Background
Special NoticePlease follow the link below to submit your application. All applications must be submitted using the link below.
The link is as follows:
The United Nation Secretariat maintains rosters of qualified and available candidates to fill anticipated job openings in peacekeeping operations, special political missions, and other field operations.
The purpose of this job opening is to generate a list of qualified candidates for inclusion in the Principal Civil Affairs Officer roster.
The entire assessment process takes an average of six months; all applicants will be notified in writing of the outcome of their application (whether successful or unsuccessful) within 14 days of the conclusion of the process. Successful candidates will be placed on the roster and subsequently will be invited to apply for field mission vacancies open only to roster members. Roster membership does not guarantee selection.
Org. Setting and Reporting
These positions are located in United Nations Field Peace Operations and Special Political missions. The Chief/Director of Civil Affairs reports to the Head of Mission/SRSG usually through either a Principal Deputy SRSG or SRSG/RC/HC.
Duties and Responsibilities
Responsibilities: Within the limits of delegated authority the Chief/ Director of Civil Affairs may be responsible for the following duties:- Contributes to the development of the strategic vision for the overall Mission and UN effort, and ensures that Civil Affairs work is clearly conceptualized in support of this, in line with the evolving situation on the ground and in accordance with the DPKO/DFS Civil Affairs Policy Directive;
- Provides leadership and vision for effective cooperation between Civil Affairs and state institutions, as one part of the overall effort in this area, with a view to; strengthening local ownership of the peace process, building capacity, promoting cooperation between authorities and relevant interest groups, as well as supporting operations, policy and decision-making processes as appropriate;
- Provides leadership and vision for the development of a Civil Affairs or (where appropriate) Mission-wide conflict management strategy, including mechanisms for information-sharing, crisis response and protection of civilians as needed;
- Formulates and implements the substantive work programme of Civil Affairs, in consultation with key partners inside and outside the Mission, taking account of gender considerations and ensuring that the component functions as one part of a coherent overall UN effort to support the peace process;
- Provides clear guidance on activities and performance expectations to component staff and oversees the management of programmed activities, including the delivery of high-quality outputs and results;
- Designs and institutes effective partnership and information-sharing arrangements with both relevant Mission and non-Mission actors, including the UN Country Team (UNCT). Oversees and ensures effective cooperation and coordination on the ground with all partners by Civil Affairs component staff. Ensures that all Mission and non-Mission partners are clear about the role and contributions of the Civil Affairs component;
- Ensures that the Mission and its mandate is effectively and consistently represented to relevant interlocutors at the sub-national level by the Civil Affairs component (and other Mission actors where appropriate), and that the perceptions and concerns of all sectors of the population are accurately fed into Mission-wide situation analysis and planning processes;
- Ensures that the Mission is provided with high-quality information and consistent analysis concerning conflict dynamics at the sub-national level and progress with or obstacles to the peace process countrywide, including via identification of critical peacebuilding gaps;
- Advocates for, and provides contextual advice to the Mission on, adherence to the principle of local ownership in the execution of its mandate;
- Institutes and oversees the programme management system for Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) in line with the DPKO Policy Directive on QIPs; including through setting up project management and approval mechanisms, proposing mission-specific priorities and ensuring impact evaluation;
- Undertakes or oversees the programmatic/administrative tasks necessary for the functioning of Civil Affairs, including; preparation of budgets, reporting on budget/programme performance, evaluation of staff performance, evaluation of candidates, and preparation of inputs for results-based budgeting. Ensures an appropriate balance of skills and specializations is recruited to the Civil Affairs component, in accordance with (and where possible anticipating) evolving requirements over time;
- Fosters team spirit among Civil Affairs staff, ensures they are provided with the requisite guidance and training to fulfill their tasks (including mission-specific induction and skills training), oversees the systematic identification of lessons and good practice and the sharing of these with Civil Affairs components in other Missions, and encourages free and active participation by all component staff in the online Civil Affairs Community of Practice;
- Performs other duties as required, in line with the DPKO/DFS Policy Directive on Civil Affairs.
Competencies
Functional Competencies:
Professionalism:
Professionalism:
- Seasoned and sophisticated understanding of the contexts within which peacekeeping operations function, and ability to contribute significantly to the overall strategic vision of the Mission;
- In-depth knowledge of DPKO/DFS policy on Civil Affairs and related areas, and a sophisticated understanding of the role of Civil Affairs in empowering and enabling other actors;
- Ability to conceptualise, communicate and implement a work programme for a large and geographically disbursed team, ensuring that it functions effectively and as one part of a wider collective effort;
- Ability to forge strategic networks and partnerships with a wide range of actors and design mechanisms for coordination;
- Ability to work persuasively with partners to ensure that the work of the component is integrated into overall Mission and UN efforts;
- Ability to conduct sophisticated analysis of political, economic and social factors affecting conflict dynamics and peace processes and to identify critical peacebuilding gaps;
- Sensitivity to complex dimensions of conflict, including related to issues of ethic identity, gender and historical patterns of exclusion;
- Understanding of the functioning of political parties and the role of elected or transitional members of representative bodies;
- In- depth understanding of the principle of local ownership and of how to advise the Mission on applying this in various aspects of its work;
- Understanding of how to ensure that the concerns and perceptions of the local population are taken account of in the overall planning and operations of the Mission;
- Ability to design and manage complex information flows;
- Substantial knowledge of project design and project cycle management;
- Ability to mobilise and manage financial resources. Sophisticated understanding of how to integrate gender perspectives into the work of peace operations;
- Appreciation of the value of identifying and sharing best practices and lessons learned.
- Proven ability to work under extreme pressure, on occasion in highly stressful environments;
- Ability to work with tact and diplomacy, primarily as an enabler of constructive actors and processes. Respect for local cultures and values, awareness of the impact of personal conduct, ability to adapt behaviour to different environments with sensitivity;
- Commitment to long term objectives, tenacity and a positive attitude in pursuing them;
- Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations;
- Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
Accountability:
- Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments;
- Delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards;
- Operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules;
- Supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments;
- Takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.
Planning& Organizing:
- Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies;
- Identifies priority activities and assignments;
- Adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work;
- Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning;
- Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary;
- Uses time efficiently.
Leadership:
Serves as a role model that other people want to follow:
- Empowers others to translate vision into results;
- Is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives;
- Establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support;
- Anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions;
- Drives for change and improvements;
- Does not accept the status quo;
- Shows the courage to take unpopular stands.
- For incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work;
- Demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing.
Empowering Others:
- Delegates responsibility, clarifies expectations, and gives staff autonomy in important areas of their work;
- Encourages others to set challenging goals;
- Holds others accountable for achieving results related to their area of responsibility;
- Genuinely values all staff members’ input and expertise;
- Shows appreciation and rewards achievement and effort;
- Involves others when making decisions that affect them.
Required Skills and Experience
Education:- Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in social sciences, political science, international relations, public administration, anthropology, law, economics or related area;
- A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
- A minimum of 15 years of experience in political science, social sciences, international relations, law, public administration, economics, civil affairs, conflict resolution and mediation, programme development, stabilization activities, public administration or related field;
- A minimum of three years spent in a field setting with UN Peacekeeping Operations, UN Funds or Programmes, National or International NGOs, international bilateral organisations, etc. is required;
- A minimum of seven years should be in a management position with responsibility for developing and Implementing a strategic programme with both personnel and resource management responsibilities.
- English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position(s) advertised, fluency in oral and written French or English is required;
- A good working knowledge of the other is desirable;
- Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.
United Nations Considerations:
The United Nations shall place no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8). The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.
Candidates will be required to meet the requirements of Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter as well as the requirements of the position. The United Nations is committed to the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity for all its human resources, including but not limited to respect for international human rights and humanitarian law. Candidates may be subject to screening against these standards, including but not limited to whether they have committed, or are alleged to have committed criminal offences and/or violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law.
No fee:
The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing, or training). The United Nations does not concern itself with information on applicant's bank accounts.
How to apply:
Use the link below: