Job - Human Rights Expert, UNDP, Armenia

Human Rights Expert, UNDP, Armenia

Location: Yerevan, ARMENIA

Application Deadline: 18-Feb-18 (Midnight New York, USA)

Type of Contract: Individual Contract

Post Level: National Consultant

Languages Required: English

Starting Date: (date when the selected candidate is expected to start) 01-Mar-2018

Duration of Initial Contract: March – December 2018 (up to 30 working days)

Background

To support the Government of Armenia in advancing its Human Rights national agenda and meeting the commitments vis-à-vis European and international Human Rights instruments, UNDP, UNICEF and UNFPA with funding from the European Union implement a Project focusing on a number of priority areas under the framework of the National Strategy on Protection of Human Rights and the Action Plan, Human Rights Budget Support of the EU as well as the recommendations issued by International and Regional HR Mechanisms (including UPR, UN ICCPR, UN CEDAW, UN CRPD, UN CRC, UN CAT and SPT).

Establishment of effective monitoring and evaluation (M&E) systems for human rights sector;
Protection from torture and ill-treatment;
Support adoption and enforcement of anti-discrimination law;
Prevention of gender-based violence;
Improved child protection systems.

The Government of Armenia has reconfirmed its commitment to promote and protect democratic values and make human rights part of its national agenda by adopting the National Human Rights Strategy in 2012 and the HR Action Plan for 2014-16, with the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) responsible for the overall coordination and implementation process. In the course of implementation of the 2014-16 HR Action Plan, the MoJ identified the need for comprehensive coordination, monitoring and evaluation system as well as for enhanced reporting capacity of the relevant stakeholders.

Next, the Government developed a new HR Action Plan for 2017-19, and formed a Coordination Council under the MoJ responsible for its implementation. The activities under 2017-19 HR Action Plan include indicators and time-lines, however, to allow the MoJ to measure and to report on the progress of implementation in a systematic way, the HR Action Plan still needs to envisage mechanisms for monitoring the progress and evaluation of the results based on best international practice.

The M&E mechanisms should

serve the purpose of systematic gathering and analysis of data,
offer feedback tools,
be used for coordination and reporting purposes
serve as a basis for future planning.

Last but not least, the monitoring process should encourage broader civil society participation for public acceptance of the results.

To address these needs, the Project will support the MoJ to develop and apply effective monitoring and evaluation mechanisms and to conduct annual revision of targets and performance indicators based on the best international practices. The Project will also strengthen the capacity of the Coordination Council, including reporting and coordination with the responsible agencies.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall coordination of the UNDP Democratic Governance Portfolio and direct supervision of the HR Project Coordinator, the National Expert will work together with the International Expert on Human Rights Monitoring and Evaluation to support the MoJ in (1) assessing the results framework of the HRAP 2017-19 with consideration of achievements and lessons learned of 2014-16 HRAP (2) developing monitoring and evaluation tools for HRAP implementation and preparing corresponding reports (3) training of the representatives of the Coordination Council and respective state agencies on the results-based framework for effective systematic assessment and feedback.

Support the International Expert with top quality expertise in the field of human rights and related developments;
Provide overview of the HR legislative context and institutional frameworks, NHRS and HRAP outline and implementation modalities;
Collect, analyse and consolidate general and issue-specific materials, documentation and reports to brief International Expert and the Project team as relevant;
Conduct desk review and research on existing monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, results based frameworks and best international practices in the field;
Analyse the mandate and functions of the Coordination Council and recommend on how to support the Council in monitoring and evaluation activities, strengthen coordination with relevant stakeholders and enhance reporting skills;
Conduct interviews with the civil society representatives to provide recommendations for inclusive representation and engagement of civil society in the oversight processes vis-à-vis implementation of the HRAP and International HR recommendations in line with OHCHR requirements and guidelines;
Support the International Expert in preparation and delivery of agreed parts of the trainings for

designated staff of the Coordination Council and other Government agencies, as well as of respective National Assembly Committees on international human rights standards, corresponding SDG framework and the synergy with the national HR framework for efficient reporting purposes;
Coordination Council on mechanisms and tools (including gender sensitization and HRBA) for effective and regular monitoring, assessment of progress and feedback mechanisms;
designated staff of the Coordination Council and other Government agencies for implementation of the M&E framework;
civil society representatives on their role and efficient engagement techniques in the oversight processes vis-à-vis implementation of the HRAP.

Participate in meetings and discussions with the key stakeholders, partners, national and international experts, respond to requests/queries of the International Expert in relation to the assigned area of responsibility;
Contribute to the process of writing reports and assessments together with the International Expert, undertake any other responsibilities as may be assigned in relation to this position by the Project.

Outputs

Report on the HR legislative and institutional frameworks, NHRS and HRAP outline, baselines and implementation modalities
Desk review on existing monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, results based frameworks and best international practices in the field;
Recommendations for support to the Coordination Council in monitoring and evaluation activities, strengthening coordination with relevant stakeholders and enhancing reporting skills;
Interviews with the civil society representatives; recommendations for inclusive representation and engagement of civil society in the oversight processes vis-à-vis implementation of the HRAP and International HR recommendations in line with OHCHR requirements and guidelines;
Facilitation and delivery of tailored trainings for the Coordination Council, Government agencies and respective National Assembly Committees.
Input for the final assessment report to be prepared by the International Expert.

Competencies

Core Competencies

Demonstrated commitment to UNDP’s mission, vision and values;
Sensitivity and adaptability to cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age;
Highest standards of integrity, discretion and loyalty.

Functional Competencies

Strong analytical aptitude and effective interpersonal, communication and presentation skills;
Excellent writing and reporting skills;
Facilitation and training skills;
Strong ability to set priorities and manage time effectively.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Advanced university degree in law, human rights law, international relations, political science, social sciences or related field.

Experience:

At least five (5) years of relevant experience in the human rights field at national and/or international level;
Substantial knowledge of the national and international framework and policies on human rights;
Familiarity with key human rights stakeholders in Armenia, including the governmental level, international organizations and civil society;
Familiarity with the results based policy development and monitoring and evaluation mechanisms;
Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages.

Language Requirements:

Fluency in English and Armenian.

INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANTS WILL BE EVALUATED BASED ON THE FOLLOWING METHODOLOGY:

Candidates will be evaluated using a cumulative analysis method taking into consideration the combination of the applicants' technical qualifications, experience and financial proposal. The contract will be awarded to the individual consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as technically responsive/compliant/acceptable to the requirements of the ToR and received the highest cumulative (technical and financial) score out of below defined technical and financial criteria.

Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 49 points in the technical evaluation would be considered for financial evaluation.

Technical Criteria - 70% of total evaluation - max. 70 points

Financial Criteria - 30% of total evaluation - max. 30 points.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES: Interested candidates can apply for the position here - https://jobs.undp.org/cj_view_job.cfm?cur_job_id=77062.