Vacancy announcement
Geneva, Switzerland
S/P/2025/004

Specialist - P3

Vacancy type Fixed-term regular staff
Duration of the contract
1 year (renewable)
Deadline for submission of applications
01 June 2025
Organizational Unit
Social Development Programme Unit (SDPU)
Number of job positions
1
Accountabilities:

Supervised by the Manager of the Social Development Programme Unit. Within delegated authority, the Specialist will be responsible for the following duties:

  • Provide substantive support to SDPU’s Human Rights Capacity Building Initiatives by:
    • Developing training curricula and producing substantive contents, including preparation and delivery of capacity building activities;
    • Carrying out preparatory work such as elaborating estimative budgets, drafting background, content, and procedural documentation, identifying resource persons, and selecting trainers;
    • Maintaining quality partnerships with key donors and other partners of SDPU’s Human Rights Capacity Building Initiatives;
    • Mobilizing support for human rights activities amongst public servants, academia, public sector and other stakeholders in order to deliver capacity building activities;
    • Coordinating and supervising a team of ICs, consultants, and trainees, inside the Programme Unit in support for the activities below related to Human Rights initiatives
    • Providing substantive support in overall management and efficient delivery of Programme activities, including management of financial, administrative and human-resources-related matters, in coordination with the Institute’s support sections;
    • Reporting to the donors and partners on the implementation of the initiative.
  • Provide substantive support to SDPU’s Good Governance initiatives by:
    • Monitoring the effective implementation of anticorruption and digital government training initiatives, in particular for parliamentarians and public servants, and ensuring compliance with UNITAR and UN guidelines.
    • Coordinating and supervising a team of ICs, consultants, and trainees, inside the Programme Unit in support for the activities below related to Good Governance initiatives.
    • Preparing trainings, complementary methodology instruments and toolkits for parliamentarians and other stakeholders use as needed;
    • Communicating with the donors, partners and other relevant stakeholders regarding the quality of the overall capacity-building and training activities and the overall training approach used to be more in line with certification requirements;
    • Providing support to the donor’s teams and staff in implementing the initiatives, in line with  UNITAR’s Quality Assurance and Monitoring & Evaluation Policy Frameworks.
    • Develop a roadmap including actions and timeline to implement the agreed learning initiatives with the donors and other partners.
  • Contribute to the enhancement of partnerships to facilitate expansion of activities by:
    • Identifying potential capacity development areas with international organizations, national governments, research institutions, specialized centers, associations of local authorities, private sector and NGOs, preparing proposals as requested by Supervisor.
    • Maintaining regular communication with partners, identifying and addressing their needs and concerns, as well as facilitating joint activities.
  • Prepare project documents and funding proposals and engages in resource management activities by:
    • Coordinating activities related to funding and budgeting (programme/project proposals and submissions, progress reports, financial statements, work programme and programme budget, etc.) for consideration by funding governments and foundations to contribute to the financial resources available for programming.
    • Identifying new funding sources in order to diversify the programme’s funding base in order to materially expand the range of services and programmes delivered.
    • Preparing written outputs including training programme reports and evaluations, background papers, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, and public relations information on the Programme’s activities including on-line information and catalogues in an effort to contribute to fundraising.
  • Participate in the organization and implementation of other training activities of the Programme and undertake outreach activities through organizing training workshops, seminars, and making presentations on topics/activities as assigned by the Manager and in order to provide substantial support in all aspects of activities serving diverse target audiences.
Work implies frequent interaction with:
  • Staff in related units and offices of the Institute;
  • Counterparts, senior officers and technical staff in UN agencies
  • Representatives and officials in national governments, international and sub-regional organizations, private sector, academic institutions, and civil society representatives.
Results expected:
  • Development, implementation, effective substantive support to the management, monitoring and evaluation of the Human Rights Capacity Building Initiatives to strengthen the capacities of government officials and other stakeholders in line with major global frameworks.
  • Play a principal role in identifying significant issues and develops well-reasoned, innovative approaches to deal with these issues; Constructive and strong working relationships and partnerships established internally and externally liaising with colleagues, senior consultants, government representatives, private sector partners and academic institutions in the preparation and implementation of high-quality training programmes;
  • All interactions with the donors and partners effectively managed, ensuring support and coordination for a more effective and impactful network.
  • The Institute’s operational and branding policies for the training initiatives are enforced, while achieving a high level of compliance and coherence;
  • Being in alignment with UNITAR’s Strategic Framework and objectives, and Quality Assurance and Monitoring & Evaluation Policy Frameworks;
  • Thorough, well written contributions provided, including training funding proposals and programme design, and evaluation reports.
Competencies:
  • Professionalism: Shows pride in work and in achievements; Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of human rights and good governance Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results. Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; Remains calm in stressful situations.
  • 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.
  • Planning and organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies. Identifies priority activities and assignments; Adjusts priorities as required. Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work. Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning. Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; Uses time efficiently.
  • Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients ” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; Identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; Monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; Keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; Meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.
  • Creativity: Actively seeks to improve programmes or services. Offers new and different options to solve problems or meet partners/donors needs; Promotes and persuades others to consider new ideas; Takes calculated risks on new and unusual ideas; thinks "outside the box"; Takes an interest in new ideas and new ways of doing things; Is not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches.
  • Commitment to continuous learning: Keeps abreast of new developments in own occupation/profession; Actively seeks to develop oneself professionally and personally; Contributes to the learning of colleagues and subordinates; Shows willingness to learn from others; Seeks feedback to learn and improve.
  • Managing Performance: Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority, makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member, accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills, monitors progress against milestones and deadlines, regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff, encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative, actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff, appraises performance fairly
Minimum requirements

Education: Advanced university degree (Master or equivalent) in Human Rights, International Law, International Relations, Business or a related field.

Experience: 

  • A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible professional experience; including experience in international affairs and human rights.
  • Experience in project or strategic planning and coordination as well as design and implementation of training or knowledge initiatives.
  • Experience with management of a variety of stakeholder from different sectors is highly desirable;
  • Experience in the design and implementation of training learning and knowledge management activities;
  • Strong communication, presentation, facilitation of training skills;
  • Strategic thinker with strong ability to influence others and realize tangible results.

Language: Fluency in English and Spanish is required. Knowledge of another official UN language would be an advantage.

Other skills:   

  • Ability to carry out research and analytical skills;
  • Practice in drafting reports and proposals;
  • Good computer skills, proficiency in using advanced computer applications;
  • Experience with the UN or other international organizations is an asset.
Special Notice:

UNITAR is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Qualified women, individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups, and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.

English and French are the two working languages of UNITAR. Priority will be given to the applicants from the under-represented regions at UNITAR. There will be a probation period of 3 months.

UNITAR staff members are subject to the authority of the UNITAR Executive Director and their appointments are limited to service with the Institute.

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 or sexual abuse, or crimes other than minor traffic offences, 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.

Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. UNITAR is a non-smoking environment.

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 Staff Regulations and Rules and UNITAR administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications 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.

No Fee:

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

How to apply

Please submit your application along with a motive letter as soon as possible after the vacancy has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the vacancy announcement.

Due to high number of expected applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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