Transitional Justice Officer - NPPP II

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Transitional Justice Officer - NPPP II - (open to Nepalese nationals only) - NEX Project, Kathmandu (Possibility of field visits)
Closing date: Thursday, 16 October 2014 RE-ADVERTISEMENT: TRANSITIONAL JUSTICE OFFICER - NPPP II - (OPEN TO NEPALESE NATIONALS ONLY) - NEX PROJECT
Location : Kathmandu (Possibility of field visits), NEPAL
Application Deadline : 16-Oct-14
Additional Category
Democratic Governance
Type of Contract : Other
Post Level : Other
Languages Required : English
Starting Date : (date when the selected candidate is expected to start)
01-Dec-2014
Duration of Initial Contract : One year
Expected Duration of Assignment : Up to Project period
Background
Candidates who previously applied need not apply again.
UNDP along with UN Women is working with Supreme Court of Nepal, Government Agencies, National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) i.e. National Women's Commission and National Dalit Commission, and civil society organizations to implement the 'Strengthening the Rule of Law and Human Rights Protection System in Nepal' Programme (the Programme). The Programme aims to ensure that women and other vulnerable groups are able to benefit from a protective legal framework and many recent improvements in the field of administration of justice and will do so through a 'three pronged' approach. First, the Programme will develop the capacity of vulnerable groups to access rule of law institutions and assert and enjoy their rights and entitlements. Second, it will support rule of law institutions to be more responsive to increased demands for justice service delivery, including in a fluctuating political context. Third, it will support civil society as well as human rights actors, institutions, and media to work together to ensure accountability for justice service delivery in Nepal.
To strengthen the administration of justice, the Programme will support the development of a justice sector reform process, through which rule of law institutions will define their own priorities and identify measures to effectively address them.
The Programme will also support the revision of laws in line with constitution and national as well as international human rights standards and development of the human resource capacities needed to implement penal legislation and laws related to anti-gender based violence, caste based discrimination, and corruption; an 'affirmative action' law degree scholarship and internship scheme through which vulnerable groups currently not well represented in the legal profession can obtain a law degree and practical work experience; and the development of a relevant, accessible and integrated socio-legal aid scheme, which will provide support to enable vulnerable groups to assert and enjoy their rights in civil and criminal cases, including poverty-reducing entitlements such as inheritance, pensions, education allowances, health and legal services.
To support a holistic and victim-centric transitional justice process in Nepal, the Programme will support the Government of Nepal for establishing the transitional justice mechanism(s) that is aligned with international standards and will strengthen the criminal justice system so as to ensure that the system has the capacity to address conflict-related issues and human rights violations in Nepal. These efforts will develop sustainable complementarity between the criminal justice system and the established transitional justice mechanism(s) so resolution for conflict-era violations is reached and the grounds for peace are laid.
The Transitional Justice Officer will be responsible for implementation of activities under this component of the Programme, including activities aimed at developing capacity within the criminal justice system and supporting victim rights groups and CSOs, in close collaboration with the Chief Technical Advisor (RoLHR). Additionally, the incumbent will be responsible for helping relevant Government agencies and line-ministries � particularly the Ministry of Peace and Reconstruction ('MoPR') � the Office of the Attorney General ('OAG') and judiciary to identify, develop and pursue policy options for a holistic and victim-centric transitional justice process to augment the long-term policy impact of the Programme.
Duties and Responsibilities
Under the direct supervision of the National Project Manager and in close coordination with the Chief Technical Advisor (RoLHR), the Transitional Justice Officer will:
  • Coordinate with the concerned implementing partners for the implementation of the transitional justice component of the programme;
  • Support the development of a strategy for supporting transitional justice mechanisms and truth-telling processes in line with international human rights standards and develop an action-plan for implementing the strategy;
  • Contribute to produce resource materials addressing the transitional justice issues relevant to the RoLHR Programme;
  • Support government partners � particularly the OAG and MoPR � to initiate and pursue a holistic transitional justice process;
  • Provide technical and logistical backstopping for policy dialogues on transitional justice standards and normative frameworks attended by government, victims groups and other relevant stakeholders, including on the issues of withdrawal of serious human rights cases;
  • Provide technical support in developing and strengthening conflict victim support programmes and initiatives;
  • Build capacity of CSOs and victim support groups to plan and implement advocacy and awareness raising activities on transitional justice;
  • Coordinate with the Human Rights Officer to ensure that transitional justice related activities and publications include a focus on human rights standards and ensure human rights based approach;
  • Maintain awareness of and relationships with civil society organizations and international donors and development partners also working in areas of human rights;
  • Document lessons learned and best practices and communicate these with UNDP headquarters (both national and international) to contribute to global knowledge on transitional justice as part of wider rule of law and access to justice programmes;
  • Liaise and maintain regular contact with line ministries, UN agencies, and national human rights institutions.
Competencies
Corporate competencies:
  • Demonstrates integrity;
  • Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
  • Treats all people fairly without favoritism.
Functional competencies:
  • Excellent interpersonal skills;
  • Focuses on impact and results and responds positively to feedback;
  • Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
  • Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors, at the senior levels;
  • Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure;
  • Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities;
  • Proven ability to conceptualize, develop, plan and manage transitional justice interventions as well as transfer knowledge and skills;
  • Good interpersonal skills with experience of networking with partners at all level and knowledge of technology and use of computer applications. Good understanding of national and international human rights mechanisms, and excellent inter-personal skills;
  • Ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor work of others, ability to make timely decisions;
  • Ability to coach, mentor, motivate and develop staff and encourage good performance.
Knowledge Management and Learning:
  • Promotes a knowledge sharing and learning culture in the office;
  • In-depth knowledge on development and gender and social inclusion issues.
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
  • Master's degree in International Law, Human Rights, Law, International Relations; Social Science or relevant field;
  • Additional training and certification in transitional justice and/or international human rights and humanitarian law would be an advantage.
Experience:
  • At least five years of progressive relevant experience working in transitional justice, human rights and humanitarian law, rule of law, access to justice and/or programme management;
  • Proven experience in developing strategies for development of holistic and victim-centric transitional justice in programme design and implementation;
  • Experience in international agency or organization is desirable;
  • Experience in working with the government agencies;
  • Strong management skills including ability to provide strategic guidance, technical oversight; mentor staff; develop work plans and manage budgets and project expenditure;
  • Demonstrated ability in monitoring and evaluation and reporting experience;
  • Proven ability to conceptualize, develop, plan and manage transitional justice interventions as well as transfer knowledge and skills.
Computer Skills:
  • Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel etc.) and advance knowledge of spread sheet and database packages experience handling of web based management systems.
Language:
  • Fluency in oral and written English is essential;
  • Native command of Nepalese.
UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.
If you are experiencing difficulties with online job applications, please contact jobs.help@undp.org.