Programme Coordinator (NCHR-UNICEF)

1.      Background and Rationale:

National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) is an autonomous body set up through NCHR Act of 2012. The Act stipulates a broad and overarching mandate for the promotion, protection and fulfilment of human rights, as provided for in Pakistan’s Constitution and international treaties. The primary functions and powers of the NCHR include, to conduct investigations into allegations of human rights abuse(s), either on petitions filed by individuals or institutions, or through suo-moto action; review existing and proposed legislation in relation to human rights principles; carry out research and advise on policy matters pertaining to the situation of human rights in Pakistan; contribute to national human rights awareness-raising and advocacy initiatives in the country; review and report on the Government’s implementation and monitoring of the state of human rights; make technical recommendations and follow up on the implementation of treaty obligations. The current Commission became operational in 2021 with the appointment of the Chairperson and its Members.

Under the Rolling Work Plan 2023-24 signed between UNICEF and National Commission on Human Rights (NCHR), a key area of collaboration is to support the juvenile justice systems work as per NCHR’s mandate. In this regard, NCHR requires a Programme Coordinator who would seek guidance from the Chairperson and the Commission Members to coordinate this work on behalf of NCHR.

2.      Objective and Expected Outcome: 

The Programme Coordinator will assist the Commission in coordinating the juvenile justice systems work as defined in the RWP. This will involve not only managing the partnership with UNICEF but also working closely with the Ministry of Law and Justice (MoL&J), which is the primary stakeholder for UNICEF for the juvenile justice system strengthening work. UNICEF has already entered into a partnership with MoL&J to provide technical assistance for the implementation of Juvenile Justice System Act (JJSA) and Legal Aid and Justice Authority Act (LAJA) in collaboration with provincial authorities and Bar Associations; finalization of JJSA rules and capacity building of justice professionals on JJSA and LAJA focusing on legal assistance for children coming into contact with law. NCHR will play its strategic advisory role in taking the agenda forward for strengthening of the juvenile justice systems in line with its mandate and specifically contributing to the afore-mentioned areas. The Programme Coordinator will directly report to the Chairperson NCHR.             

3.      Tasks/Deliverables:

1.      Promote NCHR’s strong coordination on the juvenile justice systems partnership with UNICEF as well as Ministry of Law and Justice and any other relevant partners.

2.      Provide technical contributions on behalf of NCHR as the focal point at the various consultations, meetings, events that take place between UNICEF and Ministry of Law and Justice on juvenile justice systems work; 

3.      Assist in preparing comments and replies for the Senate, National Assembly of Pakistan, Federal and Provincial governments particularly on child rights violations linked with the juvenile justice;

4.      Develop monthly, quarterly progress reports for NCHR on the juvenile justice systems work;

5.     Monitor the compliance of the Convention on the Rights of the Child and other instruments signed/ratified by Pakistan, particularly linked with juvenile justice systems and develop reports, as needed

Qualification

• Minimum 3 to 5 years of experience on child rights and protection
• Incumbent must have hands on experience of programme management related to juvenile justice
• Strong coordination, management and partnership handling skills
• Strong communication, documentation and report writing skills
• Strong knowledge of Human Rights frameworks both national and international
• Strong experience with National Human Rights Institutions and Ministry of Human of Rights.
• Previous coordination experience with relevant government departments