6.9 Special Advisers to the NHRI
In several countries, the UNCT and/ or the OHCHR have established a “Special Adviser” position in order to support and advise NHRIs over a period of two to three years in the Establishment Phase. This resource needs to be built into the Project Document and costed as part of the budget in the Project Activity Framework. The position is generally paid for by the UNCT or through an umbrella fund. The selected Adviser, if this option is chosen, should have extensive NHRI experience, regional experience and have worked in a NHRI before. This is a practical position and requires hands-on experience.
The advantages of this position are:
- Improved overall coordination of NHRIs functions;
- An in-house, experienced advisor who is accessible to the entire institution for advice and counsel (this is especially important at the beginning);
- An advisor who can support the senior NHRI member in meetings with government officials during meetings on budgets and can provide concrete information on NHRI budgets;
- Offers a neutral position that can facilitate high level interventions with UNCT when necessary;
- A liaison point between the NHRI and the UNCT with regard to programme planning and budget management;
- Train a successor in the NHRI through a mentorship; and
- Can support capacity development and assessment processes.
On the negative side, Special Advisers leave after two to three years, and if the person who was to be trained by the Adviser (and is generally chosen by the NHRI) is incompetent or a political appointee, the initiative will have no sustainability and the “corporate experience” will leave with the adviser.
UN Support to the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission Project Special Technical Adviser to the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission. In establishing the AIHRC, a technical assistance project was developed to support administrative and substantive capacities needed to function independently. The overall effectiveness of the Project is demonstrated by the AIHRC as a functional and well-run body active across the country on a wide range of issues. An evaluation team spoke with several AIHRC Commissioners who had been with the Commission from the time of its establishment, including the Chairperson of the Commission. They expressed appreciation for the flexibility of the Project, which allowed them the latitude to respond to circumstances. The Project provided a framework to meet the emerging needs of the AIHRC as it developed. The financial and administrative procedures introduced by UNDP were seen as providing a sound foundation for the AIHRC, but were however found to be frustrating, slow and burdensome at times for AIHRC staff and Commissioners. While it was impossible to fully assess the quality of relationships and communication between the UN technical assistance providers and the Commissioners, the partnership appears to have been constructive and pragmatic, with generally sound communication. The role of, and relationship with, the UNOHCHR Chief Technical Adviser was often singled out as positive and highly valued.
Source: Upreti and Griffith, “UN Support to the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission Project: Final Evaluation.” Undated. On file.