Рroject Specialist-International Law, NPSA-10, DS-Kyiv, (National position)

Background

The legal basis for the joint programme is the Legal Annex for the Transitional Framework 2022-2023 which currently serves as a bridging document between the previous UN-Ukraine Partnership Framework (2018-2022) and the new UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (2024-2027). Additionally, the present Joint Programme is built upon the engagement between the Government of Ukraine and the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict (SRSG-SVC) to prevent and respond to conflict-related sexual violence which was materialized through the “Framework of Cooperation between the Government of Ukraine and the United Nations on the Prevention and Response to Conflict-Related Sexual Violence” (FoC) signed in May 2022.

The present programme was mainly designed in response to the needs expressed by the Ukrainian authorities in the course of the development of the FoC and the development of the related Implementation Plan which intends to coordinate the efforts related to conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) response of a broad range of stakeholders, including international partners, UN agencies, government entities and civil society organizations. In this view, the Joint Programme will create the critical infrastructure in Ukraine that can take over this work and enable an in-person should-to-shoulder collaboration with the Ukrainian government pushing the implementation of the FoC forward by responding to the immediate needs that the Inter-Agency Working Group is experiencing in terms of human resources. 

The present programme is fully aligned with CEDAW provisions, its general recommendation No. 30 (2013) on women in conflict prevention, conflict and post-conflict situations and the recent Concluding Observations of the CEDAW Committee in the ninth periodic report of Ukraine [CEDAW/C/UKR/9] issued at the occasion of its 1921st and 1923rd meetings held in October 2022. The Joint Programme practically responds to a number of recommendations expressed by the Committee (especially paragraph 16).

The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration and the Apparatus of the Government Commissioner for Gender Equality Policy and members of the Inter-Agency Working Group on combating sexual violence are supporting an Implementation  Plan with a focus on five critical areas: (i) trafficking in persons for the purpose of sexual exploitation, (ii) provision of comprehensive assistance to survivors of CRSV, (iii) access to justice and accountability, (iv) strengthening the capacity of the security and defence sector to prevent and address CRSV, and (v) reparations and compensation. The Office of the SRSG-SVC co-chairs each of the inter-agency working groups dedicated to these themes together with UN Agencies in Ukraine and the national counterparts.

While driving the plan forward in a volatile conflict-affected environment, the national authorities have sought strategic and technical support to coordinate and assist with the roll-out of the Implementation Plan. To bridge these gaps, the present project responds to this request, outlining the provision of technical support and expertise to Government institutions and relevant UN entities, which will work in collaboration with civil society organizations and first responders in implementing the FoC through: (i) policy development, (ii) training/awareness raising, and (iii) support to survivors.

To this end, a Joint Secretariat comprising representatives of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration and the Apparatus of the Government Commissioner for Gender Equality Policy of Ukraine and relevant UN entities will be established to support the Government’s Inter-Agency Working Group in developing and coordinating activities within the Implementation Plan. As a critical component of this project, the Government of Ukraine identified the need to be supported by six national experts on CRSV to be deployed in four government institutions, namely: the Deputy Prime Minister’s office for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, the Apparatus of the Government Commissioner for Gender Equality and Policy of Ukraine, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the National Social Service of Ukraine. Concurrently, a team of Women Protection Advisers, led by a Senior Women’s Protection Adviser (SWPA) in the Office of the Resident Coordinator, will be deployed to support the UN Country Team in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions, especially resolution 2467 (2019), in support of the Joint Secretariat that is responsible for coordinating the overall implementation of the FoC, as co-signatories of the agreement, and its Implementation Plan.  Activities to achieve the expected results under the various workstreams will be implemented on the ground, in collaboration with the WPA Unit and the national experts deployed in the various Government entities for this purpose.

In this context, we invite applications from highly qualified and experienced lawyers with expertise in international law for the above-named position, who will provide support on the implementation of Ukraine Joint Programme on CRSV.

Duties and Responsibilities

In direct cooperation with Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration (DPMO), the Project Specialist-International Law will be responsible for the following key tasks: 

Analytical support and coordination

• Providing technical advisory to the DPMO to implement relevant provisions of the FoC.
• Supporting, mentoring, and providing the DPMO with the recommendations on further improvement of legal acts for harmonization of national legislation with international criminal and humanitarian normative frameworks to bring it in line with international standards on prevention and response to the CRSV.
• Regularly liaising with Team of Experts / Office of the SRSG-SVC on legislative review and reform.
• Assessing the implications and making recommendations to DPMO on possible policies, strategies and other measures to address issues of concern and to advance mandated objectives.
• Advising and developing policies and strategies in relation to the investigation and prosecution of CRSV, providing advice on international standards and comparative practices in the investigation and prosecution of CRSV.
• Assisting the DPMO with supporting coordination of the development and strengthening of national legal and policy framework to prevent and respond to the CRSV and its implement in practice.
• Providing expert advice on the issues of victim/witness confidentiality, consent, and the prevention of re-traumatization of CRSV victims during the investigation, prosecution and adjudication process; providing expert advice on victim and witness management including during the interview and testimony process, and advising on ensuring victim and witness security, and the safe handling of confidential information.

Communication and relationship

• Fostering effective working relations with the Team of Experts / Office of the SRSG-SVC, UN counterparts, Government representatives, National Human Rights Institutions, legal service providers, civil society representatives, academic and research institutions, and other national and international partners on information-sharing, policy and coordination matters. 
• Identifying priority legislative and government relations issues.
• Liaising with government institutions, specifically those related to monitoring, analysis and reporting on CRSV-related cases ensuring synergies and promoting effective implementation of the projects and communication. 
• Attending relevant meetings and working groups.
• Advising senior management and leadership with strategic planning for known and potential regulatory and policy activities, including access to public information and personal data protection, non-discrimination, torture prevention and access to human rights mechanisms, including mediation.
• Scheduling regular check-ins with government counterparts and supporting the organization of joint events.
• Ensuring full alignment of the project work with national priorities.
• Facilitating dialogue and collaborative learning with project partners and other stakeholders, including government authorities, international and civil society organizations. Leading the development and delivery of workshops and training activities for stakeholders in order to implement innovative strategies and solutions that enhance the capabilities of Ukrainian investigative and prosecutorial bodies in the field of investigation strategies for CRSV.
• Liaising with the Team of Experts / Office of the SRSG-SVC and facilitating communication on programme-related activities including organizing joint thematic learning and networking events on CRSV-related topics.
• Conducting regular mapping and outreach to identify opportunities for new partnership.
• Representing the project at public events.

Monitoring and reporting

• Collecting and issuing updates on activities on CRSV crimes (conducting research, analysing, processing of statistical data, drafting conclusions and recommendations);
• Collecting and analysing CRSV monitoring data and indicators, including gender-specific data and indicators at the sub-national and national levels. Writing and/or providing expert input into a variety of reports, communications, briefings, statements, etc. Prepare analytical reports/overviews.
• Monitoring and reporting on the developments in strategies and solutions that enhance the capabilities of Ukrainian investigative and prosecutorial bodies in the field of CRSV.
• Elaborating necessary documentation (concept notes, briefs, fundraising considerations) to operationalize and steer programmatic initiatives and activities.
• Providing CRSV related inputs into regular reports of the project to the donor.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Measurable outputs of the work assignment

• Supporting to the DPMO to develop and implement relevant legislation and policy frameworks on prevention and response to the CRSV – monthly.
• Advising on international standards of development and strengthening of national legal and policy framework to prevent and respond to the CRSV and its implement in practice – monthly.
• Providing progress reports to UNDP / Team of Experts Judicial Affairs Officer – monthly.

Performance Indicators for evaluation of results

• Number of analytical products developed.
• Timely submission of the regular performance reports.

Competencies

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies

Required Skills and Experience

           Education:

• Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in International Law, International Human Rights Law, Gender Equality, or related field is required, or 
• A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the areas mentioned above in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of master’s degree.

  Experience:

• Minimum 5 years (with master’s degree) or 7 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant progressively responsible experience in the field of humanitarian law, including such issues as transitional justice and CRSV is required. 
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Experience in excellent public speaking and negotiation skills at high level
• Experience in excellent analytical and reporting skills 
• Demonstrated experience of strong coordination and organizational skills 
• Demonstrated experience of strong managerial and leadership skills, notably planning, organizing, coordinating and controlling, problem solving and decision-making 
• Demonstrated mature judgment combined with a proactive, energetic approach to problem solving
• Demonstrated ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
   

            Desired Skills: 

• Proven experience with conducting legal analysis of normative documents (laws/by-laws) and developing legal and policy gender-responsive recommendations on prevention and response to CRSV, including brining perpetrators to justice;
• Previous experience of providing advisory/technical support to the CSOs, legislative and/or executive institutions, dealing with issues of transitional justice and CRSV;
• Proven knowledge of international humanitarian law, human rights, gender equality and women’s empowerment frameworks.
• Previous experience within UNDP or other UN agencies, other international organizations will be considered as an asset.

   Language Requirements:

• Fluency in English is required.
• Fluency in Ukrainian is required for local staff. 

Disclaimer
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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Same Posting Description for Internal and External Candidates.

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS 07 March, 2024.

If you wish to apply for this or other positions, please visit UNDP in Ukraine website, section Jobs and apply:

https://estm.fa.em2.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/job/16379

UNDP will use a transparent and competitive screening process, though will only contact those applicants in whom there is further interest. Applications may only be submitted for specific vacancy.

Qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply.