Job Opening 2016: Capacity Needs Assessment for Zimbabwe Human rights Commission
Vacancy at the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission
Organisation: Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission
Job Title: Capacity Needs Assessment for Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission
Duration: 45 Days
Close Date: 19-10-2016
1 Short description: Undertake Rapid Capacity Needs Assessment identify Individual and Institutional needs (technical and functional) which are core to the delivery of the mandate of the ZHRC.
2.0 BACKGROUND
The Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) is a national hybrid human rights institution with a strong mandate to assume a primary role in the protection, promotion of human rights and administrative justice in the country. From the period 2010-2015 the Commission with the support of UNDP in Zimbabwe and other development partners was in its inception stage where it sought catalytic support for its operationalisation. During this period, key interventions were made resulting in the achievement of important milestones such as development of the strategic plan, institutional and departmental manuals on human resources, administrative and finance manuals among others, procurement of technical equipment for execution of the work and recruitment of staff among others. To continue strengthening the work of the ZHRC and protection and promotion of human rights in the country a new four year project (2016-2020) entitled “Strengthened access to quality inclusive and responsive human rights delivery in Zimbabwe”has been launched in partnership with UNDP.
Due to the specialised nature of the ZHRC as a National Human Rights Institution, it is important that the Commissioners, Secretariat and other members of staff are equipped with relevant and comprehensive knowledge, skills and technical expertise for the delivery of their functional positions. To ensure this, continuous tailor made learning through various modes and linked to functional delivery for the Commissioners and Secretariat is critical which should cater for both short term and longer term needs of the Commission to ensure sustained growth. Additionally, in order to effectively deliver the mandate, the ZHRC need to address the possible institutional, technical and functional gaps that may impede the human rights service delivering of the Constitutional mandate.
It is against this backdrop that the Commission seeks to source the services of an experienced consultant to facilitate the process of a rapid capacity needs assessment to identify institutional, technical and functional needs ofthe Commissioners, Secretariat and thematic working groups.
2.1 Rationale of the Assignment
The aim of the project “Strengthened access to quality inclusive and responsive human rights delivery in Zimbabwe” is to increase opportunities for access to context-based information and skills to empower all beneficiaries especially the marginalised and vulnerable groups to claim their rights and to participate in governance processes, and further support targeted institution and individual capacities to enhance ZHRC in providing the aforesaid services.
Output 3 of the project particularly seeks to enhance the institutional and individual capacities of the ZHRC for increased service delivery and strengthened policy advocacy. Towards this end, it is imperative to develop a support framework that will address key capacity gaps and needs within ZHRC based on evidence based information on gaps might negatively impact on theimplementation of the programme and achievement of expected outcomes.
2.2 Assignment Objective
The overall objective of the assignment is to carry out a rapid capacity needs assessment to identify capacity development gaps and institutional, technical and functional needs of the Commissioners, Secretariat and thematic working groups, which are core for the delivery of the mandate of the ZHRC. Additionally, a capacity support strategy will be expected with clear recommendations for the ZHRC.
2.3 Specific Objectives
- Identify institutional and individual) technical and functional needs; skills, knowledge and competences required for effective management and performance of the ZHRC including administrative departments.
- Identify technical needs and expertise required for effective performance of the entire ZHRC at the different levels including identifying defective systems in the management of the each department.
- Identify functional needs that are required for implementation of the mandate and carrying out the Human Rights services.
- Based on the conducted need assessment, take a stock of what skills are available in the ZHRC, looking what are the gaps and challenges in relation to the mandate and identify priority areas for capacity development and service delivery enhancement including identifying good practices.
- Identify knowledge, policies and systems gaps relevant for the implementation of the project outputs and the broader ZHRC strategic plan.Identify key stakeholder partnerships for relevant exchanges in capacity development of the ZHRC.
3.0 DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
3.1 Scope of the Assignment
- The scope of this assignment is limited to the Commission, Secretariat and Thematic Working Groups;
- The assignment shall be rapid yet comprehensive and consultative;
- The consultation shall involve both internal and external stakeholders as necessary;
- The assignment shall look at all critical areas and functions of the Commission departments in both Programmes and Operations departments and identify gaps.
3.2 Methodology
The methodology should be consultative and participatory, entailing a combination of comprehensive desk reviews, analysis and interviews. While interviews are a key instrument, all analysis must be based on observed facts to ensure that the assessment is sound and objective. On the basis of the foregoing, the consultants will further elaborate on the method and approach in a manner appropriate with the assignment. The key inputs to the assessment should be as follows:
- An inception report outlining the consultants’ understanding of the task and the proposed methodology to undertake it;
- Desk review of relevant documents (policy documents, projects, official correspondence and reports)
- Interviews with key informants (implementing partners, communities, stakeholders)
Participatory techniques and other approaches for gathering and analysing data should be paramount in the assessment. The Methodology of the assignment must show that the assessment is a set of activities and not a solution. In addition it must define desired capacities through assessing capacity assets and strengths, needs and gaps that will be used to design a framework for capacity support strategy.
4.0 DELIVERABLES AND REPORTING ARRANGEMENTS
4.1 Deliverable
- An inception report submitted within a five working days of signing the contract (detailing the work-plan, literature reviewed, stakeholders to be met, checklists and questionnaires, reports to be produced and an indication (Methodology) of how the Consultant (s) intends to carry out the assignment.)
- Draft Capacity Needs Assessment Report detailing initial findings and Capacity Development Strategy which includes a comprehensive training plan;
- A validation report/minute of the Draft Capacity Needs Assessment;
- Final Capacity Needs Assessment Report and Capacity Development Strategy.
4.2 Duration of Assignment
This assignment will be conducted over 45 days
4.3 Reporting arrangements
The consultants will be reporting to the Executive Secretary of the Commission through the Human Resources Focal Person. The consultants will also liaise closely with UNDP through the Programme Specialist for Justice and Human Rights and the Assistant Resident Representative of the Governance and Gender Mainstreaming Unit.
5.0. COMPETENCIES AND QUALIFICATIONS
5.1. Education and Training
Master’s degree in Law, International Human Rights, International Relations, Political Science, or related field. A higher post graduate qualification will be a distinct advantage.
5.2. Experience and Knowledge
- A minimum of 7 years’ experience in Human Rights and a Law environment;
- Demonstrable experience in research and analysis;
- Demonstrates practical knowledge in capacity development approaches;
- Displays knowledge of human rights processes, procedures and international best standards;
- Experience working in a multi-cultural and/or international work environment;
- Experience in capacity building initiatives;
- Demonstrable experience in monitoring and evaluation;
- Knowledge of working with National Human Rights Institutions is an added advantage.
5.3. Competencies
- Organisational awareness
- Working in Teams
- Communicating Information and Ideas
- Self-management and Emotional Intelligence
- Conflict Management / Negotiating and Resolving Disagreements
- Knowledge Sharing / Continuous Learning
- Appropriate and Transparent Decision Making
Technical and financial proposals (in separate sealed envelopes) clearly marked: “PROPOSAL FOR ENHANCED CAPACITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT FOR ZIMBABWE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION”, should reach the following address no later than 19 October 2016, before 12 noon:
Human Resources Director
Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission
144 Samora Machel Avenue
Harare
Or
Human Resources Director
Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission
127 Fife Street
Bulawayo
Or e-mail to humanresources@zhrc.org.zw