Consultant for Development Finance Institutions (DFIs)

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is dedicated to promoting and protecting human rights globally. Established in 1993, OHCHR operates in various countries, working with governments, civil society, and other stakeholders to ensure that human rights are upheld and respected. The organization employs a diverse team of professionals and engages in numerous initiatives aimed at strengthening human rights frameworks and accountability mechanisms worldwide.

Job Overview:
The Consultant for Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) will play a crucial role in enhancing OHCHR's stakeholder relationships with DFI management, shareholders, and civil society partners. The position aims to ensure that OHCHR's policy advocacy is well-researched and effectively targeted, contributing to the protection of human rights in DFI operations. The consultant will engage in public and private discussions with key stakeholders to elevate OHCHR's thought leadership on human rights and development finance. This role is essential for providing effective support to community representatives and DFI management, particularly in emblematic projects that may involve human rights violations. The consultant will also assist OHCHR and UN human rights mechanisms in their engagements with DFIs, including major institutions like the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for a variety of tasks under the direct supervision of the Chief Advisor for Development Finance Institutions (DFIs). Key responsibilities include: 1) Conducting research and analysis to support operational policy reviews of multilateral and bilateral DFIs, ensuring alignment with international human rights standards. 2) Supporting the implementation of OHCHR’s 'Remedy in Development Finance' report, including contributing to policy briefs on remedy in development finance. 3) Providing technical support and stakeholder engagement for the forthcoming 'DFIs and Digital Risks' report, ensuring digital risks are integrated into DFIs’ environmental and social risk management frameworks. 4) Offering technical support on human rights due diligence and remedy for emblematic DFI-supported projects, addressing their human rights risks and impacts. 5) Contributing to policy briefs concerning DFI operational policies and environmental issues, including the Just Transition. 6) Advising OHCHR HQ and field presences on engagements with DFI-financed projects and major financial institutions in Washington DC.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree in law, economics, international relations, political science, or a related field. Additionally, a minimum of 8 years of professional experience is required, with a strong emphasis on knowledge and practical experience related to the operational policies and accountability of development finance institutions, as well as business and human rights.

Educational Background:
An advanced degree in a relevant field such as law, economics, international relations, or political science is mandatory for this position. This educational background is essential to understand the complexities of human rights in the context of development finance and to engage effectively with various stakeholders.

Experience:
The position requires at least 8 years of professional experience in areas related to development finance, human rights, and policy advocacy. Candidates should have a proven track record of working with development finance institutions and a deep understanding of their operational policies and accountability mechanisms. Experience in conducting research and analysis in these fields is also crucial.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both written and spoken, is mandatory for this position. This proficiency is necessary to effectively communicate with stakeholders, prepare policy briefs, and engage in discussions regarding human rights and development finance.

Additional Notes:
The expected duration of this consultancy is 12 months, with a full-time commitment (100%). The position is based in Washington DC, and it is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process. This includes application, interview, processing, or training stages, ensuring that the recruitment process is transparent and accessible.