Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Senior Victims’ Rights Officer will be responsible for, but not limited to the following duties: • Support the implementation of the VRA-led policies, procedures and programmes on victims’ assistance and support in relation to sexual exploitation and abuse at the field level. Provide support to processes that will allow victims to have access to justice and legal services, including remedies and reparations. Support UN-system actors in the field in their efforts to facilitate paternity claims on behalf of victims. Provision of victim assistance is monitored and recorded for reporting and evaluation purposes. • Maintain direct and regular contact with victims, in line with the strategic vision on victims’ assistance and support, judicial processes and related outcomes, as set out by the HQ VRA, and ensure that mechanisms and policies (including safeguarding) are in place to support this task. • Cooperate with UN-system actors in the field to ensure that adequate mechanisms are in place to raise awareness among victims and the greater communities as to the available complaint/reporting mechanisms and support services. Where victims/witnesses are under 18, ensure that consent is obtained from the parents or guardian/caregiver and that appropriate safeguarding policies are in place and implemented. • Cooperate with UN-system actors and clusters to maintain oversight over mapping of relevant services by UN-system actors in the field, which are intended to identify networks of service providers, including in the areas of medical, psychological, legal and community reintegration, in coordination with Resident Coordinator/Humanitarian Coordinator and relevant UN entities, making recommendations as to gaps and opportunities in specific country situations. In consultation with UN-system actors in the field, local civil society organizations and service providers, in line with the “Uniform Protocol on the Provision of Assistance to Victims of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse,” contribute to the assessment of assistance needs to inform mapping exercises. Take corrective measures where needed to address gaps in such mapping and services. • Advise the Head of Mission and the HQ VRA, as well as UN-system actors in the field on lessons learned, best practices, gaps and opportunities in strengthening assistance and support to victims.

• Coordinate with UN-system actors in the field to ensure that they receive updated information on assistance provided to victims of sexual exploitation and abuse, including on the status of judicial and administrative proceedings in host countries and countries of alleged perpetrators. • Engage with local authorities to enhance the protection of victims, during investigation, criminal and disciplinary/administrative proceedings and to assure that victims, including child victims, are treated with child- and gender-sensitive care in respect of their rights, including the right to be advised of the outcome of the proceeding via updates from the relevant Member State. • Identify and work closely with legal assistance networks, national human rights institutions, relevant regional and sub-regional human rights bodies, civil society organizations and victims’ groups that can provide individualized support and assistance to victims, their families and survivors, including during investigation and judicial/administrative proceedings taking place at the field level and to address gaps in support for victims and for children born as a result of sexual exploitation and abuse during and after mission drawdown. • Coordinate with relevant Mission components for targeted continuous awareness training on UN victims’ rights approach, and remedial actions for victims of SEA to ensure a victim-centred approach is observed and maintained. • Support the monitoring, coordination and tracking of the provision of assistance and support to ensure that victims’ rights are upheld, in conjunction with the RC/HC or HoM. Ensure that the assistance and support is it is provided in a manner that is victim-centred, rights-based, age, disability-and gender sensitive, non-discriminatory and culturally appropriate. Ensure that assistance and support to child victims (under age 18) is provided in a manner consistent with the rights enshrined in the Convention on the Rights of the Child. • Perform other duties assigned.

Competencies

• Professionalism: Demonstrated ability to provide advice in a broad range of strategic, policy, management and administrative issues to senior leadership and management; Lead integrated processes; and, ensure the timely delivery of a programme of work. Track record of team building, problem solving and continuous organizational improvement for effective programme delivery. Shows pride in work and in achievements. Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter. Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results. Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns. Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing. • Judgement/decision making: Identifies the key issues in a complex situation, and comes to the heart of the problem quickly. Gathers relevant information before making a decision. Considers positive and negative impacts of decisions prior to making them. Takes decisions with an eye to the impact on others and on the Organization. Proposes a course of action or makes a recommendation based on all available information. Checks assumptions against facts. Determines that the actions proposed will satisfy the expressed and underlying needs for the decision. Makes tough decisions when necessary.

• Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively. Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately. Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication. Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. • Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments. Delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards. Operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules. Supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments. Takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.

Education

An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in human rights, law, humanitarian affairs, political science, international affairs, public administration, social science, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination of two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of advance university degree.

Work Experience

A minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, humanitarian affairs, gender, political affairs, security sector or a related area is required. Experience with multi-stakeholder policy and/or advocacy processes at the national level is desirable. Legal background, including knowledge of legal assistance, international human rights law, criminal justice or victims’ protection is desirable. Experience working in or in support of a field operation of the United Nations Common System or a comparable international organization, or similar multi-lateral or non-governmental organization is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English and French (both oral and written) is required.