Programme Senior Specialist - Rule of Law - P4

Accountability:

Within delegated authority and under the supervision of the Chief of the Division for Peace Office in Bonn, the Senior  Programme Specialist will implement two major activities for the following purposes: 

1. He/she will develop, implement, integrate and coordinate projects in the field of rule of law for the purposes of developing the rule-of-law portfolio, advancing the implementation of SDG 16 and contributing to the realization of the Institute’s Strategic Goal No 1 as set in UNITAR's Strategic Framework. 
2. He/she will perform advisory assignments in the area of rule of law for the purpose of contributing to strengthening Division for Peace Office in Bonn and PTPU’s comparative advantage in providing high quality learning solutions and engaging in win-win partnerships with relevant entities as envisaged in UNITAR's Strategic Framework.

In relation to the aforementioned major activities, the Senior Programme Specialist will perform the following duties (in compliance with the Institute relevant policies, guidelines, procedures and processes):

1. Develop, implement, integrate and coordinate projects in the field of rule of law, aiming at implementing Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16, by:
   
   • Advising on the overall strategy regarding the rule of law area and SDG 16 implementation, in line with the broader strategy and objectives of PTPU;
   • Reviewing and assessing issues and trends in project-related regions concerning the rule of law area and SDG 16 implementation, including, e.g., inclusive and accountable justice system, equal access to justice, crime prevention, governance, human rights;
   • Conducting needs assessment as to institutional, capacity and/or training gaps, providing feasible solutions and ensuring follow-up actions;
   • Contributing to the preparation of concept notes, project documents, work plans and budgets;
   • Monitoring and analyzing project development and implementation, e.g. in relation to the progress of project implementation against outcomes and outputs;
   • Identifying problems and issues to be addressed in relation to project development and management, and initiating appropriate actions; 
   • Preparing project budgets and coordinating activities related to the funding of projects and financial matters;
   • Advising the Chief of the Division for Peace Office in Bonn and the Manager, PTPU on effective and efficient use of funds in the rule-of-law portfolio;
   • Initiating and coordinating outreach activities in the framework of programs, projects and initiatives; 
   • Reviewing and preparing relevant reports, including donor reports; 
   • Conducting training, workshops and seminars and making presentations on rule-of-law-related subject matters; 
   • Supervising team members working in the rule-of-law portfolio and develop their individual work plans;
   • Working with subject matter experts and overseeing the design of capacity development components;
   • Establishing and maintaining relationships with partner organizations, donors, international and local organizations, and with UN bodies, agencies and programs; 
   • Coordinating with PTPU’s other thematic areas colleagues to align rule-of-law functions and activities to UNITAR’s Strategic Framework;
   • Actively contributing to PTPU’s overall strategies and program of work and planning.
2. Perform advisory assignments in the area of rule of law, by:
   
   • Identifying capacity gaps at partner institutions and advising them on actions to address these gaps and strengthen the institutional framework;
   • Leading and/or participating in large, complex field missions, including providing guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties;
   • Designing, implementing and evaluating training and coaching initiatives; 
   • Advising on opportunities to enlarge the training/educational offer of PTPU and the Division for Peace Office in Bonn.
3. Perform other duties as required by the line manager.

Work implies frequent interaction with:

• Team members in PTPU;
• UNITAR staff in the Operations Department; 
• Officials in national governments (including focal points in national partners’ entities and other core actors, such as ministerial officers, military, police, correction officers, civilians working in the law making and security sectors, paramilitary forces, intelligence services, border guards, customs, reserves and local security units, civil defence forces and national guards);
• Representatives from local and international governmental and non-governmental organizations.

Results expected:

• Development, implementation, integration and coordination of projects in the field of rule of law and SDG 16 result in strengthened reputation of PTPU, the Division of Peace and UNITAR as a whole;
• Effective and efficient project management ensured, in full respect with relevant UNITAR rules/regulations/guidelines/policies and in consultation with the Operations Department;
• Visibility and outreach of the Division’s actions in the area of rule of law and SDG 16 increased;
• Funding secured for at least 1 new project;
• Effective and timely liaison and interaction ensured with colleagues and concerned parties internally and externally; 
• Effective contribution made with respect to assessing issues and trends in the rule-of-law area and to identifying areas for project development and new partnerships; 
• Duties performed with high level of judgement and discretion.

Competences:

Professionalism: Demonstrates expert knowledge and professional competences of project management in the area of rule of law in particular, and in the area of peace and security in general, shows pride in work and in achievements, is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results, is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns, shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges, remains calm in stressful situations and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. 

Planning and Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies, identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required. Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work. Foresee risks and allows for contingencies when planning. Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.

Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; masters language, tone, style and format to match the audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals, solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others, places team agenda before personal agenda supports and acts in accordance with final group decision even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position, shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Managing Performance: Delegate appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority; makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member; accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills; monitors progress against milestones and deadlines; regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff; supports creativity and initiative; actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff; appraises performance fairly.

Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

Creativity: Actively seeks to improve programs or services; offers new and different options to solve problems or meet client needs; promotes and persuades others to consider new ideas; takes calculated risks on new and unusual ideas; thinks “outside the box”; takes an interest in new ideas and new ways of doing things; is not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches. 

Commitment to Continuous Learning: Keeps abreast of new developments/profession; actively seeks to develop oneself professionally and personally; contributes to the learning of colleagues and subordinates; shows willingness to learn from others; seeks feedback to learn and improve. 

Respect for Diversity:  Works effectively with people from all backgrounds, treats all people with dignity and respect, treats men and women equally, shows respect for and understanding of diverse points of view and demonstrates this understanding in daily work and decision-making, examines own biases and behaviours to avoid stereotypical responses, does not discriminate against any individual or group.

Minimum requirements

Education:

Master’s degree in international relations, law, political science, peace and security or related field from a recognized academic institution is required, or, a bachelor’s degree and at least 9 years of relevant professional experience in law, political science, peace and security or related field will be considered as equivalent in lieu of the required qualifications.

Experience:

At least 7 years progressively responsible, including management experience, in project or programme management in international affairs, rule of law, peacebuilding and training development. Experience with the UN Secretariat, UN Common System or other international organization is desirable.

Language:

Fluency in English is required; knowledge of French is desirable, Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

Special Notice

UNITAR is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Qualified women, individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups, and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.

English and French are the two working languages of UNITAR. Priority will be given to the applicants from the under-represented regions at UNITAR. There will be a probation period of 3 months.

UNITAR staff members are subject to the authority of the UNITAR Executive Director and their appointments are limited to service with the Institute.

Considerations

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation or sexual abuse, or crimes other than minor traffic offences, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions.

Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. UNITAR is a non-smoking environment.

The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable Staff Regulations and Rules and UNITAR administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application.

No Fee

UNITAR DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). UNITAR DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.