Responsibilities
Within the limits of delegated authority, the Liaison Officer is responsible for performing the following: • Participates in assigned operational activities related to the work of the office or mission, particularly related to the implementation of the Final Peace Agreement of 2016 as well as other peace and good offices initiatives, ensuring a gender sensitive approach. • Prepares briefing notes and talking points for the senior staff and mission leadership related to the mission’s mandate. As requested, provides information on assigned issues regarding the Colombia Peace process and Final Peace Agreement, ensuring a gender sensitive approach. • Cooperates and collaborates with UN Country Team colleagues, Government Representatives, Regional Intergovernmental Organizations, Non-Governmental Organizations, law enforcement actors, academic and research institutions for discussions to reach consensus and make decisions and to develop strategies to address peace challenges per the mission’s mandate objectives from an intersectional and differential sensitive approach. • Develops and maintains relations with prepares trend analysis monthly and sitrep reports as requested; supports main stakeholders programming and institutional liaison.
• Participates as a team member in an office which could deal with a variety of political issues related to the implementation of the Final Peace Agreement and the consolidation of peace in the country. 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 the 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. • Participates and conducts field missions to monitor and assess the conditions for the implementation of the Mission’s mandate, preparing trend analysis and sitrep reports as requested. • 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. • Ensures that all UNVMC policies are applied and followed thoroughly across all processes, including adherence to UNVMC code of conduct and ethics, and integrates a gender-sensitive approach in all functions. • 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 peace studies, social science, political science, international relations, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Work Experience
A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in political science, political affairs, international relations, law, mediation, conflict resolution, or a related area is required. A minimum of two (2) years of experience working on the Colombia Peace Process is required. Experience supporting dialogue of mediation efforts with an armed group and/or monitoring of ceasefires is desirable. Experience providing political advice to senior officials is desirable. Experience working in a United Nations common system field operation (peacekeeping, political missions, and UN agencies, funds, and programmes), or similar international organization or non-governmental organization in a conflict/post-conflict or complex setting is desirable.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, fluency in both English and Spanish is required. NOTE: Fluency equals a rating of “fluent” in all four areas (read, write, speak, understand), and “knowledge of” equals a rating of “confident” in two of the four areas.