Position description
Org. Setting and Reporting
This position is located in the Policy, Advocacy, Donor Relations and Outreach (PADROS) Section of the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), Office of the Rule of Law and Security Institutions (OROLSI), Department of Peace Operations (DPO) in New York. The incumbent will report to the Political Affairs Officer (Team lead). Established in 1997, the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) works to eliminate the threat posed by mines, explosive remnants of war and improvised explosive devices by coordinating United Nations mine action, leading operational responses at the country level, and supporting the development of standards, policies and norms. As a specialized service of the United Nations located within the Department of Peace Operations, UNMAS operates under UN legislative mandates of both the General Assembly and the Security Council. UNMAS also responds to specific requests for support from the UN Secretary-General or designated official.
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the Programme Officer (Policy) will be responsible for the following duties:
- Drafts Secretary-General’s reports on mine action and related inputs on improvised explosive devices threat mitigation, links to protection of civilians along with briefing papers and contributions to various policy initiatives and reports, including Security Council briefings, and briefings to the committees of the General Assembly.
- Participates in the development, implementation and evaluation of assigned policy related projects such as preparing substantive agendas for annual Heads of Mine Action Components conference, drafting of after-action review reports and statements for senior UNMAS and Department of Peace Operations managers, etc.
- Monitors and analyzes mine action policy related project development and implementation; reviews relevant documents and reports; identifies problems and issues to be addressed and proposes corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties, including with UN inter-agency partners, UN field programmes, and Member States as needed; identifies and tracks follow-up actions.
- In collaboration with the Interagency Coordination Group on Mine Action (IACG-MA), develops annual programme of work, proposes agenda topics for monthly technical meetings and biannual meetings of Principals, plans and facilitates detailed briefings on field programmes, and other interactive sessions, such as side events in the margins of relevant conferences and inter-governmental processes.
- Researches, analyzes and presents information gathered from diverse sources.
- Assists in policy development, including the review and analysis of issues and trends across the mine action sector, preparation of evaluations or other research activities and studies.
- Undertakes survey initiatives; reviews, analyzes and interprets responses, identifies problems/issues and prepares conclusions including in support of the Monitoring & Evaluation Mechanism to ascertain progress against the Strategy of the United Nations on Mine Action.
- Prepares various written outputs (e.g. draft background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc,) related to mine action and links to broader UN agendas.
- Provides substantive support to consultative and other meetings, conferences, etc., to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations.
- Undertakes outreach activities; conducts training workshops, seminars, etc.; makes presentations on assigned topics/activities.
- Provides policy guidance to other United Nations entities, external consultants, government Officials, including UN Member States and other parties in support of General Assembly resolutions in First and Fourth Committees and Security Council resolutions related to thematic debates and mission mandate renewals.
- Undertakes activities related to section budget and funding and prepares related documents/reports.
- Performs other duties as required.
Competencies
- PROFESSIONALISM: Ability to provide specialized advice on a broad range of policy issues; Shows the ability to coordinate a multi-stakeholder process with respect to divergent approaches and norms; Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to conduct data collection using various methods; Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases; Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting 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.
- 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.
- PLANNING AND ORGANIZATION: 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
Education
- Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in political science, international law, business administration, management, economics or a related field. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Work Experience
- A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management involving report writing and policy coordination or related area is required. Experience in inter-agency coordination, including agenda planning, convening of meetings, and preparing senior level participation is required. Experience in providing technical expertise and negotiating text in documents (e.g. reports, resolutions, etc) with diverse range of stakeholders, such as, UN entities, civil society or Member States is required. Experience in policy and inter-governmental processes related to mine action is required. Experience in researching various mine action-related thematic issues, including the protection of civilians, use of explosive weapons in populated areas, children and armed conflict, women, peace and security, and small arms and light weapons, etc is desirable. Experience in International Law related to disarmament 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 UN official language is an advantage.
Application instructions
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