Project Analyst – Rule of Law and Human Rights Full-Time

Job Description

Please note the appropriate Tier indicated in the vacancy title and ensure that you are holding the applicable contract as defined below:

• Tier 1: UNDP/ UNCDF/ UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed term (FTA) appointments (defined as “internal” candidates)  
• Tier 2: UNDP/ UNCDF/ UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA) and personnel on regular PSA contracts and Expert and Specialist UNVs with host entity UNDP 
• Tier 3: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates

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. We are on the ground in 170 countries and territories, working with governments and people on their own solutions to global and national development challenges to help empower lives and build resilient nations.

UNDP Mozambique Country Office (CO) is part of the United Nations system working to support the country’s development agenda. Its overall aim is to ensure that people attain a better standard of living through sustainable development. Relations between the Government of Mozambique and the United Nations system were formalized in 1976. Geographically, UNDP interventions have national coverage with sub office in Cabo Delgado and a large presence through the MRF project in Sofala. Work is also carried out at decentralized levels in several provinces with strong relationships with local authorities, communities and civil society organizations.

The work of UNDP in the country is guided by the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) for the period 2022-2026 and its Country Programme Document 2022-2026 (CPD), and focuses on:

• Human development.
• Economic diversification and sustainable livelihoods.
• Climate resilience and sustainable use of natural resources.
• Peace building, human rights and inclusive governance.

On the Project

The Rule of Law and Human Rights Project 2022-2026 is a whole of sector programme encompassing interventions of Access to Justice, Community Security and Human Rights, with a lifetime foreseen for the entire duration of the UNDP Country Programme Document. It is based within UNDP Mozambique’s Governance and Social Cohesion Unit, and aims to strengthen the rule of law and the protection of human rights in Mozambique, by improving access to justice and community security, particularly in those communities affected by conflict and violence, and by strengthening the capacities of human rights mechanisms and institutions, thus contributing to bolstering the social contract in Mozambique.

With the auspices to substantively contribute to the enjoyment of people’s rights to justice, security, peace and development, particularly women and people victims of conflict and displacement, the project is expected to contribute substantively to UNSDCF 4, SDG 16 and 5. The project, to this end is immediately interplayed with UNDP CPD Output 4.3. which states “Access to justice and the protection of human rights enhanced, particularly for women and vulnerable groups”.

It is against this background that UNDP seeks to recruit a Rule of Law and Human Rights Project Analyst. The incumbent will be responsible for the implementation and coordinating the implementation of the Rule of Law Project, coordinating the implementation of the three Pillars comprising the Project, namely: Pillar I, Justice institutions are better equipped with new skills and tools to deliver more equitable, effective, and transparent services, which are closer to and more affordable for vulnerable communities, Pillar II, Police institutions and communities acquire new skills and tools to better and collectively prevent conflict and violence and to respond to local security concerns, leading to improved community security, and Pillar 03. Human rights institutions and systems, and civic participation in democratic governance are enhanced.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance and direct supervision of the Team Leader of the Governance and Social Cohesion Unit, the Project Analyst will be responsible for the effective implementation, management, and monitoring of the Rule of Law and Human Rights Project within the Governance and Social Cohesion Unit. The incumbent will ensure the achievement of project objectives, oversee daily operations, and supervise project personnel, in accordance with UNDP rules, procedures, and internal control frameworks.

The main duties and responsibilities include:

1.Project Management and Implementation

• Lead and supervise the execution of project activities, including planning, coordination, monitoring, and reporting;
• Provide technical assistance to justice and rule of law institutions, such as the Legal Aid Institution, Ministry of Justice, Judicial Training School, Supreme Court, Attorney General’s Office, Criminal Investigative Police, Police of the Republic of Mozambique, and Prison Management Authorities;
• Ensure the design and implementation of project work plans and reports, applying Results-Based Management tools, Leave No One Behind principles, Human Rights-Based Approaches, and Gender-Responsive Approaches;
• Ensure all project activities comply with UNDP’s financial, procurement, and administrative processes, while adhering to project timelines;
• Conduct policy research and provide advice on access to justice and rule of law, including research, data collection, and policy revision related to SDG 16 and SDG 5;
• Develop project documents in the areas of Rule of Law, Access to Justice, and Human Rights, ensuring alignment with national priorities and UNDP strategic frameworks;
• Mobilize goods and services to support project activities, including drafting Terms of Reference and technical specifications;
• Provide comprehensive project management support, including budget preparation, management of UNDP corporate platforms, project closure requirements, and other assigned duties.

2. Technical and Advisory Support to National Institutions

• Oversee and coordinate the design and delivery of training programs, workshops, and seminars on human rights for diverse target groups;
• Offer specialized technical advice to national institutions in developing strategies and policies that promote people-centered, community justice and security, with a focus on gender equality and the rights of women and girls;
• Manage project agreements with national authorities and donors, ensuring high-quality delivery and strategic implementation of UNDP interventions at country, regional, and global levels.

3. Stakeholder Engagement and Partnership Building

• Engage key stakeholders—including government ministries, civil society organizations, academia, and community-based organizations—to ensure alignment with national priorities and foster collaboration;
• Maintain strong relationships and strategic linkages with UN agencies, bilateral partners, and development actors;
• Identify resource mobilization opportunities and support the preparation of proposals and concept notes;
• Coordinate with UNDP country office teams, sub-offices, and regional/HQ colleagues to ensure coherence and knowledge sharing across initiatives;
• Promote collaboration with colleagues from different projects and programs within UNDP and the broader UN system in Mozambique; supervise junior and project support staff.

4. Monitoring, Reporting, and Risk Management

• Develop monitoring frameworks and tools to track progress against project results and indicators;
• Manage and monitor project risks, including social, political, and operational risks, by maintaining and updating the Project Risk Log and submitting mitigation measures to the Project Board, for consideration and updating the status of these risks by maintaining a Project Risk Log;
• Prepare regular progress and financial reports, ensuring compliance with UNDP standards;
• Oversee project audits, evaluations, and closure processes in line with UNDP’s internal control framework.

5. Knowledge Management, Learning, and Advocacy

• Document lessons learned, best practices, and success stories from project implementation;
• Contribute to knowledge products, communication materials, and policy dialogues that promote access to justice and human rights in Mozambique;
• Participate in and support knowledge networks and communities of practice within UNDP and with external partners;
• Promote advocacy efforts that highlight UNDP’s contributions to Rule of Law and Human Rights, encouraging collaboration with national and regional partners.

6. Supervision and Coordination

• Supervise project staff, consultants, and interns, providing technical guidance and performance feedback;
• Ensure efficient coordination between the Governance and Social Cohesion Unit, Gender, and other relevant teams and partners;
• Perform other duties as required to support the effective delivery of the Governance and Social Cohesion portfolio.

Institutional Arrangements

The Rule of Law and Human Rights Project Analyst is embedded within the Rule of Law and Human Rights Project 2022-2026 of the Governance and Social Cohesion and housed at the CO. S/he will report to the Team Leader – Head of Governance and Social Cohesion Unit (strategic leadership and supervision, direct reporting). The incumbent will be also expected to work collaboratively with Gender Focal Point and colleagues in other relevant UNDP teams.

Competencies

CORE

• Achieve Results: LEVEL 2: Scale up solutions and simplify processes, balances speed and accuracy in doing work.
• Think Innovatively: LEVEL 2: Offer new ideas/open to new approaches, demonstrate systemic/integrated thinking.
• Learn Continuously:  LEVEL 2: Go outside comfort zone, learn from others and support their learning.
• Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 2: Adapt processes/approaches to new situations, involve others in change process.
• Act with Determination:  LEVEL 2: Able to persevere and deal with multiple sources of pressure. simultaneously.
• Engage and Partner:  LEVEL 2: Is facilitator/integrator, bring people together, build/maintain. coalitions/partnerships.
• Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 2: Facilitate conversations to bridge differences, considers in decision making.

UNDP People Management Competencies can be found in the dedicated site.

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies

2030 Agenda: Peace Rule of Law, Security and Human Rights    

• Rule of Law.

2030 Agenda: Peace Governance  

• SDG 16 (Measurement and Monitoring).

2030 Agenda: Peace Rule of Law, Security and Human Rights    

• Human rights and Leaving No One Behind (LNOB).

Business Management: Results-based Management

• Ability to manage the implementation of strategies, programmes, and projects with a focus at improved performance and demonstrable results. Knowledge and understanding of relevant theories, concepts, methodologies, instruments, and tools.

Business Management: Communication  

• Communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience.
• Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels.

2030 Agenda: Peace Gender   

• Women, Peace and Security

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 Law, International Relations, Human Rights, Political Science, Security Studies, Legal Studies or related field is required.  or
• A first level university degree (bachelor’s degree) 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

• A minimum of 2 years (with master’s degree) or 4 years (with bachelor´s degree) of progressively responsible experience at the national or international level in project management in areas related to justice, rule of law or democratic governance is required.

Required Skills

• Knowledge of the Mozambique’s justice related legal and policy framework and institutional environment;
• Deep knowledge of human rights and gender issues, including in their socio-political and economic dimension;
• Previous experience in supporting the design and/or implementation of development projects;
• Proficiency in software applications Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, email and key relevant online platforms.

Desired Skills

• A certification in Project Management (e.g. Prince, MSP);
• Profound knowledge of the functioning of the justice sector, particularly the chain of criminal justice and professional experience in most of these areas: justice sector reform, access to justice, capacity building, security sector reform and related issues;
• Experience in project management and good knowledge of the project management tools;
• Demonstrated experience in leading or facilitating capacity building activities;
• Demonstrated experience in mainstreaming gender and human rights in programmes / projects;
• Prior experience within the United Nations, in particular UNDP.

Language Requirements

• Fluency in Portuguese and English 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.

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