Rule of Law and Access to Justice Specialist

Background

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN's global development network, advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience, and resources to help people build a better life. UNDP works in over 170 countries and territories, supporting governance, poverty reduction, crisis prevention and recovery, energy and environment, and sustainable development.

"UNDP's Palestinian Programmatic Framework (PPF) 2023-2025 envisions a future where all Palestinians can live dignified lives and achieve their aspirations for a unified, peaceful, and free society. Centered on the concept of 'Transformative Resilience,' the PPF focuses on three pillars: cohesive Palestinian identity, self-reliance, and ownership and leadership. UNDP/PAPP aligns its efforts with the Palestinian national development plans and the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), working across three priority areas: i) democratic governance and quality services; ii) inclusive economic opportunities; and iii) sustainable natural resources management.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is committed to supporting the Palestinian people in achieving sustainable development, strengthening governance, and promoting the rule of law. The UNDP/ UN Women/ UNICEF “Sawasya III” Joint Programme is a flagship initiative aimed at promoting the rule of law, justice, security, and human rights in Palestine. Since 2018, “Sawasya” has strengthened the capacities of rule of law institutions and improved access to justice, security, and protection services, particularly for women and girls. The programme's third phase, supported by a consortium of development partners, focuses on enhancing the efficiency, equity, and accountability of justice and security services in Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem."

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance of the Assistant Special Representative (West Bank including East Jerusalem), the Rule of Law and Access to Justice Technical Specialist will report directly to the UNDP Democratic Governance and Quality Services Specialist, with matrix supervision arrangements with the Joint Sawasya Programme Manager.

The Rule of Law and Access to Justice Technical Specialist will play a key role in supporting UNDP/PAPP’s efforts to strengthen the rule of law, improve access to justice, and promote effective and inclusive governance in the State of Palestine. The position will focus on providing technical expertise, managing programmes, specifically the UNDP component of the Sawasya III programme, and building partnerships to address access to justice and rule of law challenges in a complex and dynamic context.

UNDP adopts a portfolio approach to accommodate changing business needs and leverage linkages across interventions to achieve its strategic goals. Therefore, UNDP personnel are expected to work across units, functions, teams, and projects in multidisciplinary teams to enhance and enable horizontal collaboration.

1. Provision of Policy Advice and Programme Development:
Provide technical expertise and policy advice to Palestinian institutions, UNDP/PAPP, and other stakeholders on rule of law and access to justice issues, with a focus on addressing local challenges and context-specific needs.
Lead the design and formulation of UNDP/PAPP programmes and projects related to rule of law, justice, and security, ensuring alignment with national priorities and UNDP’s strategic goals.
Conduct assessments and analyses of governance and rule of law challenges in the State of Palestine, identifying opportunities for intervention and innovation.
Support the integration of gender equality, human rights, and inclusion principles into rule of law and access to justice programming.

2. Lead Programme Implementation and Management, including the UNDP Component of the Sawasya III Joint Programme:
Lead the implementation and management of UNDP's Rule of Law and Access to Justice programmes, specifically the UNDP component within the Sawasya III Joint Programme, ensuring alignment with overall objectives, deliverables, and compliance with UNDP rules and regulations.
Coordinate closely with UN Women, UNICEF, national stakeholders, and other partners to ensure synergy, integration, and effective collaboration across all programme components.
Oversee the development of work plans, budgets, and monitoring frameworks, ensuring timely and high-quality delivery of results and adherence to financial and operational guidelines.
Provide technical guidance and support to implementing partners, project teams, and government counterparts to ensure effective and high-quality implementation of activities.
Monitor and evaluate programme performance, preparing regular progress reports for donors, partners, and the Joint Programme Steering Committee, and identifying areas for improvement.
Manage financial resources, including budgeting, expenditure tracking, and reporting, to ensure efficient and transparent use of funds.
Facilitate knowledge-sharing and collaboration among Sawasya III partners and other stakeholders, ensuring that lessons learned and best practices are documented and disseminated.
Represent UNDP in Sawasya III coordination mechanisms and other relevant forums, advocating for UNDP's priorities and contributions to the programme.

3. Building Partnerships and Resource Mobilization:
Build and maintain strategic partnerships with Palestinian institutions, civil society organizations, UN agencies, donors, and other stakeholders to advance rule of law and access to justice objectives.
Mobilize resources for UNDP/PAPP’s rule of law and access to justice portfolio, including preparing funding proposals and engaging with donors.
Represent UNDP/PAPP in national and international forums, conferences, and working groups related to rule of law and access to justice.

4. Lead Knowledge Management and Capacity Development:
Lead the development of knowledge products, including policy briefs, case studies, and toolkits, to share best practices and lessons learned.
Provide capacity-building support to Palestinian counterparts, including training, mentoring, and coaching on rule of law and governance issues.
Promote innovation and the use of technology to enhance rule of law and access to justice outcomes.

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

Supervisory/Managerial Responsibilities: Manage and supervise ICT System Expert (NPSA8)/Programme Manager (NPSA9) /Project Analyst (NOA) Administrative Assistant (NPAS), Gaza based civil society coordinator (NPSA8), Admin Officer (NPSA7) and Driver(NPSA2)

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Competencies

Core 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:

Thematic Area Name Definition

Business Management 

Portfolio Management 

Ability to select, prioritize and control the organization's programmes and projects in line with its strategic objectives and capacity. Ability to balance the implementation of change initiatives

with regular activities for optimal return on investment. Knowledge and understanding of key principles of project, programme, and portfolio management. 

2030 Agenda: Peace Rule of Law, Security and Human Rights  Access to Justice Business Direction and 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. Business Development Integration within the UN Ability to identity, and integrate capacity and assets of the UN system, and engage in joint work; knowledge of the UN System and ability to apply this knowledge to strategic and/or practical situations Partnership Management Resource mobilization

Ability to identify funding sources, match funding needs programmes/projects/initiatives) with funding opportunities, and

establish a plan to meet funding requirements.

Business Direction & Strategy

Strategic Thinking

Develop effective strategies and prioritized plans in line with UNDP’s mission and objectives, based on the systemic analysis of challenges, opportunities and potential risks; link the general vision to reality

on the ground to create tangible targeted solutions; learn from a variety of sources to anticipate and effectively respond to both current and future trends; demonstrate foresight.

Business Management Partnerships Management

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.

Required Skills and Experience

Education

An advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Law, Political Science, Public Administration, International Development, or a related field is required. 

Or

A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in the above-mentioned fields of study, in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree. 

 Experience, Knowledge, and Skills

•  Minimum of five (5) years (with a master’s degree) or seven (7) years (with a bachelor’s degree) of professional experience in rule of law, justice, governance human rights programming, preferably in the State of Palestine or similar conflict/post-conflict settings is required.
• Proven track record of strong understanding of the Palestinian legal and governance systems, as well as international human rights standards is required.
• Demonstrated experience in the rule of law and human rights, especially on access to justice and capacity building of security and justice institutions is required.
• Experience working with government institutions, civil society, and international organizations in the State of Palestine is required.
• Proven experience and sound knowledge of UNDP's programming, financial, and operational procedures, rules, and regulations is an asset.
•  Demonstrated experience in leading projects and programmes is an asset.
• Experience in resource mobilization is an asset.
• Experience in monitoring and evaluating programme performance, preparing regular progress reports for donors and partners is an asset.
• Experience in managing financial resources, including budgeting, expenditure tracking, and reporting, to ensure efficient and transparent use of funds is an advantage. 
• Proven experience in designing and managing development programmes, with a focus on rule of law and access to justice is an asset. 
• Familiarity with UN joint programming and operational procedures is desirable.
• Fluency in English and Arabic languages is required.

Interested and qualified candidates can apply online through Apply Now-button below