Tiered Approach

In line with the commitment to safeguard capacity and support personnel already in the Organization, a majority of UNDP UNCDF/UNV vacancies are advertised using a tiered application process whereby:

Tier 0: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV IP staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments, whose posts will be abolished, or contracts will be terminated or not renewed during 2026.
Tier 1: Other UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments
Tier 2: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA), personnel on regular PSA contracts, and Expert and Specialist UN Volunteers
Tier 3 or no tier indicated: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates

Please make note of the Tier(s) indicated in the vacancy title, if any, and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility to apply.

Background

UNDP is the knowledge frontier organization for sustainable development in the UN Development System and serves as the integrator for collective 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.

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. The focus is on the development of a horizontal network of practitioners across UNDP and the broader development community and working closely with UNDP Regional Hubs.

As part of the Governance, Rule of Law and Peacebuilding Hub, UNDP’s Global Programme for Strengthening the Rule of Law, Human Rights, Justice and Security for Sustainable Peace and Development provides programmatic, policy and financial support to national partners in over 100 countries and territories. The Global Programme is widely recognized for its ability to mobilize funds, provide technical and strategic expertise, and collaborate and coordinate across UN entities to enable more holistic, coherent and comprehensive responses to rule of law, justice, security and human rights challenges. It provides tailored, context-specific technical, financial and strategic support to contexts across the development spectrum.

Phase V of the Global Programme for Strengthening the Rule of Law, Human Rights, Justice and Security for Sustainable Peace and Development, builds on experience, lessons and achievements during Phase IV and is guided by and aligned to UNDP’s 2026-2029 Strategic Plan.

The United Nations Team of Experts on the Rule of Law and Sexual Violence in Conflict (Team of Experts), based at the UN Headquarters in New York, deploys regularly to some of the world’s most challenging contexts. It has a unique “co-lead” structure comprised of the Department of Peace Operations (DPO), the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict (SRSG-SVC) and UNDP.

Scope of Work

Under the overall supervision of the Policy Advisor / Deputy Team Leader of the Team of Experts, within UNDP’s Rule of Law, Security and Human Rights Team, the IPSA holder will support UNDP and the Team of Experts in advancing the implementation of the Framework of Cooperation on the Prevention and Response to Conflict-Related Sexual Violence (CRSV) between the Government of Ukraine and the United Nations. In addition, the IPSA holder provide support with outreach to Member States and EU institutions.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Provide technical support in the implementation of the Team of Experts' programme in Ukraine, including by:

Providing strategic and technical advice to the Ukraine team of the Team of Experts on the various workstreams implemented in Ukraine by the Team of Experts.
Assisting in the full operationalization of Team of Experts’ projects in Ukraine, including the case management system procured for the Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine.
Supporting the organization of training activities for Ukrainian authorities by drafting training materials and coordinating human resource and logistical.
Deploying to Ukraine in support of the above-listed tasks.

2. Assist with outreach to Member States, including by:

Supporting fundraising efforts for the Team of Experts through in-person and virtual engagement with Member States and the private sector.
Organizing events to raise the profile of the Team of Experts.
Accompanying senior leadership on key visits as requested, including the preparation of necessary background notes and talking points.
Drafting and submitting project proposals in collaboration with relevant colleagues and following up with the Member States to which project proposals were submitted.
Facilitating engagement and partnership-building with relevant UN entities and non-governmental organizations in Geneva and representing the Team of Experts at key events.

3. Foster the partnership between OSRSG-SVC/Team of Experts and EU institutions, including by:

Maintaining regular contact with key EU officials to keep them updated on the Team of Experts' programmatic activities, while staying abreast of important political developments in Brussels.
Organizing and assisting senior leadership with engagements in Brussels that raise the visibility of the conflict-related sexual violence mandate.
Ensuring the inclusion of CRSV and accountability-related language in key EU documents, such as relevant action plans.

4.Lead knowledge and capacity building, knowledge sharing, and advocacy relevant to the assigned thematic area(s) and UNDP:

Identify capacity building needs and opportunities. Ensure appropriate training and other relevant capacity building activities are organized and implemented in a consultative manner, involving technical experts and stakeholders that may include the government, private sector, NGOs, donors, and/or academia. Lead workshops with senior level officials and stakeholders.
Proactively identify and pursue opportunities for the documentation and communication of best practices, programme results, and lessons learned under the project.
Support establishment of knowledge platforms and innovative mechanisms for capturing and disseminating knowledge from the project; and ensure development of knowledge resources and products to share with project partners and to support UNDP’s engagement in this area.

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

Institutional Arrangement

The CRSV Rule of Law Specialist will report to the Policy Advisor / Deputy Team Leader of the Team of Experts within the Rule of Law, Security and Human Rights team in UNDP.

Core Competencies

Achieve Results: LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact
Think Innovatively: LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems
Learn Continuously: LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences
Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands
Act with Determination: LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results
Engage and Partner: LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration
Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity

Cross Functional -Technical Competencies

Legal Legal analysis skills The ability to digest a large amount of information and facts in order to frame and understand an issue, apply the legal framework to the particular set of facts and present a coherent and comprehensive analysis of the situation presented in order to deliver practical and meaningful advice. This skill includes the ability to provide an objective assessment of the case, the organization's best arguments for proceeding and a recommended course of action. It also includes the capacity to think creatively and flexibly, within the applicable legal framework.
Partnership management Relationship management Ability to engage with a wide range of public and private partners, build, sustain and/or strengthen working relations, trust and mutual understanding
Communications Writing and Editing Ability to create and/or edit written content in different UN languages
2030 Agenda: Peace Rule of Law, Security and Human Rights Rule of Law
2030 Agenda: Peace Rule of Law, Security and Human Rights Access to Justice and Security for Women and Girls
2030 Agenda: Peace Rule of Law, Security and Human Rights Criminal Justice Systems
Business Direction & Strategy System Thinking Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Political Science, International Relations, International Economics, Law, Public Administration or other related areas is required, or
A first-level university degree (Bachelor´s degree) in the areas mentioned above in combination with additional 2 years of qualifying experience, will be given due consideration in lieu of Master´s degree

Experience:

Minimum 7 years (with master´s degree) or 9 years (with bachelor´s degree) of progressively responsible experience in
political science, international relations, law, disarmament, security, development management, conflict resolution or related
area is required.

Required skills:

Experience supporting accountability efforts in Ukraine.
Experience working in conflict and/or post-conflict settings.
Experience of successful fundraising for accountability related projects.
Experience with the workings of EU Foreign Policy and related funding instruments.

Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section:

Experience working on CRSV-related issues.
Experience working with international organizations, including the EU.
Experience working with the United Nations’ women, peace and security agenda.

Required Language(s)

Fluency in English and/or French is required.

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.

Right to select multiple candidates

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.

Use of AI by candidates

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Conflict-Related Sexual Violence (CRSV) Rule of Law Specialist - (Home Based) - [Open to Tier 0, 1, and 2]