Rule of Law, Justice and Human Rights Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a global organization that focuses on sustainable development and serves as a key integrator for collective action to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Established in 1965, UNDP operates in approximately 170 countries and territories, employing over 17,000 staff members. The organization is dedicated to eradicating poverty and reducing inequalities through sustainable development, and it plays a crucial role in providing policy advice, technical assistance, and capacity development to governments and communities.

Job Overview:
The Rule of Law, Justice and Human Rights Specialist is a pivotal role within the UNDP's Crisis Bureau, specifically under the Governance, Rule of Law and Peacebuilding Hub. This position is responsible for providing strategic and technical guidance on issues related to rule of law and human rights, ensuring that UNDP's policies and programs are aligned with its strategic objectives. The Specialist will engage with various stakeholders, including UN agencies, national governments, and civil society organizations, to promote effective governance and justice systems. The role involves leading the implementation of the Global Programme on Strengthening the Rule of Law and Human Rights for Sustaining Peace and Fostering Development, which aims to enhance the capacity of national institutions and promote human rights in crisis-affected regions. The Specialist will also contribute to the development of tools and resources that support the implementation of these initiatives, ensuring that UNDP's approach is evidence-based and responsive to the needs of the countries it serves.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide policy advisory and programming services to Country Offices (COs) within the region, ensuring that responses are tailored to the specific needs of each country.
• Support the implementation of the Global Programme for Strengthening the Rule of Law, Justice and Human Rights for Sustaining Peace & Fostering Development.
• Collaborate with COs and Regional Programmes to achieve strategic goals and promote synergies with regional initiatives.
• Assist in project design, planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and results reporting in accordance with Results-Based Management (RBM) guidelines.
• Provide technical policy advice for crisis situations and support COs in conducting assessments related to crisis response.
• Develop tools and methodologies for knowledge management and capacity building in the areas of rule of law and human rights.
• Advocate for the application of rule of law and human rights-based approaches in regional and country forums.
• Represent UNDP in inter-agency coordination efforts and engage with external partners to mobilize resources and support for regional initiatives.
• Contribute to the continuous analysis and documentation of regional results and lessons learned, facilitating knowledge sharing across the organization.

Required Qualifications:

• A master's degree in law, justice and human rights, conflict resolution, international development, or a related field.
• A first-level university degree (Bachelor's degree) in the aforementioned areas, combined with an additional 2 years of qualifying experience, may be considered in lieu of a master's degree.
• A minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in public or private sectors, including national or multilateral organizations, with increasing levels of responsibility.
• Proven experience in formulating policies, strategies, and programming frameworks related to rule of law, justice, and human rights at national and regional levels.
• Excellent drafting, negotiating, and communication skills, with the ability to mobilize support from a diverse range of stakeholders.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a master's degree in law, justice and human rights, conflict resolution, international development, international affairs, or a related field. Alternatively, a bachelor's degree in these areas, combined with relevant experience, will also be considered. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of rule of law and human rights issues in various contexts.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience for candidates with a master's degree, or 9 years for those with a bachelor's degree. This experience should include work in public sector organizations, such as national governments or multilateral institutions, as well as in the private sector, including academia and non-governmental organizations. Candidates should have a proven track record of leadership in rule of law, justice, and human rights initiatives, with specific experience in policy formulation and program management at both national and regional levels.

Languages:
Fluency in both French and English is required for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly in regions where UNDP operates, as it can enhance communication and collaboration with local stakeholders and partners.

Additional Notes:
This position is a full-time role based in Dakar, Senegal, and is part of UNDP's commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace. The organization values diversity and encourages qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply. The role may involve travel to various countries within the West and Central Africa region, depending on the needs of the projects and initiatives being implemented. UNDP also emphasizes the importance of ethical conduct and does not tolerate harassment or discrimination in any form. Selected candidates will undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the organization's standards and principles.