Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), Regional Office for Central America, in Panama City, Panama. The incumbent reports to the Director of the Field Operations and Technical Cooperation Division and the Chief of the Americas, Europe and Central Asia Branch, and, in coordination with the Chief of the Americas Section, the incumbent will represent the High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Responsibilities

Under the overall direction of the Chief of the Americas, Europe and Central Asia Branch, and in consultation with Chief of the Americas Section, the Regional Representative will: • Follow human rights developments in the region, with a view to providing the High Commissioner and others in OHCHR with advice on human rights situations in countries of Central America and alert the High Commissioner to any early-warning signs of human rights crises in the region, in order for the High Commissioner to take appropriate actions within his mandate; • Advise on regional strategies and activities, as well as regional developments which may have human rights policy and operational implications; • Represent OHCHR on matters of human rights in meetings with national authorities at the central as well as local levels, with members of the international community, as well as with representatives of national and international NGOs; • Seek to ensure the integration of universally recognized human rights standards in the policies and activities of state institutions, including issuing statements expressing the position of the Office on key issues of policy to ensure their conformity with international standards; • Develop strategic relationships with United Nations agencies and programmes, including the UNDG LAC and the United Nations Country Teams (UNCTs) in Central America in the region, by giving advice and lending support as required, especially within the framework of rights-based planning and programming initiatives, such as the Common Country Assessment (CCA) and the United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF); • Lead and supervise the work of the Regional Office including the implementation of the annual work plan, staff recruitment and development, annual planning and reporting and budget and administrative matters; • Ensure the optimal use of resources allocated to the office, establishing an effective system of cost control; • On the basis of the mandate, develop, plan, implement and revise the work plan/budget, human rights strategies and related priorities as appropriate; • Advise relevant government counterparts on the ratification of international human rights treaties, compliance with its reporting commitments before international human rights treaty monitoring bodies and the preparation of pending periodic reports and follow-up to the recommendations made by these bodies and coordinate support with the UNCTs and the RCs; • Support activities of UN human rights mechanisms, including the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) processes, and advise OHCHR and other relevant UN agencies on the appropriate role to be played in relation to the evolving human rights situation; • Propose policy directives and plans of action to appropriate UN bodies for immediate and long-term solutions to human rights problems in general and in specific geographical areas. • Hold bilateral and independent meetings with the Government and State counterparts to discuss issues related to the mandate of the Office and to advise on steps needed to be taken and ensure that governmental and State institutions and NGOs are fully involved in the implementation of technical cooperation programmes; • Develop and maintain relations with officials of the host government and advise them on human rights issues and policies; • Assist the Regional Coordinators (RCs) and the UNCTs of the region in supporting relevant government agencies in the preparation and implementation of national human rights action plans, the reform of the administration of justice, development of human rights education, and trainings on the application of international human rights norms and standards into national law and practice; • Advise the RCs and the UNCTs on strategies to build and strengthen national capacities and institutions for the promotion and protection of human rights; • Liaise with civil society and media on issues relating to human rights, including building their awareness and capacity to protect and promote human rights, including on combat racism and racial discriminations and on indigenous peoples rights; • Promote human rights educational activities and deliver human rights training. • Provide technical advice on administration of justice; • Promote the full realization of the Sustainable Development Goals and economic, social and cultural rights; • Perform other related duties as required.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM: Authoritative knowledge of and wide exposure to the full range of human rights issues, including approaches and techniques to address highly sensitive/complex problems; excellent knowledge of institutional mandates, policies and guidelines related to human rights; comprehensive knowledge of the region of assignment, including the political and legal environment as they pertain to human rights, demonstrated ability to complete in depth studies and reach conclusions on possible causes and solutions to human rights problems in specific societies and systems; original thinking, independent judgment and discretion in advising on and handling major issues and problems and excellent knowledge of international human rights and humanitarian law; good political judgment, advocacy and diplomatic skills and ability to understand and respond to complex political and social contexts; ability to relate human rights issues and perspectives (including gender issues) to political, social, economic and humanitarian programmes in affected countries and areas; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of country office work. Proven ability to negotiate and mediate under difficult circumstances in a highly sensitive and political environment. COMMUNICATION: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. TEAMWORK: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. VISION: Identifies strategic issues, opportunities and risks; Clearly communicates links between the Organization’s strategy and the work unit’s goals; Generates and communicates broad and compelling organizational direction, inspiring others to pursue that same direction; Conveys enthusiasm about future possibilities. LEADERSHIP: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow; Empowers others to translate vision into results; Is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; Establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support; Anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions; Drives for change and improvement; does not accept the status quo; Shows the courage to take unpopular stands. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing.

Education

Advanced University Degree (Masters or equivalent) preferably in law, political science, international relations or other disciplines related to human rights. A first level University degree in combination with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Job – Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

At least ten (10) years of progressively responsible professional experience at national and international levels in the human rights field is required. Out of the ten years, a minimum of four (4) years of experience managing a team of at least 8 people is desirable. Experience monitoring and/or investigating human rights issues in field settings is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English and Spanish (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Special Notice

• THIS POSITION IS TEMPORARILY AVAILABLE FOR THREE (3) MONTHS, WITH POSSIBILITY OF EXTENSION – SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS. • A current staff member who holds a fixed-term, permanent or continuing appointment may apply for temporary positions no more than one level above his or her current grade. • If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment. • While this temporary assignment may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, the selection for this position is for a limited period and has no bearing on the future incumbency of the post. • Subject to the funding source of the position, the eligibility for this temporary job opening may be limited to candidates based at the duty station. • This temporary job opening may be limited to “internal candidates,” who have been recruited through a competitive examination administered according to staff rule 4.16 or staff selection process including the review of a central review body established according to staff rule 4.15. • Staff members of the United Nations common system organizations who will reach the mandatory age of separation or retirement within the duration of the current temporary need period are not eligible to apply. Submitting an application or selection for the current temporary job opening does not delay or increase the mandatory age of separation. • Retirees above the mandatory age of separation who wish to be considered for the current temporary job opening must indicate the reason for their last separation as “retirement.” Such retirees shall not be employed by the Organization, unless (a) the operational requirements of the Organization cannot be met by staff members who are qualified and available to perform the required functions; and (b) the proposed employment would not adversely affect the career development or redeployment opportunities of other staff members and represents both a cost-effective and operationally sound solution to meet the needs of the service. • At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application.

United Nations Considerations

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.