Senior Adviser, P-5, Brussels, Tuesday 1st, November 2011

Purpose

Under the guidance and direction of the Director of PARMO Brussels, you will be responsible for positioning UNICEF through policy dialogue and advocacy with the European Union institutions (EU Presidency, EU Council, Parliament, and EU Commission – particularly Directorate General Enlargement, Employment, Trade and REGIO). This includes design and management of a strategy to ensure children’s issues and financing requirements are placed high on the political and legislative agenda of the European institutions, with a view to mobilizing additional resources for children and UNICEF in programme enlargement countries as well as enhance resource allocation for data collection and research that will lead to improved decision-making for children.

Key Expected Results

1.Develop and maintain a strategy for policy dialogue on children

Identify key issues and opportunities to engage EU Institutions in policy dialogue and technical/data exchange to better place children at the center of EC poverty reduction strategies and strengthen EC Policies in support of the MDGs, Millennium Declaration, UNICEF’s mission and objectives particularly on Social Protection and on issues related to Children with disabilities. Articulate UNICEF’s role in supporting social protection with a view to broadening investment.

2.Advise the Director on policy and strategic issues related to EU Institutions and strengthen senior level dialogue.

Actively monitor and analyse EU policy developments and deliberations of the European Parliamentary committees relevant to child rights. Prepare policy positions and inputs on legislative and other EU/EC strategies and priorities particularly with regard to social protection and children with disabilities, in consultation with relevant UNICEF senior staff with a view to articulating UNICEF’s value added.

3.Represent UNICEF in EU Institutions, create and maintain alliances for Children

Advocate and promote organisational goals and objectives, establish UNICEF’s technical authority, strengthen partnerships with Members of Parliament, Committee Members, Council/Commission officials whose support is essential to the achievement of UNICEF’s objectives with the EU Institutions. Collaborate with UN House advocacy and policy dialogue initiatives to further synergies and programme coherence towards the MDGs and the Millennium Declaration. Liaise with World Bank, local think tanks and NGOs, identify opportunities for joint policy/advocacy action.

4.Establish UNICEF’s technical authority and leadership on Children

Create platforms for discussion and advocacy on child rights. Adapt and disseminate UNICEF advocacy materials and organise policy briefings/parliamentary committee hearings to establish UNICEF’s technical authority and leadership on specific issues particularly relevant for the western Balkan countries and Turkey (i.e. early basic education, Roma children, HIV/AIDS, de-institutionalisation of children, social protection, children with disabilities etc.).

5.Mobilise resources for programmes in Enlargements Countries (the Western Balkans and Turkey)

Position UNICEF as a “Partner of Choice” for the EU Institutions in the Enlargement Countries in relation to the Instrument for Pre-Accession. Likewise, provide information, guidance and backstopping to relevant Country office and Regional Office colleagues, with the aim of increasing funding.

6.Identify, recruit and supervise technical resources and consultants as necessary for the above activities.

7.In the absence of the Director, act as Officer-in-Charge. Undertake special assignments as requested by the Director.

Qualification

Advanced university degree in any of the following: Economics, Law, Social Sciences, International Relations, or other fields related to the work of UNICEF8.

Twelve years of relevant work experience at national and international levels in social development, policy research, advocacy and/or political lobbying.

Fluency in English and French. Knowledge of other EU working languages an asset.

*A first level university degree with a relevant combination of academic qualifications and experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Competencies

Has highest-level communication skills, including engaging and informative formal public speaking.

Creates and encourages a climate of team-working and collaboration in a multi-cultural environment.

Consistently achieves high-level results, managing and delivering projects on-time and on-budget.

Has high-level leadership and supervisory skills; provides others with a clear direction; motivates and empowers others; recruits staff of a high caliber; provides staff with development opportunities and coaching.

Sets, develops and revises organizational strategy and develops clear visions of the organization’s future potential.

Analyzes and integrates diverse and complex quantitative and qualitative data from a wide range of sources.

Quickly builds rapport with individuals and groups. Actively nurtures good relationships with people across all organizational levels and boundaries, and with government leaders and stakeholders.

Negotiates effectively by exploring a range of possibilities.

Contributes and tries out innovative approaches and insights.

How to apply: 

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of our organisation. If you want a challenging career while improving the lives of children around the world UNICEF, the leading children’s rights organization, would like to hear from you.

Visit us at www.unicef.org/about/employ to register in our new e-Recruitment system and apply to this and other vacancies, quoting E-VN-2011-001940. Applications must be received by 18 November 2011.

Please note that only candidates who are under serious consideration will be contacted.

In the selection of its staff, UNICEF is committed to gender balance and diversity without distinction as to race, sex or religion, and without discrimination of persons with disabilities: well qualified candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

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Head of Office, Brussels

The International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ) works to redress and prevent the most severe violations of human rights by confronting legacies of mass abuse. ICTJ seeks holistic solutions to promote accountability and create just and peaceful societies. For more information, visit www.ictj.org

ICTJ is seeking an enthusiastic and experienced leader as the Head of Office for Brussels who will be responsible for managing ICTJ’s Brussels Office as well as ensuring that ICTJ’s expertise and transitional justice concerns are promoted in EU-based policy and development debates. This position will report to the Vice President of ICTJ.

HEAD OF OFFICE - BRUSSELS

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Promote transitional justice in EU-based policy and development debates. Conceptualize and execute ICTJ’s work with EU institutions and various European governments, based on ICTJ’s international policy relations and development strategies.
2. Represent ICTJ in various public forums (international conferences, seminars, meetings, media, etc.) and develop good working relationships with partners, including governments, ambassadors, academic institutions, Brussels-based NGOs and other civil societies.
3. Liaise and cultivate relationships with current and potential donors. Draft funding proposals and budgets as well as monitor implementation.
4. Provide substantive expertise to ICTJ program engagement in Europe, Middle East and North Africa as required.
5. Review requests for ICTJ’s assistance received through the Brussels office and liaise with HQ for consideration.
6. Manage the Brussels Office by providing leadership in the development and implementation of its work plan and programming priorities.
7. Manage financial operations of Brussels Office, which includes: (a) Establishing a budget and monitoring expenditures. (b) Improving systems and processes to enhance financial and grant reporting, establishing standards for EC grant reporting and ensuring training is provided to all staff working on EC grants. (c) Managing grant portfolio of over $1million, spanning 6+ countries.

(d) Ensuring monthly expense reports and bank reconciliations are submitted to NY within 10 business days after the end of the month. (e) Facilitating timely review, approval and submission of financial and grant reports. (f) Ensuring adequate controls exist over cash and other ICTJ assets.

1. Manage human resources considerations of Brussels Office by ensuring vacancies are filled in a timely manner, resolving any personnel related issues and ensuring performance evaluation of staff is conducted.
2. Liaise with the Board of Directors as required and ensure by-laws are met.
3. Liaise with external counsel to ensure the office is in compliance with statutory requirements.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: Minimum bachelor’s degree in political science, law, international affairs or related field. Master’s degree is highly desirable.

Experience: Minimum 10 years of experience in the field of transitional justice, human rights or peacebuilding with program and operational management experience within an international agency or non-governmental organization.

Related Skills and Knowledge:

1. Solid understanding of transitional justice and/or human rights with a high degree of conceptual ingenuity and initiative.
2. Demonstrated ability to interact with senior government officials and give public presentations.
3. Familiarity with European Union and Europe-based justice institutions is desirable.
4. Experience working on issues related to countries covered by the European neighborhood Policy is desirable.
5. Experience working with civil society organizations, international organizations including the UN, ICC and other INGOs is required.
6. Ability to handle issues critical and controversial in nature.
7. Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and French are required; other languages (particularly Arabic) desirable.
8. Strong interpersonal and managerial skills, including project design and management are required.
9. Ability to work in an intensive and fast-paced work environment with a wide range of partners.
10. High level of professionalism and attention to detail.
11. Willingness to travel internationally.

OTHER: ICTJ offers a competitive remuneration package. This is a one-year contract that may be extended for at least one additional year, depending on performance and the availability of funding.

CONTACT: Please submit cover letter, curriculum vitae and contact information for three references tojobs@ictj.org by 31 May 2011. Please state the job title in the subject line of the email. Only qualified candidates will be contacted.

ICTJ is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer strongly committed to hiring and retaining a diverse and internationally representative staff.

Closing date: 31 May 2011 — International Center for Transitional Justice

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