Expert/Drafter of Guidelines on Political Participation of Persons with Disabilities

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Archived vacancy details

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Issued by: OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights
Vacancy number: VNODIC00689
Vacancy type: Experts/Consultants
Field of expertise: Democratization
Number of posts: 1
Duty station: Warsaw
Date of issue: 20 November 2017
Deadline for application: 10 December 2017 - 23:59 Central European Time (CET/CEST)

Background

		ODIHR requires services of an experienced disability rights expert to take on the role of the lead drafter responsible for preparing the Guidelines on Political Participation of Persons with Disabilities in the OSCE Region, based on desk research, recommendations developed throughout the relevant events organized by ODIHR and inputs received from the Expert Group members and other related events. The importance of public participation is emphasised in the 2008 Helsinki Document, which recognizes that “human rights are best respected in democratic societies, where decisions are taken with maximum transparency and broad participation.” Political participation of persons with disabilities is enshrined in the Moscow 1991 OSCE Meeting Document, where participating States committed “to take steps to ensure the equal opportunity of such persons to participate fully in the life of their society” and to “promote the appropriate participation of such persons in decision-making in fields concerning them.” According to the World Health Organization data, persons with disabilities form approximately one billion of the world population. At the same time, representation of persons with disabilities in political and public life remains limited in most of the OSCE participating States. Bearing in mind these challenges, but also opportunities, ODIHR is implementing a two-and-a-half year project “Our right to participate – Promoting the participation of Persons with Disabilities in political and public life (Phase II)” which aims at raising awareness and promoting more inclusive and participatory societies across the OSCE region. As part of the project activities ODIHR will prepare Guidelines on Political Participation of Persons with Disabilities which will offer advice and assistance on how to achieve more inclusive and representative democratic institutions and decision-making processes. The Guidelines will focus on the challenges and positive practice examples from the OSCE region which can promote an increased representation of persons with disabilities in democratic institutions in line with the existing international standards in this area. Furthermore, the Guidelines will cover such as aspects as participation of persons with disabilities in political parties and parliaments, the use of new technologies, involvement and consultation of disabled people’s organizations in law and policy-making, special measures that need to be taken to involve women, youth and other minorities with disabilities in political processes. To facilitate the preparation of Guidelines, ODIHR will organize several meetings in the course of 2018 (Vienna March 201, Tbilisi September or October 2018 - tbc) on various topics, relevant to the Guidelines, for example, on political participation of women with disabilities. Furthermore, ODIHR has established an Expert Group which meets annually to advice ODIHR on disability related issues. In May or June 2018 the Expert Group will meet in Dushanbe to discuss the initial draft of the Guidelines where the Expert will be required to present the first draft and take a note of the recommendations. It is envisaged that the Guidelines should be finalized by December 2018. The Guidelines will fill the existing gap on targeted support to parliaments and political parties on disability mainstreaming and will support the further work of ODIHR in this field. The Guidelines will: provide an introduction to the existing international standards on political participation of persons with disabilities; Outline the main challenges which limit such participation; identify and map out existing good practices in the area of political participation of persons with disabilities in the OSCE region, with a focus on political parties, parliaments (at national and local level), involvement and consultation of disabled people’s organizations in law and policy-making processes; ensure a specific focus on special measures that need to be taken to involve women, youth and other minorities with disabilities in political processes.

Tasks and Responsibilities

		Under the supervision of the Chief of the DGGU (Democratic Governance and Gender Unit, Democratization Department) and the guidance of the Associate Democratic Governance Officer of the DGGU, the Expert will: have overall responsibility for drafting the Guidelines on Political Participation of Persons with Disabilities; develop a proposed Outline of the Guidelines and submit to ODIHR as a component of their application for this assignment. The Outline should be up to 3 pages; draft an initial concept paper outlining the main contents and stages of the process of preparing the Guidelines, complemented with a tentative timeline, and submit it to the Chief of the DGGU and the Associate Democratic Governance Officer of the DGGU; this concept paper should incorporate the results of discussions during a first Skype meeting in early January 2018, and preparatory materials received prior to the meeting; prepare several written drafts of the Guidelines based on on-going research on legal standards, challenges and positive practice examples, and discussions at the relevant meetings, and wider consultation meetings, and circulate them among the Expert Group members, the Chief of the DGGU and the Associate Democratic Governance Officer of the DGGU; coordinate the input received from Expert Group members, and follow up with them as needed; actively participate in the Expert Group meetings, and other related events as indicated above. Deliverables The Expert will: At the time of application, the Expert will submit to ODIHR a proposed Outline of the Guidelines; Prepare a first draft concept paper by 22 January 2018; Prepare a final concept paper by 12 February 2018; Prepare a first draft of the Guidelines by 4 May 2018; Prepare a second draft of the Guidelines by 3 September 2018; Prepare a final draft of the Guidelines by 3 December 2018; Participate in the meetings (maximum three meetings abroad) relevant to the Guidelines, including the Expert Group meetings as scheduled throughout the time period from 8 January 2018 to 3 December 2018.

Necessary Qualifications

		Advanced degree in the area of law, political sciences, social sciences, or other related field; Proven in-depth knowledge and extensive working experience with disability rights (over 7 years). Proven knowledge of political processes and political participation of persons with disabilities. Solid academic and/or practical record, including research and analysis; Proven experience of advisory services to decision makers, especially in developing democracies and countries in transition; Computer literacy; Full command of English; Knowledge of the Russian language is an asset; Excellent analytical skills Excellent drafting skills in English; Strong organisational and communication skills; Flexibility, ability to work under minimal supervision and deliver against tight deadlines.

Required competencies

		Core values Commitment: Actively contributes to achieving organizational goals Diversity: Respects others and values their diverse perspectives and contributions Integrity: Acts in a manner consistent with the Organization’s core values and organizational principles Accountability: Takes responsibility for own action and delegated work Core competencies Communication: Actively works to achieve clear and transparent communication with colleagues and with stakeholders of the Organization Collaboration: Works effectively with others on common goals and fosters a positive, trust-based working environment Planning: Works towards the achievement of goals in a structured and measured manner Analysis and decision-making: Analyses available information, draws well-founded conclusions and takes appropriate decisions Initiative-taking: Proposes and initiates new ideas, activities and projects Flexibility: Responds positively and effectively to changing circumstances Managerial competencies (for positions with managerial responsibilities) Leadership: Provides a clear sense of direction, builds trust and creates an enabling environment Strategic thinking: Identifies goals that advance the organizational agenda and develops plans for achieving them Managing performance: Helps to maximize team performance by providing active feedback and skill development opportunities

Remuneration Package

		Period of Assignment and Remuneration The Expert shall work for up to 30 (thirty) working days in the period from 8 January 2018 – 3 December 2018. Remuneration will depend on the selected consultant’s qualifications and experience and be in accordance with OSCE established rates. Travel expenses for attendance at briefings and events will be covered by ODIHR according to OSCE travel policy. Location: Home-based with trips to Vienna (March 2018), Dushanbe (May or June 2018), Tbilisi (September or October 2018) (precise dates to be confirmed)

How To Apply

		As part of the application process, interested candidates are required to submit an updated CV, a motivation letter, and the proposed Outline of the Guidelines on political participation of persons with disabilities, by email to recruit@odihr.pl. The Outline should be up to 3 pages. Applications without a submitted Outline will not be considered. Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious, ethnic and social backgrounds to apply to become a part of the Organization. Applicants with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.