Consultant with the mandate on counter-terrorism

Result of Service• Draft documents, publications, communications and technical advice on issues as directed. • Regularly attend meetings and provide weekly written information on all developments in NY in order to keep the Special Rapporteur and his team in Geneva informed. The consultant will be directly supervised by the Special Rapporteur, or in his place the Human Rights Officer supporting the mandate, and be under the general supervision of the Chief of the Protection, Religion, Accountability and Human Security Section (PRAHS). Work LocationUN premises and working from home to be confirmed - NY based Expected durationMar 2025 - Feb 2026 Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism is part of the Special Procedures. The mandate was established in April 2005 by the UN Commission on Human Rights in resolution 2005/80. Subsequently, the Human Rights Council extended the mandate multiple times, most recently on 24 March 2022, for three years, by resolution 49/10. The mandate was conceived in response to the alarming human rights violations that emerged in the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. These violations, rooted in overly securitised counter-terrorism measures, included acts such as torture, extraordinary renditions, arbitrary detention, and extrajudicial executions. By establishing the mandate, the international community sought to address these excesses and ensure that counter-terrorism efforts remain firmly grounded in respect for human rights and international law. The Special Rapporteur is mandated to: (1) Make recommendations to promote and protect human rights while countering terrorism, and to address the right of victims of terrorism; (2) Conduct country visits to assess and report on human rights situations in counter-terrorism contexts; (3) Present individual and legislative communications to governments, where individuals or groups submit information to the mandate alleging human rights violations linked to counter-terrorism measures; and (4) Issue annual reports to the UN General Assembly and the UN Human Rights Council, providing analysis and recommendations on critical thematic and operational issues. The Special Rapporteur’s current priorities are set out in his Human Rights Council 2024 report to the Human Rights Council (A/HRC/55/48). Unlike many other Special Procedures mandates, the counter-terrorism mandate includes additional responsibilities to engage with the United Nations bodies relevant to counter-terrorism, including the General Assembly, Security Council, Counter-terrorism Committee, Office of Counter-Terrorism, the UN Office of Drugs and Crime, and the 47-member Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact and its working groups.. The Special Rapporteur promotes human rights within the UN counter-terrorism system; offers technical assistance to Member States and UN entities; advocates for human rights and remedies for victims of both terrorism and counter-terrorism, including accountability of perpetrators; engages with regional organisations, civil society and other stakeholders globally; integrates gender perspective throughout his work and effectively coordinates with other Special Procedures to advance human rights. These many responsibilities underscore the unique role of the mandate in addressing human rights concerns within the broader UN counter-terrorism architecture, as directed by both the General Assembly and the Security Council. The Special Rapporteur's engagement ensures that human rights considerations are integrated into global counter-terrorism strategies and policies. To strengthen the Special Rapporteur's presence in the in the United Nations’ New York-based counter-terrorism work, a consultant with expertise in counter-terrorism is required. This NY-based consultant will advise the Special Rapporteur and ensure or conduct the mandate’s diplomatic engagement and legal and human rights advocacy with Member States of the Security Council and the General Assembly, as well as various UN counter-terrorism bodies. The consultant's role is crucial in ensuring that the mandate effectively addresses human rights concerns within the UN's counter-terrorism framework. The incumbent shall: -Provide advice to the Special Rapporteur on diplomatic, political and legal strategy; -Build and manage the mandate’s diplomatic, United Nations, civil society and other networks; -Provide technical advice and advocate on Security Council and General Assembly counter-terrorism resolutions and debates and periodic reviews of the Global Counter-terrorism Strategy; -Conduct strategic advocacy on the interface between counter-terrorism and international humanitarian law, sanctions and humanitarian exemptions, peace and security, protection of civilians and humanitarian actors, human rights and gender; -Represent the mandate and monitor the UN counter-terrorism architecture in New York. In addition, the incumbent will also support the Special Rapporteur with: -Monitor and advise on law, policy and strategy on counter-terrorism and human rights; -Draft oral presentations and written statements and briefings; -Research and analyse thematic and country issues, including drafting publications; -Research and draft communications on human rights violations in specialized areas; -Engage with other international bodies (regional organisations, Global Counter-terrorism Forum, Financial Action Task Force, Global Internet Forum to Counter-Terrorism); -Assist with conferences, seminars and meetings; -Provide logistical support to the Special Rapporteur (e.g. agenda, deadlines, travel); -Closely liaise and exchange information with the mandate’s Human Rights Officers; -Travel as required. Qualifications/special skillsAdvanced degree in international law, human rights, humanitarian law, international relations, peace and security and/or related areas. At least seven years of progressively responsible professional experience in international law, human rights, counter-terrorism, diplomacy, international organisations or related fields. Specific expertise in counter-terrorism law, human rights and/or international humanitarian law Ability to write sophisticated reports on complex legal topics with tight deadlines; Previous working experience with the United Nations or other international organizations, in particular human rights and counter-terrorism bodies, at technical and/or political levels, including drafting documents, is desirable; Well-developed diplomatic, inter-personal and oral communication skills. LanguagesFluency in English is required. Knowledge of another UN language (particularly Arabic, French or Spanish) is an asset. Additional InformationNot available. No FeeTHE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.