UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
Junior Professional Officer (JPO) JOB DESCRIPTION
I. Position Information
JPO functional title:
Officer
Main sector of assignment:
Peacebuilding
Agency:
Department:
Junior Professional
Governance and
Grade Level: (P2)
Country and Duty Station: Ethiopia, Addis Ababa
Duty Station status: Family duty station
UNDP
UNDP Regional Service Centre for
Africa Governance and
Peacebuilding Cluster
Duration and Type of Assignment: One-year fixed-term
appointment, renewable at least once subject to satisfactory
performance, recommendation by respective office and partner
country agreement
Reports to:Justice and Human Rights Specialist
Position Status:
Non-rotational
II. Job Purpose and Organizational Context
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) regional programme for Africa outlines key achievements,
opportunities and challenges towards advancing sustainable human development – the process of enlarging space
and inclusivity, transforming the economy to deliver for people and building a robust social contract.
The specific objectives of the UNDP RSCA for governance and Peacebuilding project for Africa include the following:
1. Promote strong, inclusive and effective democratic governance systems to ensure participation and voice for
the poor and other excluded groups, including women, youth and HIV affected populations,
2. Strengthen regional legislative and judicial institutions to perform their core functions, fight discrimination
and address emerging issues such as corruption risks, and
3. Support the African Union and the RECs to harmonize policies, legal frameworks and regulations for
expanding South-South and triangular cooperation to maximize mutual benefits for member states.
To assist in the deepening of democratic governance in Africa, the Governance and Peacebuilding Team at the RSCA
provides policy, programming, knowledge management and capacity development support to Country Offices and
regional institutions in the areas of civic engagement, access to justice and human rights, electoral systems and
processes, local governance and decentralization, anti-corruption, parliamentary development and political parties,
public administration reform, women's political empowerment, and country led democratic governance assessments.
III. Supervision
Title of Supervisor:
Justice and Human Rights Specialist
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UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
Junior Professional Officer (JPO) JOB DESCRIPTION
Content and methodology of supervision:
As part of the UNDP JPO programme overall framework, the JPO will benefit from the following supervision modalities:
 Structured guidance provided by the supervisor, especially in the beginning of the assignment, with the purpose of gradually
increasing the responsibilities of the JPO
 Establishment of a work plan, with clear key results
 Effective supervision through knowledge sharing and performance/development feedback throughout the assignment
 Easy access to the supervisor
 Participation in Unit/Team/Office meetings to ensure integration and operational effectiveness
 Guidance and advice in relation to learning and training opportunities within the field of expertise
 Completion of the yearly UNDP Performance Management Document (PMD)
 If more than one supervisor; clear agreement of the roles and responsibilities between the relevant parties
The JPO will be working on a high-profile corporate priority. As such he/she will have frequent contact with immediate supervisor,
senior management staff as well as UNDP RSCA partners.
The work of the JPO will be situated within the Governance and Peacebuilding Cluster which focus on expanding and
consolidating political space in the continent for more effective institutional performance, expanding citizen participation and
representation and contributing to more effective economic governance through addressing corruption risks and illicit financial
flows. The work of the JPO is expected to centre on building partnership and joint work in analysis, policy and strategy
development processes, ratification and accession of regional instruments and norms; institutional reform and transformation.
This will therefore require day to day work with the Cluster Director (Supervisor) and colleagues, weekly meetings, regular
feedback meetings, quarterly and annual formal feedback sessions on performance against established work plan and taking lead
and delivering on assigned tasks.
III. Duties and Responsibilities and Output expectations
1. Technical Support to the African Disability Forum (20 %)
 Support establishment of the ADF and activities under the UNPRPD Grant. This includes formal registration,
establishment of the ADF Office and secretariat, liaising with membership organisations, establishing links
with other partners and capacity assessments of national membership organisations
 Support UNDP and ADF efforts on resource mobilisation and thereafter support implementation of new
grants obtained to support the ADF
 Provide technical support to ADF’s Executive Board and support the work being undertaken by the UNDP
supported National Consultant
2. Technical Support to UNPRPD and UNDP’s work on disability rights in Africa (40 %)
 Provide technical support to selected UNPRPD supported projects
 Collaborate with UNPRPD Technical Secretariat on UNPRPD-related matters with a specific focus on UNPRPD
operations in Africa
 Prepare a database of UNDP CO projects in Africa which support persons with Disabilities or which have a
significant potential to do so. Ensure regular linkages and thereafter ensure such projects are given visibility
and are provided with technical support
 Provide technical support to preparation of Country Programme Documents including ensuring disability
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UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
Junior Professional Officer (JPO) JOB DESCRIPTION
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issues are mainstreamed & thereafter implementation of country programmes as and when requested by
Country Offices
Participate in meetings on disability issues on behalf of UNDP and foster linkages with other UN, CSO,
bilateral and multilateral organisations
Assist in the mobilisation of resources for implementation of disability rights initiatives
3. Technical Support to UNDP’s work at the Regional and Country level on human rights in Africa (40 %)
 Assist the Governance and Peacebuilding Team in ensuring that human rights are effectively mainstreamed
into their work including through the Regional Programme and Country Office Support;
 Assist the governance and peacebuilding team in their efforts at supporting the AUC to domesticate AU
treaties particularly those relating to human rights, peace and security
 Provide comments on new Country Programme Documents developed for Country Offices particularly as it
pertains to Human Rights and thereafter proactively support Country Office requests for assistance as it
relates to human rights issues
 Provide technical support to priority regional projects which have a significant human rights dimension
including migration, radicalisation/violent extremism, elections, gender as well as the Great Lakes and Sahel
Initiatives
 Undertake programme analysis work which will lead to the preparation of briefing notes/concept papers and
the recording of all substantive matters in notes to the file / reports available on timely basis on the project
 Conduct analysis and provide policy advice on priority human rights issues and provide to senior
management
 Undertake and contribute to policy analysis work in the field of human rights, disability issues and rule of law
including the preparation and review of UNDP publications and the preparation of briefing notes for UNDP
senior management in RSCA.
 Assist in the mobilisation of resources for implementing human rights activities under the Regional
Programme and at country office level
Others:

Carry out other duties as may be assigned by the Governance Practice Leader and the Justice and Human
Rights Specialist
IV. Competencies and Selection Criteria
Core
Innovation
Ability to make new and useful ideas work
Description of Competency at Level Required
Level 2: Execute & Learn (Perform defined tasks)
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UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
Junior Professional Officer (JPO) JOB DESCRIPTION
Leadership
Ability to persuade others to follow
People Management
Ability to improve performance and satisfaction
Communication
Ability to listen, adapt, persuade and transform
Delivery
Ability to get things done
Technical/Functional
Level 1: Support (Reliable Replication)
Level 1: Support (Reliable Replication)
Level 2: Execute & Learn (Perform defined tasks)
Level 2: Execute & Learn (Perform defined tasks)
Primary
Governance and Peacebuilding
Level 2: Execute & Learn (Perform defined tasks)
Promoting disability rights
Level 2: Execute & Learn (Perform defined tasks)
Programme Management
Policy analysis
Level 2: Execute & Learn (Perform defined tasks)
Level 2: Execute & Learn (Perform defined tasks)
V. Recruitment Qualifications
Education:
Master's Degree or equivalent in law, political science, human rights, international
relations or Social Sciences.
Experience:
Work Experience: At least 2 years, preferably 3 years, of relevant professional
experience relevant to the duties and responsibilities outlined above. Experience in
disability rights and programming is an asset.
Key Competencies of the assignment:
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Language Requirements:

Good knowledge of democratic governance particularly rule of law, elections,
justice or/and human rights;
Experience in promoting disability rights is preferred
Knowledge of Gender issues and experience working on issues relating to
gender mainstreaming is preferred but not a requirement
Experience in working on issues relating to migration, mobility and refugee
rights is preferred but not a requirement
Experience of programme development and policy analysis work
Ability to work at a fast pace and to manage competing priorities
Excellent inter-personal skills, proven ability to work in a multi-cultural
environment
Work experience in Africa (preferred);
Excellent writing, editing and communication skills;
Team-player and organizational skills.
Fluency in spoken and written English. Proficiency in French is preferred but not a
requirement
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UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
Junior Professional Officer (JPO) JOB DESCRIPTION
Other desirable education,
languages and work
experience:

Proficiency in Microsoft Office including Word, excel and PowerPoint. Knowledge
of databases is preferred
VI. Training and Learning
As part of the UNDP JPO programme overall framework, the JPO will benefit from the following training and learning
opportunities:


Participation in a two-week long Programme Policy and Operations Induction Course in New York within the first 3 to 6
months of assignment
Use of yearly JPO duty-related travel and training allocation (DTTA), as per the online DTTA guide
 Other training and learning opportunities, as presented in the UNDP JPO Orientation Programme
In addition, the JPO will benefit from the following specific training and learning modalities/opportunities in the
receiving office:
The JPO will benefit from an orientation programme upon arrival to the Regional Centre in Addis Ababa comprised of in-house
briefings, meetings with the Governance and Peacebuilding Team; other Clusters and external partners. S/he will work closely
with the Governance and Peacebuilding Director, who will be responsible for the JPO's induction.
Formalized training will include participation in relevant workshops, seminars and training courses. The assignment will give JPO
the opportunity to become intimately familiar with democratic governance policy making and programming processes in Africa,
and will have assisted in getting a clearer view on the role of political economy in development. More specifically, upon
completion of the assignment the JPO will be able to:
1.
Provide technical support on democratic governance issues, particularly on disability rights, human rights and rule of law
more broadly
2. Provide capacity development assistance to Country Offices and senior representatives in democratic governance issues
particularly disability rights and more broadly human rights and rule of law.
VII. Background Information
Information on the receiving office:
The UNDP Regional Service Centre for Africa, based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and with additional offices in Dakar, Senegal and
Nairobi, Kenya, serves UNDP’s 46 Country Offices in sub-Saharan Africa, develops high quality knowledge and policy, is the
organization’s main interface with regional and continental bodies such as the African Union and the Regional Economic
Communities, and implements UNDP’s Regional Programme for Africa. The Governance and Peacebuilding Team has a focus on
issues around a number of areas including rule of law, justice and security, enhancing voice and participation, increasing the
responsiveness of institutions, youth inclusion, election support, migration urbanization and the development response to
radicalization & violent extremism.
The Justice and human rights portfolio includes a broad range of interventions. As well as our support to Country Offices, current
priority initiatives have included completion of a landmark study on the state of human rights institutions in Africa. The report,
which is the first of its kind will be launched in 2016 and will frame priority areas for UNDP engagement with national human
rights institutions in Africa. UNDP will also focus on implementation & domestication of the Luanda Declaration on pre-trial
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UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
Junior Professional Officer (JPO) JOB DESCRIPTION
detention supporting the work of the African Commission on Human and people’s rights. More broadly we will also focus on
ratification and domestication of AUC Treaties and development responses to issues of migration and violent extremism.
A key initiative supported by the Regional Service Centre is the establishment of the African Disability Forum (ADF) through a
grant provided by the UN Partnership to promote the rights of persons with disabilities (UNPRPD). The ADF is an inclusive
democratic independent Pan-African membership organisation of representative continental, sub-regional and national
federations of organisations of persons with disabilities (DPO’s). It is located in Addis Ababa focusing on communications with
member organisations and capacity building activities. It works in partnership with the African Union Commission, other
development agencies, civil society organisations, UN agencies and multi-lateral and bilateral donor agencies. The grant from
UNPRPD has bene provided to support the establishment of the ADF including holding its first General Assembly and appointing
its leadership. This has been done in October 2015. The ADF must also establish an office including development of a website and
other communication tools such as newsletters, establish its secretariat, obtain registration by the Government of Ethiopia,
undertake capacity assessments of membership organisations and establish its priorities. UNDP is supporting a national
consultant who has been assisting with the day to day activities needed for the last six months.
The Junior Professional Officer (JPO) working under the supervision of the Justice & Human Rights Specialist would be responsible
for engaging with implementation of ADF activities including the UNPRPD Grant and broader capacity development activities
undertaken by ADF. The JPO will be responsible for ensuring that disability issues are mainstreamed across the work of the Centre
including in the development of country programme documents (CPDs) as well as initiatives in the Africa regional programme.
The JPO will establish a database of Country Office activities which support persons with disabilities and where necessary provide
technical support (or link to RSC or HQ expertise who may be able to provide advice or support). The JPO will also provide
technical support to the work of the RSC in relation to its broader work on human rights, thus being exposed to different aspects
of this portfolio.
Living conditions at the Duty Station:Ethiopia is a multi-ethnic state with a variety of languages spoken in the country (83 with
200 dialects). The country has often been called the original home of mankind. The most famous Ethiopian river is the Blue Nile
(also known as Abay), which runs a distance of 1450 kilometers from the source in Lake Tana, to join the White Nile at Khartoum.
Coffee, hides, oil seeds, beeswax, meat, sugarcane, and flowers are the nation’s main exported items. Addis Ababa lies at an
altitude of 7546 feet (2300m). The city is the headquarters of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa and the African
Union.
Visitors to Ethiopia should be in possession of a valid health certificate for yellow fever. Vaccination against cholera is also
required for any person who has visited or transited a cholera-infected area within six days prior to arrival in the country. As Addis
Ababa is situated at an altitude of 2,400 meters, it is advisable to take precautionary measures to avoid health problems that
might occur because of high altitude.
Ethiopian currency is denominated in “Birr” and “centimes”. The exchange rate is about USD 1.00 = ETB 20.73 as of February
2015, the exchange rate fluctuates. There is an ATM located on the ground floor of the RSCA building operated by Commercial
Bank of Ethiopia. It accepts both Visa and Master Cards. There is also an authorized exchange center (Forex) at the Sheraton Hotel
and ATM machines for Visa/MasterCard users in the Dembel City Centre (across from the RSCA building) and in various hotels
including Sheraton, Hilton, Radisson Blu, Intercontinental, Ethiopia, and Wabe Shebelle.
Ethiopia has two main seasons. The dry season lasts from October through May, and the rainy season starts in June and ends in
September. Temperatures depend on season and altitude. The weather in February will be dry; warm during the day and cool at
dusk and dawn. Visitors are advised to bring warm clothes to respond to the changing weather in the evenings and early
mornings.
The UNDP Regional Service Centre for Africa, based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia is Non-Smoking environment
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