Jobs - 48730- UNSCO External Relations Specialist

UNSCO External Relations Specialist

Location :

East Jerusalem, PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES

Type of Contract :

FTA International

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

20-Aug-14 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

P-4

Duration of Initial Contract :

One year

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. 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.

Background

Now, as never before, the UN in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt) is working as one, with common vision and mission statements, a common Integrated Strategic Framework (ISF), and a well-functioning coordination architecture, all contributing to alignment between its political, humanitarian, and developmental strategies and work. . UNSCO’s Coordination Unit(CU) plays a central role in this process, supporting the Special Coordinator and Deputy Special Coordinator/Resident Coordinator/Humanitarian Coordinator to ensure both internal cohesion within the UN system, as well as effective external engagement with the parties to the conflict, member states, and other international partners (e.g., UN agencies and the World Bank).

As part of its central functions, in recent years, the CU has assumed a key role in supporting strategic initiatives that are at the nexus of policy, politics and programming. This includes engaging in Area C on the establishment of social infrastructure and Gaza on critically important energy and water issues.

In order to better undertake and manage this work, the Unit is seeking to appoint an External Relations Officer/Deputy Head of Unit to enhance UNSCO’s engagement with the parties, member states, and the UN system on issues at the nexus of programming policy and politics. This officer will also serve as UNSCO’s secondee into the Office of the Quartet Representative and support the Chief of the Coordination Unit (CCU) in the management of the CU.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance of the DSC/RC/HC and the direct supervision of the UNSCO Chief of Coordination Unit (CCU), the Head of External Relations Section will:

Works with CCU to develop niche initiatives in areas where the UN has a comparative advantage (e.g. energy, water and Area C) and oversees strategy to ensure their implementation (20% of time):

Engage all parties on the development of bridging proposals between the parties;
Engages diplomatic community in order to build political and financial support where needed;
Provides recommendations on engagement of UNSCO Principals in pursuing proposals.

Along with CCU engages Government of Israel on UN programming (15% of time):

Engages CoGAT and ICA on operational issues, delivering demarches as necessary;
Pursues negotiated agreements with parties where necessary.

Supports Management of UNSCO’s Coordination Unit/RC Office (10% of time):

Direct supervision of one P3 international staff member and shared supervision of one national staff member;
Serves as CU Officer in Charge in the absence of CCU; Chair weekly staff meetings as necessary;
Participates in Senior Staff meetings in the absence of CCU;
Provides inputs into monthly Security Council Briefs and reviews drafts as necessary;
Ensures coordination with key external partners and in particular the Office of the Quartet Representative;
Engages the UN Access Unit on behalf of the DSC/RC/HC and the CCU to identify key issues where UNSCO intervention is needed.

Serve as the UN’s secondee to the Office of the Quartet Representative (50% of time):

Interfaces with the work of the Office of the Quartet Representative and ensures appropriate engagement of UNSCO (particularly Special and Deputy Special Coordinators) with the office and Quartet Representative Blair;
Supports Quartet Representative Blair on areas of engagement (e.g. Area C and water issues);
Engages members of the international community on OQR issues.

Other (5 % of time):

Working with UNCT Coordination Officer, ensures provision of information to donors and other relevant parties on donor coordination;
Supports CU colleague in charge of Gulf Outreach activities with material as requested;
Supports the development of key joint position papers with donors and UN agencies;
Monitors and analyzes trends, reviews relevant documentation and reports on relevant issues in order to advise senior management on appropriate policy measures and positions;
Undertakes outreach activities representing UNSCO in meetings, seminars, launches, training workshops on assigned topics/activities.

Impact of Results

Improved coordination and collaboration with the full range of external actors, including, inter alia, the Palestinian Authority, the Government of Israel, key donors and the Office of the Quartet Representative, and UN agencies.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

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

Functional Competencies:

Coordination Effectiveness:

Ability to build and sustain effective partnerships with UN Agencies and main constituents, advocate effectively, communicate sensitively across different constituencies.

Management and Leadership:

Focuses on impact and result for the client;
Leads teams effectively and shows conflict resolution skills;
Establishes priorities for self and other members of the RC office; schedules activities to ensure optimum use of time and resources; monitors performance against development and other objectives and corrects deviations from the course;
In providing advice to the RC, has the capacity to gather comprehensive information on complex problems or situations; evaluates information accurately and identifies key issues required to resolve problems;
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
Demonstrates excellent oral and written communication skills;
Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors;
Manages conflict and stress, remaining composed and working as a mediator in crisis or antagonistic situations;
Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities;
Responds positively to critical feedback and differing points of view;
Solicits feedback from staff about the impact of his/her own behavior;
Excellent writing skills, as well as strong analytical aptitude, communication and presentation skills is required.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Master’s Degree in International Relations, International Development, Management, Political Science, Social Sciences or related field;
A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying 9 years experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:

A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in economic and social development, programme management, humanitarian affairs, political affairs, or a related field is required;
Substantial experience at the international level in the field;
Good knowledge of UN system, procedures and operational activities;
Work experience with UN /other development partners will be preferable;
Work experience in the Middle East is an advantage.

Language:

Fluency in English is required;
Knowledge of Arabic and Hebrew is a strong advantage.