Background:
There is a strong recognition that significant weaknesses in governance, justice and security institutions of Liberia were key factors in causing the crises that beset Liberia over the past two decades. Through the Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS), the Government of Liberia (GoL) has expressed its resolve to address the weaknesses of the state that have driven poverty, instability and conflict. Importantly, the Government has highlighted the importance of the rule of law for consolidating peace. Effective and accountable legal and justice institutions, access to justice, and the protection and promotion of human rights are not only essential for sustainable peace-building, but are underpinning many of the PRS objectives in general. This is fully commensurate with the UN’s analysis and strategy in Liberia. Weak justice systems were identified as a pivotal conflict factor in the 2006 Common Country Assessment (CCA) for Liberia and strengthening the rule of law has thus been included as an important objective in the United Nations Development Assistance Framework 2008-11 (UNDAF) for Liberia.
To support the GoL in the achievement of priorities and outcomes described in the PRS and UNDAF, the Liberia Peacebuilding Programme was formulated. The programme builds on the Peace Building Commission’s (PBC) Priority Plan for Liberia which was concluded on 26 January 2011. The LPP is divided into two sections, which are strategically linked. Component 1 focuses on joint justice and security programming, while Component 2 focuses on national reconciliation programming. Component 1 is the key component, given that SSR and rule of law are fundamental to enabling the transition of UN Mission in Liberia and fundamental to helping Liberia address the challenges it faces today. This component represents a Joint Justice and Security Programme between the Government of Liberia and the UN with a core outcome to enhance access to justice and security at regional and county level in preparation for UNMIL transition.
The Justice and Security Joint Programme (JSJP) proposes a catalytic initiative to enhance access to justice and security at the regional and county levels with the development of five regional justice and security hubs, in addition to the provision of justice and security services that are urgently required. It is envisaged that four core outputs will be delivered under the outcome on justice and security, including:
Infrastructure, equipment, and other logistics for the effective performance of the regional hubs put in place
Justice and security service providers able to provide fair and accountable professional services
Justice and security service providers are responsive to community concerns
Legal and policy frameworks in place that enable national authorities to better perform their duties in the justice and security sector
Under the leadership of the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary General – Rule of Law, the United Nations Country Team (UNCT) and UNMIL have undertaken steps to coordinate and position the UN’s support to key rule of law areas within the Drawdown phase of UNMIL.This project will enable UNDP to be strong partner for UNMIL and the UNCT and gradually increase UNDP’s support capacity as the Drawdown decreases UNMIL’s capacity on the ground.
Under the overall guidance of the Country Director and the direct supervision of the UNDP Deputy Resident Representative – Programme, the Justice and Security Project Manager will provide programme and operational support to the implementation of UNDP's capacity building support to the Ministry of Justice, Government of Liberia, within the framework of the Justice and Security Project.
Competencies
Corporate Competencies:
- Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards.
- Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP.
- Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.
- Treats all people fairly without favoritism.
Functional Competencies:
- Strong competencies in the area of Rule of Law and post-conflict experience.
- Promotes knowledge management in UNDP and a learning environment in the office through leadership and personal example.
- In-depth practical knowledge of inter-disciplinary development issues.
- Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more Practice Areas, acts on learning plan and applies
newly acquired skills.
- Seeks and applies knowledge, information, and best practices inside and outside UNDP.
- Ability to lead strategic planning, change processes, RBM and reporting.
- Ability to lead formulation, oversight of implementation, monitoring and evaluation of development projects.
- Builds strong relationships with clients, focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to eedback.
- Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude.
- Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities.
- Ability to lead effectively, mentoring as well as conflict resolution skills.
- Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills.
- Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure.
- Proven networking, team-building, organizational and communication skills.
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
Advanced university degree (Master degree) preferably in political science, law, international studies, development studies or a related field.
Experience:
- At least seven years of relevant work experience in dealing with issues in conflict and post-conflict countries and substantial direct
experience on access to justice, judicial reform and/or strengthening of the rule of law.
- Detailed knowledge of development process and post-conflict related issues, particularly in the reactivation and development of rule of law
institutions in a post-conflict environment. Knowledge of the African context, the Manu-River Union sub-region, and Sierra Leone, is
desirable but not a requirement.
- Proven experience in transition and development coordination and resource mobilization.
- Prior experience within the United Nations, in particular UNDP, is desirable but not a requirement.
Language:
Strong written and spoken English skills. Knowledge of additional UN languages is desirable
Deadline: 9 May 2012
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