Worker

Background

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

The UNDP Projects Management Office (PMO) in Nicosia, Cyprus, seeks to contract on behalf of the Committee on Missing Persons in Cyprus (CMP) two Workers to contribute to CMP’s mandate.

The principal mandate of the CMP is to establish the fate of the people that went missing as a consequence of the tragic events of 1963-1964 and 1974 and to provide answers to anguished families. One important aspect of this work is to exhume, identify and return remains of missing persons. This process enables the relatives of the victims to recover the remains of their loved ones, arrange for a proper burial and provide closure to a long period of anguish and uncertainty, thereby promoting a process of reconciliation, healing and dialogue between both communities. This project also aims to strengthen the capacity for civil society to engage in sustained cooperation and reconciliation, through the important participation of bi-communal scientific teams in all stages of the process. This bi-communal cooperation will strengthen civic participation toward an issue that is critical for the healing of old wounds, and will sustain partnerships of cooperation and trust between both sides.

The CMP Project includes the following phases:

• Investigation: Information is collected and analyzed in order to identify potential burial sites.

• Excavation: Potential burial sites are excavated and human remains are recovered.

• Anthropological Analysis: The biological profile of the exhumed remains is established through scientific anthropological analysis.

• Genetic Testing and Matching: DNA analysis is conducted on exhumed remains and relatives of missing persons.

• Identification and Return of Remains: Formal identification of a missing person is concluded, the family is informed, remains are returned and psychological support is provided.

The Worker is based in the CMP Greek Cypriot Member’s Office. The incumbent reports to the Project Associate and works in a close contact with the CMP and UNDP teams.

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of key functions:

• Excavations on suspected burial sites.
• Support to knowledge building and knowledge sharing.

(1) Carry out excavations of suspected burial sites and exhumation of remains focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Participate to excavations in suspected burial sites of missing persons.
• Conduct manual removal of soil to the level of the remains/coffin
• Conduct exhumation of remains found in sites.
• Filling up of graves with soil after the sampling has occurred.
• Support site preparation for excavation, including tasks such as trimming trees, clearing vegetation, and transporting necessary equipment to and from the excavation sites.

(2) Supports knowledge building and knowledge sharing in the office focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Participation in the trainings for the staff related to the duties performed.
  

Competencies

Core

Achieve Results: LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline

Think Innovatively:

LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements

Learn Continuously: LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback

Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible

Act with Determination: LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident

Engage and Partner: LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships

Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies

Thematic Area Name Definition

Administration & Operations Documents and records management Overall document (hard or electronic) management; registry and retention policy including storing and archiving

Business Management Communication Ability to communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience

Business Direction & Strategy Effective Decision Making Ability to take decisions in a timely and efficient manner in line with one’s authority, area of expertise, and resources

Business Development

UNDP

Representation

Ability to represent UNDP and productively share UNDP knowledge and activities; advocate for UNDP, its values, mission, and work with various constituencies

Business Development

UNDP

Representation

Ability to represent UNDP and productively share UNDP knowledge and activities; advocate for UNDP, its values, mission, and work with various constituencies

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Minimum Secondary education is required

Experience:

• Relevant experience is an asset.
• Previous experience working with local communities in a post-conflict setting is an asset.

Required Skills:

• Ability to work in challenging conditions involving physical labor and outdoor work.

Desired Skills:

• Familiarity with multi-cultural working environment is an asset.
• Previous experience working on peacebuilding/confidence building projects will be considered an asset.
• Familiarity with health and safety protocols in field environments.

Required Languages:

• Working Knowledge in English is required.
• Good knowledge in Greek is required.

Other:

• Nationals or others legally authorized to work in Cyprus are eligible.

Disclaimer

Important information for US Permanent Residents ('Green Card' holders)

Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment.

UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.

Applicant information about UNDP rosters

Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Non-discrimination

UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.

UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

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