Business and Human Rights and Peace Specialist

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Position Title: Business and Human Rights and Peace Specialist
Location: Geneva
Country: Switzerland
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN's lead agency on international development, established to eradicate poverty and reduce inequality in 170 countries and territories. UNDP focuses on sustainable development, democratic governance, and climate resilience. It emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion, encouraging applications from marginalized populations and ensuring a fair workplace. UNDP operates globally, with a mission to empower nations through policy development, leadership skills, and institutional capabilities, aligning its work with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Job Overview:
The Business and Human Rights and Peace Specialist will play a crucial role in implementing UNDP's global initiative on Business and Human Rights (B+HR) and Peace. This position involves providing technical and programmatic advisory support to various stakeholders, including businesses, governments, and civil society, to ensure that business practices positively impact human rights and peace, particularly in crisis settings. The specialist will guide the implementation of donor-funded projects, support the development of tools for heightened Human Rights Due Diligence (hHRDD), and contribute to resource mobilization efforts. The role requires collaboration with regional and country offices to enhance their capacities in promoting responsible business conduct and human rights.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide technical and programmatic advisory support for the implementation of UNDP’s global initiative on B+HR and Peace, including advising on donor-funded projects and preparing regional forums on BHR.
• Offer technical support to businesses and stakeholders to ensure positive impacts on human rights and peace, including training and advice.
• Support the development and implementation of UNDP’s tools on heightened Human Rights Due Diligence (hHRDD).
• Mobilize resources from development partners and strengthen in-house capacities on Business, Human Rights, and Conflict.
• Lead knowledge generation on BHR and Peace, developing knowledge products and providing peer reviews.
• Implement outreach to potential business partners and guide regional offices in developing engagement strategies.
• Perform other duties as necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Law, Human Rights, Corporate Responsibility, International Relations, Political Science, Development, Peace Studies, or a relevant field is required. Alternatively, a Bachelor’s degree in the stated areas with an additional two years of qualifying experience.
• A minimum of seven years of relevant professional experience in human rights and/or BHR is required, or nine years with a Bachelor’s degree.
• At least seven years of experience with intergovernmental organizations is required.
• Expertise in human rights due diligence and previous experience in drafting project concept notes and resource mobilization initiatives is required.
• Experience in global project management, including quality assurance and reporting, is required.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in relevant fields such as Law, Human Rights, or International Relations. A Bachelor’s degree combined with additional qualifying experience may also be considered. The educational background should reflect a strong foundation in human rights, corporate responsibility, or related disciplines.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of relevant professional experience in human rights and/or Business and Human Rights (BHR), with at least seven years of experience in intergovernmental organizations. Candidates with a Bachelor’s degree must have nine years of experience. The experience should include expertise in human rights due diligence, project management, and resource mobilization initiatives.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position. Knowledge of another UN official language is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's profile for international collaboration and communication.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Geneva, Switzerland, and involves travel covered by UNDP for official duties. The role is full-time and may require engagement with various stakeholders across different regions. UNDP emphasizes a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, ensuring a safe and inclusive work environment. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks.