Position description
Org. Setting and Reporting
This position is located in the Department of Peace Operations (DPO), Office of Rule of law and Security Institutions (OROLSI), Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration Section (DDRS). The incumbent will report to the Chief of the Disarmement, Demobilization and Reintegration Section. DPO provides political and executive direction to UN Peacekeeping operations around the world and maintains contact with the Security Council, troop and financial contributors, and parties to the conflict in the implementation of Security Council mandates. The Department works to integrate the efforts of UN, governmental and non-governmental entities in the context of peacekeeping operations. DPO also provides guidance and support on military, police, mine action and other relevant issues to other UN political and peacebuilding missions.
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the Policy and Planning Officer will perform the following duties:
- Provide back-stopping support to Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration Section (DDR) and Community Violence Reduction (CVR) components in peacekeeping missions in coordination with relevant partners, including on policy guidance, mandate language & implementation, personnel selection, budget preparation and contribution to/participation in relevant country specific working groups and meetings.
- Organize and undertake research and analysis on various aspects of DDR work, including risk and threat assessments, target group profiles, political factors, security and other issues affecting operations; identifies problems and issues to be addressed and proposes corrective actions; identifies and tracks follow-up actions; produces progress and briefing reports.
- Travel to the missions as required to provide support.
- Develop general technical guidance and directives on DDR for the missions and, in close coordination with/support of the IAWG and any entities working on DDR on the ground, contribute to the development of mission-specific guidance based on the application of general technical guidance or directives, including the Integrated DDR Standards.
- Support the development and maintenance of appropriate mechanisms and systems for tracking, monitoring and evaluation of key components of DDR-related programmes; manages data collection and follow-up; identifies issues and prepares conclusions.
- Provide input into the reports of the Secretary-General, reports and briefings to the Security Council and General Assembly, and the preparation of periodic reports on mission-specific issues.
- Prepare various written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc.
- Contribute to the DDR/CVR Community of Practice, briefing notes, talking points and other documents, as required.
- Contribute to UN-wide policy/guidance development, including the expansion of the Integrated DDR Standards, in close coordination with members of the Inter-Agency Working Group (IAWG) on DDR.
- As required, represent the Department of Peace Operations (DPO) or the Section at policy meetings, training courses or other external meetings.
- Contribute to other assignments related to the Office of Rule of Law and Security Institutions, as relevant.
- Manage policy and lessons learned projects, including drafting proposals, recruiting and supervising consultants.
Competencies
- PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge and understanding of DDR concepts and approaches; Knowledge of peacekeeping mandates and structures in the field; excellent research, analytical and problem solving skills; ability to work with minimal supervision and define priorities. 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.
- PLANNING AND 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.
- TEAMWORK: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.
Education
- Advanced university degree (Masters Degree or equivalent degree) in the field of Political Science, International Relations 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.
Work Experience
- A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in international affairs such as peacekeeping, peace-building operations or development programmes with specific focus on disarmament, demobilization and reintegration, small arms control, conflict/post-conflict crisis management, economic recovery or related area is required.
- Experience working in a large multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural team and coordinate with multiple partner agencies, funds or programmes is required.
- One year experience working in a field location, with a peace-keeping operation, a special political mission or with another international organization including non-governmental organizations is desirable.
- One year of experience in the field of Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR), including Community Violence Reduction (CVR), is desirable.
Languages
- English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of French is desirable. Knowledge of another official United Nation language is an advantage.
Application instructions
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