Human Rights Officer

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Human Rights Officer
Location: Colombo
Country: Sri Lanka
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a global development network established in 1965, with a mission to eradicate poverty and reduce inequalities through sustainable development. UNDP operates in approximately 170 countries and territories, working with governments and people to address development challenges. The organization emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion, valuing the multiplicity of nations and cultures in which it operates. UNDP is committed to ensuring that all personnel are empowered to contribute to its mission and adheres to a strict policy against sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment. The UNDP is also focused on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and has restructured its operations to enhance effectiveness and efficiency in delivering development assistance.

Job Overview:
The Human Rights Officer position is situated within the United Nations Resident Coordination Office (RCO) in Sri Lanka, reporting directly to the Senior Human Rights Adviser (SHRA). The role is pivotal in supporting the integration of a human rights-based approach (HRBA) into UN programmes and activities, particularly under the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) for 2023-202

• The incumbent will work collaboratively with programme staff to strengthen national institutions and capacities while ensuring that UN assistance aligns with national development priorities. This position requires a comprehensive understanding of the interconnected nature of development risks and crises, necessitating a multidisciplinary approach to achieve strategic goals. The Human Rights Officer will also be responsible for operationalizing the use of UMOJA in finance, budget, administration, and programme support processes, ensuring adherence to UNDP and UN Secretariat rules and regulations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Human Rights Officer will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including but not limited to: implementing the Delegation of Authority in UMOJA; operationalizing the use of UMOJA in finance, budget, administration, and programme support processes; ensuring adherence to UMOJA’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs); supporting the development and implementation of cost plans; leading procurement processes; initiating financial authorizations for expenditures; organizing and implementing activities such as conferences and workshops; coordinating travel and related issues; assisting in monitoring, evaluation, and reporting of budgets and cost plans; preparing inputs for comprehensive reporting, including donor reports; drafting correspondence and communications related to programme administration; and performing other duties as necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in administration, business, finance, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (bachelor's degree) in the aforementioned areas, combined with an additional two years of qualifying experience, will be considered in lieu of a master's degree. Applicants with a master's degree are not required to have professional work experience, while those with a bachelor's degree must have a minimum of two years of relevant professional experience at the national and/or international level in administration, finance, business development, or related fields. Experience in providing strategic guidance on administration, finance, or programme support services is essential, along with proficiency in the use of computers and office software packages, including MS Office and collaboration platforms.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in administration, business, finance, or a related field. A first-level university degree (bachelor's degree) in the same areas, combined with two additional years of qualifying experience, will also be considered. This educational requirement ensures that candidates have a solid foundation in the principles and practices relevant to the role.

Experience:
The level of experience needed for this position varies based on the educational qualifications. Applicants with a master's degree are not required to have prior professional work experience, while those with a bachelor's degree must have at least two years of relevant professional experience. This experience should include providing advisory services and hands-on experience in administration, finance, business development, or related fields. Additionally, experience in supporting the Delegation of Authority in UMOJA or comparable enterprise resource planning software is desirable, as is experience in collaborating with diverse stakeholders, including UN agencies and government partners.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, along with proficiency in either Tamil or Sinhala. This language requirement is crucial for effective communication within the diverse context of Sri Lanka and for engaging with various stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is contingent upon the successful completion of a probationary period, which lasts for 12 months. The UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement and may retain applications for other similar positions. The organization adheres to a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, ensuring that all selected candidates undergo rigorous reference and background checks. UNDP is committed to being an equal opportunity and inclusive employer, and it does not discriminate based on various factors, including race, gender identity, and disability.