience. Proven experience in public speaking and representation at high level. Familiarity with the realities of crisis and post-crisis countries as well as Practical experience in integrating human rights, justice, security and development both at the strategic and programmatic levels would be an asset.

Languages - Fluency in oral and written French and English is required.

Other skills - Proven experience in managing technical cooperation projects and programmes. Previous UN field experience an asset.
Vacancies Contact
PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS A SECOND PASSAGE OF THIS POSTING, AND ALL CANDIDATES WHO HAVE PREVIOUSLY APPLIED NEED NOT RE-APPLY.
How to apply:
All applicants are requested to email the following documents to personnel@ohchr.org :
1) a completed United Nations Personal History form (PHP) or P-11, in PDF or Word (Please note that applications without P11 or PHP cannot be considered);
2) a covering letter as attached document;
3) UN staff members must submit scanned copies of their latest Performance Appraisal System (PAS).
Important :
- Please note that you need to mention the reference number of the vacancy announcement in the subject header of your email: VA 08/OHCHR/009/BINUB
- Name any attached documents as follows: LAST NAME First name – Type of document.doc
example: SMITH Jacqueline – PHP.pdf
or: SMITH Jacqueline – PAS.doc
or: SMITH Jacqueline - Cover letter.doc etc.
Applications received after the deadline will not be accepted.
If applicants cannot submit an application by email, they may send it to the address or fax number indicated below:
Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
Human Resources Management Section, Room PM 3.20
Palais des Nations
8-14 Avenue de la Paix
CH-1211, Geneva 10, Switzerland
Fax no. (41.22) 928.90.24.
Due to the volume of applications only candidates under serious consideration will be acknowledged within two months from the deadline for applications.
The United Nations shall place 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. (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8).