Job Opening
Job Opening ID: 225021
Job Network : Political, Peace and Humanitarian
Job Family : Political Affairs
Category and Level : Professional and Higher Categories, P-3
Duty Station : Las Colinas
Department/Office : United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia
Date Posted : Jan 5, 2024
Deadline : Jan 18, 2024

Org. Setting and Reporting
This position is based in the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia (UNVMC), in Las Colinas (Guaviare department). The Liaison Officer will report to the Head of the Regional Office. The Liaison Officer will work alongside civilian colleagues and international observers, interacting with Government officials, former members of the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia – Ejército del Pueblo (FARC), victims of the conflict and representatives of the local communities to support the Regional Office in the implementation of verification, reporting, and liaison activities.
Responsibilities
• Participates fully in assigned operational activities related to the work of the office or mission, i.e., engaging with host country stakeholders and multilateral organizations on peacekeeping, peace building, crisis management, conflict-prevention and mediation.
• Prepares briefing notes and talking points for the senior staff and mission leadership related to mission’s mandate.
• As requested, provides information on assigned issues regarding the Colombia Peace process and Final Peace Agreement, cooperates and collaborates with counterparts to develop strategies to address peace challenges as per mission’s mandate objectives.
• Develops and maintains relations with peace signatories, UN Country Team colleagues, Government Representatives, Regional Intergovernmental Organizations, Non-Governmental Organizations, law enforcement actors, academic and research institutions as well as UN Country Team colleagues for discussions to reach consensus and make decisions; prepares trend analysis monthly and sitrep as requested; supports main stakeholders programming and institutional liaison.
• Participates as a team member on a team which could deal with a variety of political issues in a region and or country or major conflict.
• Attends meetings to identify the scope of the project, considers methodologies, and participates in developing guidelines, terms of reference and operational plans and time frames for new team.
• Assists in planning, coordinating and supporting programmes, projects and activities requiring mission and/or interagency involvement and participation. As required, represents the team at round tables, seminars and conferences;
• Supports his/her supervisor in the coordination of mission-wide inputs for reports to the Secretary-General and other sensitive and confidential communications to UNHQ.
• Provides assistance and support to other substantive sections of the mission to have a consensual approach to the mission environment, mandate and operations among Mission actors, and relevant national and international stakeholders.
• Performs other related duties as required.
Competencies
Professionalism: 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.

Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively. Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately. Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication. Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

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 (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Social Sciences, Political Science, International Relations, or a related field is required. A first level university degree with a combination of two (2) additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Job – Specific Qualification
Professional training in the areas of planning, monitoring and evaluation, facilitation and/or coordination is desirable.

Work Experience
A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in political science, political affairs, international relations, law, mediation, conflict resolution, or related area is required.

Experience working in Latin America issues is required.

Experience working in the Colombian peace process is desirable.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in both English and Spanish is required.