Technical Research Advisor- Human Rights- International Consultant, Monday 26, September 2011

CTG Global is a Personnel Management Service Company specialised in Recruitment, Management Consultancy and Human Resources in countries experiencing or emerging from armed conflict, natural disasters, or acute social and economic crisis worldwide. CTG Global provides tailored personnel management support enabling a growing number of public and private sector agencies and individuals to achieve their objectives in complex and challenging environments. CTG Global clients currently comprise UN agencies, non-government organisations (NGOs) and different corporate organisations such as security companies.

Overview of the Position

Working in close partnership and consultation with key stakeholders and counterparts, provide technical expertise and support both to the Iraqi High Commission for Human Rights’ (HCHR) Committee of Experts (CoE), as well as to our client towards:

i. the development and implementation of a selection framework for the identification of commissioners for the HCHR;

ii. the drafting of the HCHR's mandate and organizational structure.

Independent Human Rights Commissions have proven to be important institutions for the promotion and protection of human rights in transitional and post-conflict societies. In Iraq, the adoption of Law No. 53 of 2008 on the HCHR by the Council of Representatives (CoR) was a significant first step towards establishing an independent national human rights institution charged with the protection and promotion of human rights for all Iraqis, vital for the development of an effective system of human rights protection based on international best practices within the country. Such a body will provide Iraqis with a system for monitoring, reporting, and addressing human rights challenges, as well as acting as a safe guard for the respect and promotion of human rights in Iraq.

It is therefore vital that the CoE receive international expert support during the process of selecting commissioners for the HCHR. Such support will help ensure that the process is transparent, reflects international best practices and promotes ownership and access among Iraqis. This project aims to support the HCHR during the selection and nomination phases through the work of the CoE and subsequently support the startup phase of the Commission, which is expected to take place between 2011 and 2012.

Specifically, this project will provide broad support for the CoE to develop and implement a transparent and effective Commissioner Selection Framework process (including with initial capacity building exercises, selection procedures, public outreach projects, application review process, and interview techniques). The consultant will also support our client with drafting the mandate and organisational structure of the HCHR, as well as provide any other support necessary in order to lay the foundation for a medium and long-term HCHR strategic plan.

Within the delegated authority, the consultant will work closely with the CoE, under the overall guidance of our client’s Project Manager. The consultant will report directly to the head of the of our client’s agency. .

General Functions In close consultation with national counterparts, Human Rights & Access to Justice Team, the Technical Research Advisor (Human Rights) is expected to produce the following tangible outputs, which will be assessed on the basis of their quality and timely completion. All reports are to be submitted in English and initially in draft format for review, then in final format incorporating the inputs of both our client and relevant stakeholder agencies. The work and reports will be conducted in Baghdad:

1. Collaborate with the Committee of Experts in researching and developing a selection procedure for applicants to the posts of commissioner in conformity with the Paris Principles and international best practices, including providing research and support in determining what evaluation criteria is to be used in the selection process, the format of the review process, interview procedures, and other steps as required.
2. Conduct research and provide technical support and advice to draft documents necessary in the support the selection process.
3. Conduct research and provide technical support and advice in order to develop a public information campaign aimed at ensuring transparency in the HCHR set up process.
4. Conduct research and provide technical support and advice during the process of the selection of commissioners, including training and capacity building for the Committee of Experts and the Secretariat, as well as other relevant stakeholders.
5. Conduct research and provide technical support and advice relating to preparatory work for the HCHR once established, including the development (in coordination of the HCHR mandate, rules, regulations, and bylaws.
6. Conduct research and provide technical support and advice relating to preparatory work for the HCHR once established, including the development (in coordination with various key stake holders) of the structural organization for the HCHR, including regional offices, external relations, and other issues.
7. Conduct research and provide technical support and advice to the commissioners and temporary and permanent Secretariat (when established) to develop a work plan, budget, and resources strategy for the start-up period of the HCHR.
8. Provide monthly progress reports of activities under an agreed work plan, monthly press releases for our client.
9. Produce a final report to include the highlighting of achievements, lessons learned, and the suggestion of proposals for best providing future support to the HCHR. Expected Deliverables Deliverables Target date of completion Duty Station Payment upon completion
10. Draft a HCHR Commissioner Selection Framework proposal, as well as any related documents. 15 Oct. 2011 Baghdad % 10
11. Conduct research and provide guidance and support on interview techniques and any other relevant areas as requested by the CoE 15 Nov. 2011 Baghdad % 10
12. Draft a Commissioner Selection Review Process proposal. 20 Nov. 2011 Baghdad % 10
13. Draft a Public Information Strategy for the Commissioner Selection Process. 25 Nov. 2011 Baghdad % 10
14. Draft the proposed HCHR mandate. 5 Dec. 2011 Baghdad % 10
15. Draft the HCHR structural organization proposal. 10 Dec. 2011 Baghdad % 10
16. Draft the HCHR regulations (e.g. staffing, complaints procedures, budget and fiscal policies). 15 Dec. 2011 Baghdad % 10
17. Provide summary progress reports as appropriate. 10 January 2011 Baghdad % 10
18. Produce a final report to include the highlighting of achievements, lessons learned and the suggestion of proposals for best providing future support to the HCHR. 15 February 2011 Baghdad % 20

Essential Experience

Technical/ Functional:  Strong knowledge and expertise in human rights and rule of law issues.  Strong research coordination skills, analytical capacities and ability to synthesize complex inputs into coherent documents  Field experience in crisis and post conflict environments

Managerial:  Focuses on impact and result for the client  Leads teams effectively and shows conflict resolution skills  Establishes priorities for self and other members of the team; schedules activities to ensure optimum use of time and resources  Demonstrates excellent oral and written communication skills

Behavior:  Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability  Treats people fairly without favouritism  Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude

Additional Qualifications:  Master’s Degree in social sciences or related field or Bachelor’s Degree in combination with 4 years of qualifying experience will be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.  At least 4 years domestic and international justice sector experience, including experience in implementing justice and human rights reform initiatives with a strong focus on capacity development activities.  Familiarity with the Iraqi legal context.  Demonstrated experience to deal with senior level counterparts.  Fluency in written and spoken English.  Experience working in Iraq. Working Conditions • Working conditions are normal for an office environment. Work may require frequent weekend and evening work. Work may require frequent overnight travel. • 90 working days with frequent travel to Baghdad

Languages

Fluent English

Applicants should send a letter of application and their CV to careers@ctgglobal.com .

Please subject your email with BHJOB2678_94. Telephone enquiries may be directed to Emma Kalonzo: Tel: +971 (0)4 331 0377 extn. 206.