UNDP is hiring: Consultancy on Political and Public Participation of Persons with Mental and Intellectual Disabilities

Background

The genuine participation of all citizens in political processes is a cornerstone of democratic governance. 

Political participation is clearly rooted in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which clearly mention the right of every person to equal participation in public affairs, the right to vote and to be elected, and the right to access to public service.  Participation has subsequently been codified as a principle and human right in other international and regional human rights instruments. The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) addresses participation throughout the different articles as a cross-cutting issue and in article 29 clearly states the rights of persons with disabilities to participate in political and public life without discrimination and on an equal basis with others and calls upon state parties to guarantee those rights.  These rights enable persons with disabilities and their representative organizations to achieve change peacefully and legitimately through democratic processes.

However, as a result of multiple legal and social barriers, the right to vote or to participation in political and public life is currently denied to people with mental and intellectual disabilities in many countries of the world. Even when no legal restrictions exist, persons with intellectual disabilities face barriers that prevent them from voting, standing for election for public office and civic participation, or simply having a say in their own lives. 

UNDP’s work on democratic governance and peacebuilding includes programming to support the development policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, institutional capabilities for inclusive political processes. UNDP is the lead implementer of electoral assistance and parliamentary development support in the UN system. In its programming, UNDP places high priority on the political participation and civic engagement of persons and groups of society that are marginalized, excluded and often under represented from political institutions and political making processes.  Increasing people’s voice and participation in political and public life is a key feature of UNDP’s work in democratic governance. This demand must be satisfied if the Agenda 2030 promise to ‘leave no-one behind’ is to be realized.  It is in this context that UNDP approaches SDG16’s vision of ‘peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development’, providing ‘access to justice for all’ and building ‘effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels’.  Such governance is a pre-requisite for achieving the entirety of Agenda 2030.

UNDP wants to commission a study to identify key barriers affecting participation in political and public life of persons with mental and intellectual disabilities as well as good practices and country examples that could help improve our programming in the area.  The study will also help UNDP to pinpoint key intervention, partnerships and actions that could be useful at the global level. The paper will have a gender perspective, highlighting specific barriers and challenges face by women and girls with mental and intellectual disabilities and ensuring that recommendations address any gender issues arising from the study. 

Duties and Responsibilities

Duties and Responsibilities:

The objective of the consultancy is to develop a study on participation in political and public life of persons with mental and intellectual disabilities.  The consultant will first conduct literature review on the issue and produce a comprehensive list of available resources and publications on the topic. In addition, the consultant will develop a paper that will examine a) key barriers affecting political participation of people with mental and intellectual disabilities; b) identify good practices and experiences (including UN or UNDP programming) and c) identify key interventions and actions needed at the global level. 

Deliverables:

1. Literature review and comprehensive list of resources and publication on the issue of pollical and public participation of persons
2. Paper on participation in political and public life of persons with mental and intellectual disabilities 

Management and Responsibilities:

The consultant will perform her duties under the direct supervision of the Electoral Policy Specialist and in close consultation with the Inclusive Political Process Team Leader and the UNDP’s Disability Focal Point in the Rule of Law and Human Rights Team. 

Competencies

Core Values and Guiding Principles:

Integrity

• Demonstrating consistency in upholding and promoting the values of UNDP in actions and decisions, in line with the UN Code of Conduct;

Cultural Sensitivity/Valuing diversity

• Demonstrating an appreciation of the multicultural nature of the organization and the diversity of its staff;
• Demonstrating an international outlook, appreciating differences in values and learning from cultural diversity. 

Corporate Competencies:

• Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN's values and ethical standards;
• Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP and the UN;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• Treats all people fairly without favoritism. 

Technical/Functional Competencies:

• Strong theoretical understanding of policy and programmatic issues related to the promotion of disability rights in the context of developing countries;
• Strong understanding of issues related to the participation of persons with disabilities in political processes and public life pursuant to Article 29 of the CRPD
• Strong analytical skills.
• Very good knowledge and understanding of the UNCRPD.
• Good understanding of UN/UNDP programming in the field. 

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Disability Studies, Political Science, Human Rights, International Relations, Development or another related field

Experience

• A minimum of seven years of professional experience working on the promotion of rights, inclusion and political participation of persons of disabilities
• Familiarity with the work of the UN system on disabilities
• Experience researching and drafting policy documents, especially on disabilities and inclusive political processes

Language:

• Excellent written and verbal English communication skills required; knowledge of another UN language an asset.

Application Procedure

The application package containing the following (to be uploaded as one pdf file):

• Online application with brief description of why the Offer considers her/himself the most suitable for the assignment; and
• Personal CV or P11, indicating all past experience from similar projects and specifying the relevant assignment period (from/to), as well as the email and telephone contacts of at least three (3) professional references.

Click here to apply.