Job Description:
SENIOR CIVIL AFFAIRS OFFICER, P5 ROSTER
This position if for those who would like to be included in the Senior Civil Affairs Officer Roster at the UN.
Posting Title: | SENIOR CIVIL AFFAIRS OFFICER, P5 |
Job Code Title: | SENIOR CIVIL AFFAIRS OFFICER |
Department/Office: | Rosters Administered by Department of Operational Support |
Duty Station: | Field Locations |
Posting Period: | 01 October 2023 – 30 October 2023 |
Job Opening Number: | 23-Civil Affairs-RADOS-216935-P- (M) |
Staffing Exercise | N/A |
Org. Setting and Reporting
These positions are located in the United Nations Field Peacekeeping Operations, Special Political Missions, Service Centers and Offices as applicable. Senior Civil Affairs Officers can both work at Mission Headquarters or in Field Offices. The Senior Civil Affairs Officer reports to the Director/Chief of the Civil Affairs. Typically, a Senior Civil Affairs Officer will serve as the deputy of the Chief; lead one of the functional units at Mission Headquarters, such as Governance units; serve as the Civil Affairs team leader in the field. On occasion they might head Field Offices, coordinating the work of other substantive components as well as civil affairs.
The Senior Civil Affairs Officer will ensure that the Civil Affairs component operates as a cohesive and integrated section consistently delivering high-quality outcomes in support of its objectives supporting the development and implementation of conflict management and peace and reconciliation strategies and liaising with other international and national partners to promote peace building processes. The Senior Civil Affairs Officer works with national/ local authorities and other partners to identify critical support needs and to design strategies for responding to them.
Responsibilities:
Within delegated authority, the Senior Civil Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties:
CORE PROFILE:
• Supports the Director of Civil Affairs Division (CAD) in all aspects of their role, including through the provision of policy guidance and strategy development. Acts as OIC Head of Field Office where requested.
• Manages the Civil Affairs Team at the Field Office, overseeing the programmatic and administrative tasks necessary for its functioning and ensures coherence of the work of Civil Affairs as a whole. Designs and oversees implementation of the Civil Affairs work plan for that area.
• Designs and coordinates diverse programmatic funding projects and activities for Civil Affairs to further the overall objectives of the Division, including joint programmes with UNCT and other actors where appropriate. Monitors activities to ensure that substantive work programmes are carried out in a timely and effective fashion, taking account of inclusivity including the targeting of women and youth.
• Manages relevant planning and budgeting processes for the Field Office, in accordance with UN and Mission procedures. Anticipates changes in the environment and proposes adjustments in the priorities or approach accordingly.
• Provides an overall analysis of trends and issues based on input from diverse geographical areas. Ensures that information and analysis provided by Civil Affairs Officers at the local level is collected and presented in a consistent and planned manner and is integrated into the overall mission analysis and planning.
• Coordinates across disciplines on thematic priorities such as support to civil society engagement peacebuilding, Youth, Peace and Security, promotion of confidence building, social cohesion, conflict management.
• Ensures effective partnership, coordination and information sharing between the Civil Affairs component and with Mission and non-Mission partners. Ensures that all partners and interlocutors are aware of the role and contributions of Civil Affairs as part of the overall Mission and UN effort.
• Performs other duties as required, in line with the DPKO/DFS Policy Directive on Civil Affairs.
CONFLICT MANAGEMENT:
• Manages Civil Affairs support to national and local actors in designing strategies and processes for conflict management and resolution.
• Convenes support to dialogue and negotiation between and among groups in conflict. Facilitates, enables, or mediates dialogue where appropriate.
• Manages partnerships with relevant actors to advocate the protection and empowerment of excluded and/or threatened groups in full respect of humanitarian and international law, including mechanisms for information-sharing, crisis response and protection of civilians as needed.
• Identifies and coordinates a response to specific conflict drivers at the local level, including by mobilizing a response from other actors where appropriate.
• Identifies and designs practical Civil Affairs support activities to empower civil society actors
SUPPORT TO STATE INSTITUTIONS:
• Develops strategies to enhance effective cooperation between Civil Affairs and relevant state institutions with a view to strengthening local ownership of peace processes, building capacity, promoting cooperation between authorities and communities as well as their leaders. Supporting policy and decision-making processes as appropriate in conflict management, reconciliation and promoting social cohesion.
• Ensures consistent identification country-wide of the support needs of local authorities in managing local conflicts and the design of practical activities to respond to them. Ensures that Civil Affairs work in support of state institutions is carried out in coordination with other actors, in particular UNDP, and as part of a joint programme where appropriate.
• Ensures consistent and appropriate support to dialogue and cooperation between authorities and relevant communities and actors as well as encourages the development of structures of accountability and transparency.
PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT:
• Manages the Civil Affairs Team at the Field Office, overseeing the programmatic and administrative tasks necessary for its functioning and ensures coherence of the work of Civil Affairs as a whole. Designs and oversees implementation of the Civil Affairs workplan for that area, as well as the work of other components as relevant, ensuring consistency of approach and efficiency of output.
• Implement projects from Programmatic Funding budget with Mission priorities. Includes, inter alia: ensuring the effective and timely running of the project design, approval and implementation process, the keeping of accurate records, assistance with determining mission specific priorities, assessment of impact of the overall programme, and drafting of programmatic proposals submission for the Mission budget.
• Ensures QIPs and Specialized Expenditure project implementation is managed effectively and in line with the UN Policy Directive on QIPs. Proposes mission specific priorities for Quick Impact Projects (QIPs). Oversees impact evaluation and coordinates all civil affairs focal points for QIPs.
• Designs, oversees implementation and evaluates tailored in-mission skills training for Civil Affairs components in accordance with global Civil Affairs skills training methodologies.
Preferred Qualifications:
Professionalism: Knowledge of the contexts within which peacekeeping operations function, and ability to contribute significantly to the overall strategic vision of the Mission. Ability to develop a vision and implement a plan for supporting local actors in conceptualizing, designing and implementing a process for strengthening state institutions, conflict management or reconciliation processes. In-depth knowledge and demonstrated capacity in dealing with policy and strategic issues related to institution building and governance. 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 Civil Affairs 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 integrate information and analysis from a range of sources. 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. Provides leadership and takes responsibility 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.
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.
Creativity: Actively seeks to improve programmes or services. Offers new and different options to solve problems or meet client needs. Promotes and persuades others to consider new ideas. Takes calculated risks on new and unusual ideas; thinks "outside the box." Takes an interest in new ideas and new ways of doing things. Is not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches.
Vision: Identifies strategic issues, opportunities and risks. Clearly communicates links between the Organization’s strategy and the work unit’s goals. Generates and communicates broad and compelling organizational direction, inspiring others to pursue that same direction. Conveys enthusiasm about future possibilities.
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.
Education
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) 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 an advanced university degree.
Work Experience
A minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in civil affairs, political affairs, public administration or related field in or in support of field operations of the United Nations Common System or a comparable international organizations, National or International NGOs, community-based organizations or research institutions is required.
A minimum of five (5) years of experience working in conflict management, facilitation, mediation, social cohesion, reconciliation, community engagement or negotiation skills and support to governance efforts is required.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English or French language is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.
Assessment
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.
Special Notice
The United Nations 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 Senior Civil Affairs Officers , P-5 roster. The entire assessment process takes an average of four (4) 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.
The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this roster.
Education qualification exceeding the specified requirement of this job opening including university degrees and certificates shall not give rise to additional entitlements or benefits, or facilitate a move to the Professional category. The movement of staff members from the General Service and related categories to the Professional category in the United Nations Secretariat is exclusively allowed through the Young Professionals Programme competitive examinations. Only a few staff members pass the competitive examinations. Passing the competitive examinations does not guarantee movement to the Professional category. For further information, please visit https://careers.un.org/lbw/home.aspx?viewtype=GP.
United Nations Considerations
According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment.
Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places 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. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.
Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process.
The paramount consideration in the appointment, transfer, or promotion of staff shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. By accepting an offer of appointment, United Nations staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and assignment by him or her to any activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). In this context, all internationally recruited staff members shall be required to move periodically to discharge new functions within or across duty stations under conditions established by the Secretary-General.
Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of the inspira account-holder homepage.
The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application.
Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.
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 APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.