Humanitarian Affairs Expert

Result of Service

The Group of Experts on the DRC established pursuant to Security Council resolution 1533 (2004) (“the Group”) consists of six experts with demonstrated substantive knowledge, experience and skills in areas relevant to the implementation of the sanctions regime. The Group’s mandate is established and can be renewed or terminated by the Security Council. The Group acts under the direction of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1533 (2004) (“1533 Committee”). The Expert will serve with the Group reporting to the Sanctions Committee and the Security Council. The Expert comes under the overall guidance and management of the Security Council Subsidiary Organs Branch of the Security Council Affairs Division of the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, specifically, of the Secretary of the concerned Security Council Committee, the Chief of the Branch and the Director of the Security Council Affairs Division. The work of the Group is facilitated by a Coordinator who is also an expert on the Group. For more information about the Group, including its reports and other relevant materials, please see: https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/sanctions/1533/work-and-mandate.

Work Location

Home-based w/ travel

Expected duration

12 months

Duties and Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the humanitarian affairs expert will be responsible for (but not limited to) the following duties: Substantive • Contribute to the monitoring of sanctions measures and investigation of alleged sanctions violations as mandated by Security Council resolutions related to the DRC in his/her area of expertise; • Participate in investigations of alleged violations of the sanctions regime and contribute to reporting thereon through investigative reports, midterm and final reports of the Group to the Security Council (of 8,500 and 18,000 words length respectively), as well as any periodic briefing/reporting as requested by the Security Council and/or the Committee; • Contribute to the preparation of recommendations by the Group for improved implementation of the Security Council resolutions related to the DRC, based on the Group’s investigations, country visits and outreach activities; • Compile information on individuals and entities that may engage in sanctions violations; • Prepare and deliver briefings and presentations on the sanctions regime and the Group’s activities; • Monitor media, including social media, on issues and cases relevant to the mandate of the Group; • Assist in identifying areas where the capacities of States can be strengthened to enhance the implementation of the sanctions regime; • Contribute to reports that adhere to a high standard of evidence and rigorous methodology; • Provide due process to Member States, entities and individuals to respond to allegations and findings when conducting investigations; and • Take on other duties as mandated by the Security Council and/or directed by the Committee. Organizational • Contribute to the preparation of a programme of work of the Group of Experts, including a travel schedule, which will be updated regularly; • Participate in investigative missions and bilateral consultations to gather information from government authorities, private individuals and entities, civil society, regional and sub-regional organizations and United Nations field presences; • Draft and follow up on correspondence in his/her area of responsibility; • Collate and assess the information obtained, including by sharing written notes and briefs with other Group members; • Classify, categorize and archive the materials obtained in the course of the Group of Experts’ investigation; and • Submit to the UN Secretariat an End of Assignment Report at the end of the mandate. Administrative • Abide by the rules and regulations of the United Nations, as guided by the Secretary of the Committee, the Chief of the Subsidiary Organs Branch and the Director of the Security Council Affairs Division, among others. • Abide by the applicable policies, guidelines and procedures on safety and security within the UN’s Security Management System (UNSMS). • Pursuant to General Assembly resolution A/RES/67/254 (section VI, paragraph 8) on advance booking of air travel, abide by the provisions on advance booking of air travel. Competencies Professionalism • Knowledge of sanctions-related issues and developments in the DRC and region. • Substantive knowledge and field experience in the area of expertise. • Knowledge of the relevant national, regional and international actors and organizations working in the DRC and the region. • Strong analytical capacity and research skills. • Ability to develop a sound investigative case study featuring information (both oral and documentary) collected from at least three independent, credible sources, and ability to synthesize this information into an easily-readable case study which can be incorporated into a Group report. • Ability to treat sensitive or confidential information appropriately. • Ability to work independently and resist political pressures. • Ability to work under pressure and in dynamic situations; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results. • Demonstrated understanding of sanctions regimes in a United Nations, regional organization or Member State setting. Knowledge of the United Nations’ institutional structure, mandates, policies and rules, as well as its relationships with regional organizations, Member States and other international partners. • Willingness to travel extensively, including in difficult environments. • Incorporate gender perspectives in the substantive area of responsibility, in all relevant areas. Planning and organising • Proven capacity to plan and execute a program of work, and adapt, as required, to fluid priorities and demands. • Ability to work independently in a systematic and productive manner. • Ability to foresee risks and allow for contingencies when planning. Teamwork • Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment and political work environment. • Ability to develop consensus among people with varying points of view. • Supports and acts in accordance with a final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect his/her own position. Communications • Strong oral communication and drafting skills. • Ability to interact positively with high-level government officials and the diplomatic community. Technological awareness • Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications including Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel. Ability to use other relevant software (such as photograph management tools and mapping tools), as well as specialized software to archive and organize collected materials during investigations is desirable.

Qualifications/special skills

• An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in international law, political science, international relations, relevant technical field or other relevant area is required. 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 ten years (including a minimum of three years of field experience) of progressively responsible experience in the relevant area is required. • Significant field experience in post-conflict or other transitional situations is required. • Strong field research or investigative experience in the area of expertise is highly desirable. • Experience in writing high-quality reports is required. • Proven interpersonal skills in complex, political and structured working environments is required. • A demonstrated understanding of sanctions regimes in a United Nations, regional organization or Member State setting is highly desirable. • Experience in working under the rules and regulations of the organization and the working culture and methods of the United Nations Secretariat is highly desirable.

Languages

• Fluency in English and French is required. • Knowledge of Swahili and/or Lingala is an advantage.

Additional Information

Geographical diversity is a strong consideration. Women are particularly encouraged to apply. Candidates are encouraged to apply to the Security Council Affairs Division Pool of Experts. Candidates registered in the Pool of Experts are available for consideration whenever relevant opportunities arise. They will be contacted directly by the relevant team using the email address provided in the PHP submitted when applying to the Pool. Candidates who have joined the Pool should also actively apply to sanctions expert vacancy announcements posted in Inspira and on this website. Candidates interested in becoming members of the Pool of Experts can apply at the following URL: https://careers.un.org/jobSearchDescription/191928?language=en For more information, please see: https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/sanctions/Pool_of_Experts. Candidates should list all work experience and diplomas in the relevant part of the application. Work experience and diplomas only mentioned in the cover letter will not be considered for screening purposes. Statements must include concrete start and end dates, detailed description of tasks and achievements and whether the experience was obtained in full-time or part-time. Candidates should note that eligibility and fees will be decided based on their submitted application only. There is no option to revise an application after submission. An appointment shall not be granted to a person who is the father, mother, son, daughter, brother, or sister, including step-parents, step-children, and step-siblings of a staff member.

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.