International Consultant to Conduct a Human Rights Due Diligence Review

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations is an international organization founded in 1945, with a mission to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among countries. It has 193 member states and operates in various sectors including human rights, humanitarian aid, and development. The UN aims to address global challenges and foster international collaboration to achieve sustainable development goals. The organization employs thousands of staff worldwide and has numerous agencies and programs dedicated to specific issues.

Job Overview:
The position of International Consultant to Conduct a Human Rights Due Diligence Review is focused on evaluating the compliance of the Gambian security sector with international human rights norms. The consultant will be responsible for producing a comprehensive report that includes an analysis of institutional compliance, human rights risk ratings, identification of gaps and challenges, and actionable recommendations for future engagement and monitoring. The role requires a deep understanding of human rights law and the ability to assess the effectiveness of accountability mechanisms within the security sector. The consultant will work closely with various security institutions in The Gambia, including the Armed Forces, Police Force, and National Human Rights Commission, to gather data and insights necessary for the review.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake a thorough Human Rights Due Diligence Review in accordance with UN HRDDP standards. Key responsibilities include assessing compliance with international human rights and humanitarian law, reviewing records of human rights violations, evaluating accountability mechanisms, and assessing prevention and mitigation strategies. The consultant will also conduct risk analyses, apply HRDDP risk assessment methodologies, and develop practical recommendations for risk mitigation. The review will encompass various security institutions, including the Gambia Armed Forces, Police Force, State Intelligence Services, and others, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of the security sector's adherence to human rights standards.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's or PhD) in relevant fields such as Human Rights Law, International Law, Political Science, Security Studies, or Peace and Conflict Studies. Additionally, a minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, security sector reform, or related fields is required. Demonstrated experience in conducting human rights due diligence or risk assessments using HRDDP or similar frameworks is essential, along with experience engaging with security sector institutions and working in transitional or post-authoritarian contexts. Knowledge of security sector reform and UN human rights mechanisms is also necessary, along with strong analytical, drafting, and communication skills.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree, either a Master's or a PhD, in disciplines closely related to human rights, law, political science, security studies, or peace and conflict studies. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complex legal and social frameworks that govern human rights and security issues.

Experience:
The consultant must have a minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in fields related to human rights and security sector reform. This experience should include conducting human rights due diligence or risk assessments, particularly using HRDDP or similar frameworks. Familiarity with the security sector institutions and experience in transitional or post-authoritarian contexts are highly valued, especially if the candidate has worked in West Africa or The Gambia.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as effective communication and reporting are critical components of the role. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, but English is the primary language required for all documentation and communication.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to last for 44 calendar days, and the consultant will be required to work in both Dakar, Senegal, and Banjul, The Gambia. The United Nations emphasizes that there are no fees associated with the recruitment process, ensuring that applicants are not charged at any stage, including application, interview, or training. This commitment to transparency and integrity is a core principle of the UN's recruitment practices.