National Programme Officer/ OHCHR

The OHCHR Regional Office for Central Asia (ROCA) covers the five countries of Central Asia, including Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

Under the overall supervision and guidance of OHCHR Regional Representative for Central Asia and the Deputy Regional Representative for Central Asia, the incumbent will be located within RC Office in Turkmenistan.

Under the overall supervision and guidance of OHCHR Regional Representative for Central Asia and the Deputy Regional Representative for Central Asia, the incumbent will be located within RC Office in Turkmenistan, and would perform the following tasks:

• Take in a leading role in planning, implementation and evaluation of activities under the annual work plan/cost plan with a specific focus on contributing to the capacity building of relevant stakeholders in Turkmenistan for implementing recommendations of UN human rights mechanisms;
• Provide technical assistance and help deliver trainings to relevant partners on international human rights mechanisms, human rights law and other related thematic areas;
• Advise UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan and members of UNCT on international human rights mechanisms, human rights law and other related thematic areas;
• Assist the Regional Office in implementing specific projects on certain topics  including efficient and timely delivery of outputs and preparation of reports, in line with the regulatory framework of the respective contracting authority;
• Prepare reports, project proposals, oral and written briefings, and draft correspondence, as necessary, on the human rights situation as well as on the activities of the Regional Office, bearing in mind the results-based management and logical frameworks;
• Keep abreast of general political, economic, social and legal developments in Turkmenistan and report to the Regional Office with a view to ensure appropriate, efficient and effective development-oriented programming of the Regional Office;
• Maintain close contact with state authorities, civil society actors, international organizations and other partners of the Regional Office;
• Initiate, organize and coordinate programmatic and administrative arrangements for meetings, seminars, conferences, workshops, round tables and similar activities as foreseen by the work plan;
• Organize and support substantively,and logistically if necessary, missions of OHCHR staff members and UN independent Experts within the country;
• Serve as the focal point for the coordination and implementation of activities in Turkmenistan implemented through regional OHCHR initiatives in Central Asia;
• Assist the Regional Office with interpretation and translation from and to English, when required;
• Performing other duties as required.

Functional Competencies:

Advocacy/Advancing A Policy-Oriented Agenda

Level 1.2: Preparing information for advocacy - Identifies and communicates relevant information for a variety of audiences for advocating OHCHR’s mandate

Results-Based Programme Development and Management

Level 1.2: Contributes into results through primary research and analysis

- Assesses project performance to identify success factors and incorporates best practices into project work

- Researches linkages across programme activities to identify critical points of integration

- Monitors specific stages of projects/programme implementation

- Analyzes country situation to identify opportunities for project development

- Participates in the formulation of project proposals and ensures substantive rigor in the design and application of proven successful approaches and drafts proposals accordingly

Building Strategic Partnerships

Level 1.2:  Maintaining a network of contacts

- Maintains an established network of contacts for general information sharing and to remain up-to-date on partnership related issues

- Analyzes and selects materials for strengthening strategic alliances with partners and stakeholders

Innovation and Marketing New Approaches

Level 1.2: Enhancing processes or products

- Generates new ideas and proposes new, more effective ways of doing things

- Documents and analyses innovative strategies/best practices/new approaches

Resource Mobilization (Field Duty Stations)

Level 1.2:  Providing inputs to resource mobilization strategies

- Analyzes information/databases on potential and actual donors

- Develops a database of project profiles.  Identifies opportunities for project proposals for presentation to donors

Promoting Organizational Learning and Knowledge Sharing

Level 1.2: Basic research and analysis

- Generates new ideas and approaches, researches best practices and proposes new, more effective ways of doing things

- Documents and analyses innovative strategies and new approaches

Job Knowledge/Technical Expertise

Level 1.2: Fundamental knowledge of own discipline

- Understands and applies fundamental concepts and principles of a professional discipline or technical specialty relating to the position

- Possesses basic knowledge of organizational policies and procedures relating to the position and applies them consistently in work tasks

- Strives to keep job knowledge up-to-date through self-directed study and other means of learning

- Demonstrates good knowledge of information technology and applies it in work assignments

- Demonstrates in-depth understanding and knowledge of the current guidelines and project management tools and utilizes these regularly in work assignments

Global Leadership and Advocacy for OHCHR’s Goals

Level 1.2: Preparing information for global advocacy

- Identifies and communicates relevant information for advocacy for OHCHR’s goals for a variety of audiences

- Identifies and takes advantage of opportunities for advocating for OHCHR’s mandate

Client Orientation

Level 1.2: Establishing effective client relationships

- Researches potential solutions to internal and external client needs and reports back in a timely, succinct and appropriate fashion

- Organizes and prioritizes work schedule to meet client needs and deadlines

- Anticipates client needs and addresses them promptly

Core Competencies:

- Demonstrating/safeguarding ethics and integrity  

- Demonstrate corporate knowledge and sound judgment

- Self-development, initiative-taking

- Acting as a team player and facilitating team work

- Facilitating and encouraging open communication in the team, communicating effectively

- Creating synergies through self-control

- Managing conflict

- Learning and sharing knowledge and encourage the learning of others. Promoting learning and knowledge management/sharing is the responsibility of each staff member.

- Informed and transparent decision making

Education:

• Graduate degree in Human Rights, Law, Social Sciences, or related field.

Experience:

• A minimum of two years of professional experience, in particular working on issues related to human rights;
• Past experience in implementing and managing project activities required;
• Background in working with the United Nations, or other regional or international intergovernmental / non-governmental organisations preferred;

Knowledge and skills:

• Outstanding communication, drafting and advocacy skill and ability to navigate politically sensitive contexts required;
• Maturity, excellent inter-personal and negotiation skills required;
• Ability to work independently (on his/her own), while integrating and operating effectively within a diverse team required;
• Ability to work under pressure (ability to keep composure and remain calm in stressful situations), to manage complex assignments with tight deadlines and to handle multiple tasks simultaneously required;
• Excellent computer skills with the ability to use information technology as a tool and resource (in particular word and spreadsheet processors, internet applications) required, as well as experience with knowledge management platforms preferred;

Language:

• Full proficiency in English and Russian, both oral and written.
• Knowledge of Turkmen and other languages spoken in the region would be an asset. Ability to interpret and translate desirable.

Teamwork:

• Proven interpersonal skills and ability to work in a multicultural multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Important applicant information

All posts in the GS categories are subject to local recruitment.

Applicant information about UNDP rosters

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.

Workforce diversity

UNDP is committed to achieving diversity within its workforce, and encourages all qualified applicants, irrespective of gender, nationality, disabilities, sexual orientation, culture, religious and ethnic backgrounds to apply. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.

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