Policy Specialist, Rule of Law, Justice and Security

Job Title: Policy Specialist, Rule of Law, Justice and Security

Organization: UNDP

Job Identification: 13693

Location: New York, United States

Apply Before: 10/23/2023, 06:59 AM

Job Schedule: Full time

Grade: P3

Vacancy Type: Fixed Term

Practice Area: Crisis management / Country Management Support

Bureau: Crisis Bureau

Contract Duration: 2 Year with Possibility for extension

Education & Work Experience: Master's Degree - 5 year(s) experience OR Bachelor's Degree - 7 year(s) experience

Required Languages: English

Desired Languages: French

Vacancy Timeline: 2 Weeks

Mobility required/no mobility: mobility required

Job Description

Background 

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP:  we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories. 

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
UNDP is the knowledge frontier organization for sustainable development in the UN Development System and serves as the integrator for action to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNDP’s policy work carried out at HQ, Regional and Country Office levels, forms a contiguous spectrum of deep local knowledge to cutting-edge global perspectives and advocacy. In this context, UNDP invests in the Global Policy Network (GPN), a network of field-based and global technical expertise across a wide range of knowledge domains and in support of the signature solutions and organizational capabilities envisioned in the Strategic Plan. Within the GPN, the Crisis Bureau guides UNDP’s corporate crisis-related strategies and vision for crisis prevention, response and recovery and other thematic which it anchors for the whole of UNDP (e.g. Human rights).

Within the Crisis Bureau, the RoLSHR team is responsible for practice/policy development in the areas of rule of law, security, and human rights as they relate to crisis prevention and recovery in conflict and disaster settings as well as the implementation of the Global Programme on Strengthening the Rule of Law and Human Rights for Sustaining Peace and Fostering Development. The Global Programme is the main operational and financial instrument for UNDP globally to engage in justice, security and human rights in crisis-affected contexts and special development situations. It draws on some of UNDP’s most innovative rule of law programmes in these contexts, to assist UNDP Country Offices in developing multi-year, comprehensive rule of law programmes that respond rapidly and effectively to the needs on the ground. The Global Programme supports rule of law programmes in approximately 40 crisis-affected situations, with a total programming value of over USD 220 million. The RoLSHR team also leads UNDP’s engagement on the rule of law with the UN system through the Global Focal Point for Rule of Law, which was established in 2012 and has been increasingly operational in recent years.

Position Purpose:

The Policy Specialist, RoLSHR based in New York is responsible for conducting research and analysis to support of the team’s efforts to provide policy and programme advisory, advocacy, relationship building, and knowledge to the thematic area of Rule of Law, Justice and Security within the Crisis Bureau and UNDP as a whole across a range of development settings, particularly in conflict, crisis and fragile settings. Working under the direction and support of the Senior Advisor, Justice & security and with matrix reporting to Policy Specialist Community Security s/he collaborates with teams across UNDP’s Regional Hubs, Country Offices and Global Policy Centers, to provide quality policy services and deliver technical advice which advances UNDP’s credibility and coherence in the area of community security, people centered justice, security sector reform, community policing. S/he collaborates with the UN system to ensure the execution of quality and coherent policy and programme advisory services within regions, across regions, and at the country level, as well as to ensure alignment with the Strategic Plan. 

Duties and Responsibilities
Policy Research and Development:

• Contribute to the development of guidance on people centered security related tools for the implementation of global policy standards, including testing and roll out of tools and methodologies.
• Support the development of multi-stakeholder policy and programme initiatives for different contexts on key emerging policy agendas, in collaboration with policy teams in the Regional Hubs, and bringing in perspectives and knowledge from Country Offices and the regions.
• Contribute towards coordination and conducting of analysis of data, case evidence and research findings to distill relevant lessons from projects and programmes to inform policy formulation and guidance;
• Contribute to the development of relevant analysis and guidance, in close collaboration across the GPN, on emerging trends, analysis and partnership issues of global significance, as well as contribute to new research, including through working with the Global Policy Centers;
• Take part in the process of analyzing, improving and adapting policies for different contexts on key emerging policy agendas based on policy initiatives designed and
• Provide inputs to support the quality assurance of policy services and foster policy innovation to promote partnerships for people centered security through reviewing lessons learned and evaluations to enhance programme delivery.

Policy Advice/ Programme and Project Delivery Support:

• Support the integration of technical advice into programmes/projects In collaboration with and across the GPN teams in headquarters and the Regional Hubs;
• Apply integrated multi-disciplinary approaches, including through setting up, coordinating and engaging with Policy Centers and relevant GPN colleagues to meet policy, programming, and joint programming needs in line with corporate guidance and standards;
• Participate in the provision of support to Regional Hubs and Country Office teams globally in their application of HRDDP risk management tools answering questions, providing guidance and sharing relevant documents and lessons learned;
• Promote implementation of UNDP’s people centered security framework and complementary policies and guidance to facilitate UNDP’s work on people centered security in coordination with other thematic teams, the Regional Hubs, CB, other UNDP bureaux, and key partners;
• Support the implementation of the Global Programme for Strengthening the Rule of Law, Human Rights, Justice and Security Sustainable Peace and Development, and;
• Contribute towards ensuring rapid and well-coordinated response to crisis and conflict situations and provide community security related contributions to UNDP SURGE for country offices.

Policy Positioning and Representation:

• Support teamwide efforts in strengthening strategic partnerships with UN entities and other relevant bodies and provide inputs to those partnerships in support of UNDP initiatives:
• Contribute to the preparation of briefing notes and speeches;
• Take part in advocating the importance of people centered security and UNDPs work in this domain in various fora, including academia and civil society, with a view to deepen related political commitment and related reforms; and
• Support team’s engagement in UN interagency coordination in relevant policy areas by providing research insight in specific thematic area.

Partnerships and Resource Mobilization:

• Undertake research to support Team Leader, Advisors and Specialist in partnership building and resource mobilization, developing first drafts of papers and marketing materials, and participating in relevant external meetings, in line with the Bureau’s partnership and resource mobilization strategy;
• Conduct analysis and research to support the implementation of partnership strategies with UN Entities (e.g. DPO, DPA, OHCHR, UNODC, UN Women) and external partner institutions including Governments, private sector, academia, NGOs, and CSOs (e.g. G7+, OECD, World Bank, Member States and donor countries) at the global, regional and local level; and

Knowledge Management:

• Keep an up-to-date library of knowledge related to the thematic area, whether at the global, cross-regional or region-specific level to and proactively share documents with team members and respond to their specific requests for information; and
• Contribute to the development and review of knowledge products in close coordination with HQ and Regional Hub teams by analyzing and sharing lessons learnt and programme evaluation results.
   

Competencies

Core:

Achieve Results:

• Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact

Think Innovatively:

• Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems

Learn Continuously:

• Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences

Adapt with Agility:

• Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands

Act with Determination:

• Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results

Engage and Partner:

• Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration

Enable Diversity and Inclusion:

• Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity

People Management: UNDP People Management Competencies can be found in the dedicated site.

Cross-Functional & Technical:

Business Direction and Strategy - Strategic Thinking:

• Ability to develop effective strategies and prioritized plans in line with UNDP’s objectives, based on the systemic analysis of challenges, potential risks and opportunities, linking the vision to reality on the ground, and creating tangible solutions.
• Ability to leverage learning from a variety of sources to anticipate and respond to future trends; to demonstrate foresight in order to model what future developments and possible ways forward look like for UNDP

2030 Agenda: Peace - Rule of Law Security and Human Rights:

• Safeguarding human rights and protecting vulnerable groups

2030 Agenda: Peace - Rule of Law Security and Human Rights:

• Development of Institutions in Justice Sector

2030 Agenda: Peace - Rule of Law Security and Human Rights:

• Community/ Citizen Security/Armed Violence Reduction

Partnership Management  - Strategic Engagement:

• Ability to capture and sustain attention, interest and agreement of high-level, influential policy and decision makers and secure their buy-in of high-level vision and objectives

2030 Agenda: Peace - Rule of Law Security and Human Rights:

• Security Sector/Police Reform

Business Development - Integration within the UN:

• Ability to identify and integrate capacity and assets of the UN system, and engage in joint work; knowledge of the UN System and ability to apply this knowledge to strategic and/or practical situations. 

Required Skills and Experience 

Education:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in development economics, law, governance, political science business administration, social sciences or related disciplines OR a Bachelor’s degree in said fields in combination with two additional years of qualifying work experience. 

Experience:

• A minimum of 5 years of professional work experience (with Master’s degree) or 7 years (with Bachelor’s degree)  providing policy advice and programme support in the area of community security/people centered security/security sector reforms in development and/or crisis contexts.
• At least 3 years of experience working in developing country settings is required.
• Experience in working with a wide range of partners on security /community security/people centered security (public, private, academic, civil society, business community leaders) is required.
• Proven track record and leadership experience in the UN System related to working on security/ community security in crisis and/or developments contexts is desirable.
• Proven track record of resource mobilization skills is an asset.
• Experience in crisis contexts is an asset.

Language:

• Fluency in English, both written and oral, is required.
• Fluency in French is highly desirable. 

Please note that continuance of appointment beyond the initial 12 months is contingent upon the successful completion of a probationary period.

Disclaimer 

Important information for US Permanent Residents ('Green Card' holders) 

Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment.  

UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.

Applicant information about UNDP rosters

Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Non-discrimination

UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.  

UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

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