Policy Specialist (Business and Human Rights) at United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

Position: Policy Specialist (Business and Human Rights)

Application Deadline: July, 31/2023

Key Duties and Accountabilities

1. Policy Development and Implementation

• Develop and promote policies, frameworks, and guidelines to integrate human rights principles into business operations, aligning them with international standards, national laws, and regional initiatives;

• Support the implementation and monitoring of Business and Human Rights National Action Plans, legislation, strategies, and initiatives; 

• Provide technical expertise and guidance on business and human rights issues to UNDP Africa offices, partners, and stakeholders.

2. Stakeholder Engagement and Partnership Building

• Engage with governments, private sector entities, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to foster partnerships, advocate for human rights standards, and promote responsible business practices; 

• Establish and maintain active relationships and collaborations with relevant actors in Africa, including governments, NGOs, the UN system, development partners, institutes, academia, media, and the private sector; 

• Represent UNDP in relevant forums, conferences, and events to raise awareness, share best practices, and facilitate dialogue on business and human rights issues.

3. Capacity Building and Awareness 

• Design and deliver capacity-building initiatives, training programs, and awareness-raising activities to enhance the understanding and implementation of business and human rights principles among relevant stakeholders; 

• Support knowledge sharing and dissemination of best practices, innovations, and lessons learned related to the integration of human rights into business operations;

• Conduct research, analysis, and assessments on emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities in the field of business and human rights in Africa.

4. Project Management and Resource Mobilization

• Provide technical support in the design, implementation, and monitoring of projects and initiatives aimed at promoting responsible business practices; 

• Assist in project planning, administration, reporting, and resource mobilization efforts; 

• Coordinate with other project specialists and stakeholders to ensure effective collaboration and knowledge exchange.

Business Development

UNDP Representation: Ability to represent UNDP and productively share UNDP knowledge and activities; advocate for UNDP, its values, mission, and work with various constituencies.

Business Management

Partnerships Management: Ability to build and maintain partnerships with wide networks of stakeholders, Governments, civil society and private sector partners, experts and others in line with UNDP strategy and policies.

Business Management: Communication

• Ability to communicate in a clear, concise, and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience. 

• Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels.

• 2030 Agenda: Peace

• Rule of Law Security and Human Rights: Safeguarding human rights and protecting vulnerable groups.

External Relations & Advocacy

• Event planning and execution: Ability to plan, manage and execute of public and private events to ensure that they support and amplify individual communications and advocacy initiatives, as well as UNDP's overall brand and mandate.  

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in law, policy management, human rights, corporate responsibility, development or relevant field.

Experience:

• A minimum of 7 years of relevant professional experience in the field of human rights, sustaining peace, and rule of law, with a specific focus on business and human rights; 

• Minimum of 3 years of professional experience working on business and human rights issues, preferably within an international organization or non-governmental organization.

Required skills: 

• Strong understanding of the socio-economic and political context in Africa, including a comprehensive grasp of the challenges and opportunities involved in promoting business and human rights across diverse regional settings; 

• Proven track record in project management, including the ability to design, implement, and monitor projects aimed at promoting responsible business practices and integrating human rights principles.

Desired skills: 

• Excellent skills in engaging and collaborating with a wide range of stakeholders, including governments, private sector entities, civil society organizations, and international partners; 

• Demonstrated leadership abilities, including experience in supervising and mentoring staff, as well as effectively managing resources; 

• Knowledge of UN rules, policies, procedures, and practices.

Language:

• Fluency in English is required. 

• Proficiency in other UN and AU languages, particularly French, Spanish, and Portuguese, is an asset.

Professional Certificates:

• ACCA, CIPS, CISCO, etc.

How to Apply

Register using THIS LINK

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 descriptions, experience and educational requirements.

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