Background

The MONUSCO Stabilization Support Unit, established within the Integrated Office of the DSRSG/RC/HC, coordinates and supports the implementation of the International Security and Stabilisation Support strategy (ISSSS). The primary objective of the SSU is to ensure the programmatic and financial coherence and coordination of international support within the framework of the GoDRC Plan STAREC.

The International Security and Stabilization Support Strategy (ISSSS) was developed to deliver tangible dividends and reinforce political progress made following the 2006 elections, the Nairobi Communiqué, and the Goma Actes d’Engagement. It is now the main vehicle of the international community to provide support to the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Stabilization and Reconstruction Programme for War-Affected Areas (STAREC), launched in June 2009. Priority interventions targeted by the ISSSS are determined by the STAREC coordination mechanisms, co-chaired by the GoDRC and MONUSCO at the provincial and national level. Coordination support is provided by the Technical Secretariat of the STAREC which is composed of the Interprovincial Coordination team of the GoDRC and the Stabilization Support Unit of the office of the DSRSG/RC/HC.

Following the UNSCR 2053 (27 June 2012), the ISSSS adjusted its strategic and programmatic approach accordingly. The signing of the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework (PSCF) and Resolution 2098 provide new opportunities for stabilization. The GoDRC’s re-engagement to carry out national reforms will be crucial to address structural causes of conflict, and to consolidate state authority. The revised ISSSS in support of STAREC aims at transforming the relationship between the DRC state and population in the East to enable them to jointly address the main drivers of conflict. The new approach emphasizes that high-level political engagement is essential to provide coherence and guarantee the sustainability of stabilization investments; and the development of mechanisms to enable the communities to drive the peace efforts at local levels and support the state in delivering on the solutions identified by the populations to restore mutual trust and state legitimacy. In addition, the ISSSS approach is now supported by a strong Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) framework which will collect data to inform strategic and programmatic decision-making and inform the meeting of the PSCF national benchmarks. UNSCR 2211 (March 2015) places a stronger focus on stabilisation (ISSSS and Provincial Stabilisation Strategies and Action Plans), including linkages with DDR.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Deputy Stabilization Team Leader will be responsible for supporting the Team Leader in managing and coordinating the day to day activities of the Stabilization Unit. The Deputy Stabilization Team Leader is also responsible for the operationalisation of the ISSSS and Provincial Stabilisation Strategies/Action Plans. The Deputy Team Leader will also work very closely with the UNDP Country Office, especially for the financial management of projects.

Under the supervision of the Stabilization Team Leader, the Deputy Team Leader will be responsible for the following duties:

  • Support the Stabilization Team Leader in coordinating and overseeing the implementation of the ISSSS, with a particular focus on the Provincial Stabilisation Strategies/Action Plans.
  • Serve as the Deputy Stabilization Team Leader and Acting Team Leader in his/her absence;
  • Assist the Stabilization Team Leader in the day to day management of the Stabilization Unit as well as the provision of regular and reliable support and advice to UN and other international partners at provincial and district levels.
  • Support the management of the Stabilisation Trust Fund.
  • Support the establishment and management of strong partnerships with all national and international partners, and in particular with STAREC counterparts
  • Liaising with relevant partners within the mission, UNCT, national partners, NGOs and other actors in the implementation of the ISSSS, in particular international donors.
  • Support the planning and coordination in the implementation of the ISSSS-SPS/PAPs, especially in close collaboration with implementing partners, such as the STAREC, international donors, NGOS and the UNCT;
  • Facilitate a coherent approach for the implementation of the 5 ISSSS pillars and existing projects, either funded bi-laterally or through the Multi-donor trust Fund
  • Ensure the development of a global understanding and vision of the M&E in the context of the ISSSS and in close partnership with the M&E Unit from DfID;
  • Provide coordination support and advice to the UN system, STAREC, donors and NGOs implementing stabilisation programmes within the framework of the ISSSS;
  • Help coordinate and participate in assessment, monitoring and support missions at field level;
  • Support the Stabilization Team Leader in the development of unit workplans and budget;
  • Responsible for the management of the secretariat in charge of the Trust Fund and Peacebuilding Fund Priority Plan in the DRC.
  • Supprt UN agencies in the understanding of stabilisation notions and concepts to ensure a smooth transition towards longer term development objectives.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

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

Professionalism -

  • Demonstrated in-depth understanding of United Nations integrated missions and programmes;
  • Able to take lead on numerous issues simultaneously is a self-starter within a complex and challenging environment;
  • Strong analytical skills combined with good judgment;
  • Proven ability to review and edit the work of others;
  • Diplomacy and tact;
  • Commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of the mission.

Leadership

  • Strong managerial/leadership skills; demonstrated flexibility in leadership by performing and /or overseeing the analysis of complex human resources, financial or administrative management policy and programme issues;
  • Proven record of building and managing teams and creating an enabling environment, including the ability to effectively lead, supervise, mentor, develop and evaluate staff and design training/skills enhancement initiatives to ensure effective transfer of knowledge/skills;
  • Tact in negotiating skills demonstrated ability to provide leadership and take responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives into substantive work;
  • Commitment to the goal of achieving gender balance in staffing.

Communication

  • Excellent English and French communication (oral and written) skills including the ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences and prepare a variety of written documents in a clear and concise manner.

Teamwork

  • Very good interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with people in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Planning and Organizing

  • Ability to work under pressure to tight deadlines, juggle competing demands and handle multiple concurrent activities; ability to coordinate and supervise the work of others.

Managing Performance

  • Ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor work of others; ability to make timely decisions; ability to coach, mentor, motivate and develop staff and encourage good performance.

Client Orientation

  • Ability to identify client needs and appropriate solutions; demonstrated ability to establish and maintain productive partnerships with clients.

Judgment/Decision-making

  • Good judgment, decision-making and re-prioritization skills; Mature judgment and initiative; imagination, resourcefulness, energy and tact; proven ability to provide strategic direction and ensure an effective work structure to maximize productivity and achieve goals. 

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

  • Master Degree in international relations, international development, political science or other relevant social sciences

Experience:

  • A minimum of 7 years in the planning and development of programmes, projects, budgeting and M&E is required;
  • Excellent capacity to translate strategies and concepts into programmes and projects is required;
  • Experience in the development of resource mobilisation strategies is welcomed;
  • Knowledge in the use of ATLAS is required;
  • Must be able to draft well in French and English;
  • Experience in gender budgeting as part of programme and/or project developments is welcomed;
  • Work experience in post-conflict settings.

Language Requirements: 

  •  Fluent written and spoken in French and English.