Job Title
Regional Representative, P5
Department/ Office
Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights
Duty Station
YAOUNDE
Posting Period
27 April 2012-26 June 2012
Job Opening number
12-HRI-OHCHR-23485-R-YAOUNDE (R)
United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity
Organizational Setting and Reporting
This position is located in the Sub-regional Center for Human Rights and Democracy of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights based in Yaoundé, Cameroon, and the incumbent reports to the Chief of Africa Branch.
Responsibilities
Under the overall supervision of the Director of Field Operations Technical Cooperation Division of OHCHR (FOTCD), and guidance of the Chief of the Africa Branch, as well as in cooperation with UN partners in the region, the incumbent will perform the following responsibilities and tasks:
Advise OHCHR regarding its regional strategy and activities, as well as regional developments which may have human rights policy and operational implications;
Follow human rights developments in the region, with a view to keeping OHCHR informed of measures for OHCHR to take in order to effectively contribute to the respect for human rights;
Provide advice to Governments and other regional partners regarding human rights related aspects of their activities and assist them in addressing human rights issues that are relevant to their mandate;
As a member of the UN Regional System in Central Africa and the UN Country Teams in Central Africa, develop strategic relationships with the UN Regional Offices and UN Country Teams of the region, advising and lending support as required, especially within the framework of rights-based planning and programming initiatives, such as the Common Country Assessment/United Nations Development Assistance Framework CCA and UNDAF;
Facilitate the establishment of thematic working groups on human rights and the use by UN Country Teams of recommendations by UN human rights mechanisms;
In close collaboration with relevant sections in OHCHR Headquarters, identify and contribute to the development and implementation of best practices, particularly those relating to promotion of a rights-based approach to planning and programming, coordination mechanisms, and inter-agency cooperation;
Develop, widen and enhance OHCHR's network of partners and contacts in the region and identify potential areas in cooperation for OHCHR;
Promote the ratification and implementation of international human rights instruments; Advise on strategic interventions, including country visits, by special procedures mandate holders in the region, as appropriate;
Provide advice and facilitate the provision of assistance as requested by Governments;
Participate as a resource person in human rights seminars, workshops and other activities in the region, as appropriate;
As required, undertake representational responsibilities on behalf of OHCHR and otherwise undertake assignments or missions within the region;
Manage the Sub-regional Centre for Human Rights & Democracy in Central Africa (Yaoundé Center), including supervision of international and national staff.
Competencies
PROFESSIONALISM - Knowledge of and wide exposure to the full range of human rights issues, in particular with regard to national protection systems, and human rights mainstreaming; Strong knowledge of institutional mandates and international standards pertaining to human rights; Comprehensive knowledge and experience of the Central Africa region, including its human rights and political situation,as well its culture, history and traditions; Ability to exercise independent judgment and discretion in advising on and handling major issues and problems; demonstrated ability to work in a strategic-action oriented way; Very good knowledge of the structure and functions of the United Nations system, its organs, agencies and programmes; Solid knowledge and experience of mainstreaming human rights in the development, humanitarian and/or peace building work of the United Nations.
COMMUNICATION - Excellent communication (Spoken, written and presentational) skills; Ability to present and defend difficult positions to external partners, stakeholders, senior officials, to persuade people with varying points of view, and to present information in a concise and accurate manner; Excellent interpersonal and proven negotiating skills.
TEAMWORK - Ability to establish and maintain trust and working relations with people in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
VISION - In-depth understanding of OHCHR's strategic direction in the Central Africa region and ability to transform it into a results-oriented work programme.
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 a unit/office and provide advice and guidance to others; Proven record of building and managing teams and creating an enabling environment.
Education
Advanced university degree (Masters Degree or equivalent) in law, political science, international relations or international economics or other disciplines related to human rights. A combination of relevant academic qualifications and extensive experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Work Experience
At least 10 years of international experience in human rights related field including in the region of assignment, with the workings of the UN system, in particular as regards its political, development and humanitarian functions; Experience with approaches and techniques to address highly sensitive and complex issues and problems; Substantive experience in managing projects and programmes; Proven managerial experience in successfully leading a team of professionals; Prior field experience in an OHCHR or related operation; Substantive and practical experience in the use of programming and planning tools and frameworks, such as the CCA/UNDAF and CAP/CHAP, desirable.
Languages
Fluency in one of the working languages of the UN Secretariat, English or French (both oral and written) and working knowledge of the other is required.
Assessment Method
Competency based interview. A test may be conducted.
Special Notice
Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.
Staff members of the United Nations Secretariat must fulfill the lateral move requirements to be eligible to apply for this vacancy. Staff members are requested to indicate all qualifying lateral moves in their Personal History Profile (PHP) and cover note.
United Nations Considerations
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). The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.
No Fee
THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS' BANK ACCOUNTS.
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