Org. Setting and Reporting

These positions are located in the Office of the Special Coordinator on improving the United Nations response to sexual exploitation and abuse (OSCSEA) in the United Nations Headquarters in New York. This Office supports the ongoing efforts of the Secretary-General and the leadership of United Nations offices, departments, funds and programmes, along with other Implementing Partners, to strengthen the UN’s response to sexual exploitation and abuse in peacekeeping, humanitarian, development and human rights sectors. The incumbents report through the Senior Political Affairs Officer (P5) to the Special Coordinator (USG). The position will support the advancement of UN’s work to meet its institutional accountabilities as well as contribute to strengthening UN systemwide and Inter-agency efforts on protection from sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA). This includes supporting the advancement of the Secretary General’s strategy set out in his report on special measures for protection from sexual exploitation and abuse: a new approach (A/71/818 (2017) through enhanced system-wide coordination of PSEA with relevant stakeholders, policy and programme development, advocacy, training and support to PSEA efforts in the field.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the PSEA Safeguarding Specialist may be responsible for the following duties: Technical support • Serve as a key resource and global subject matter expert in the Office of the Special Coordinator, by providing expert technical advice and guidance in support of the systematic integration of protection from sexual exploitation and abuse into all United Nations activities and programmes. • Facilitate the development, simplification, harmonization, and dissemination of policies, guidelines, SOPs and relevant tools, to strengthen, align, and mainstream the United Nations PSEA systems, practices and programs, in line with good practice and safeguarding approaches. • Support and reinforce the delivery of PSEA efforts to counterparts in HQ and regional offices, and at the field and country levels, including through the provision of on the ground surge support. Advocacy, networking, and partnership building • Coordinate and liaise with UN entities and relevant stakeholders in the sector in support of the coordination mandate of the Office and participate in and contribute to PSEA high-level and technical forums to promote PSEA efforts. • Strengthen strategic partnerships through networking and advocacy with UN partners, including Member States, civil society organizations, donors, internationally recognized institutions, NGOs, funding organizations, research institutes, the private sector, international, regional, and sub-regional organizations, national human rights institutions, academic institutions, think tanks, and others as deemed appropriate, to leverage these relationships to enable the UN system and its partners to more effectively address PSEA. Innovation, knowledge management and capacity building • Support the roll out of training and capacity building initiatives for PSEA practitioners, including coordinators, focal points, and networks, • Contribute to the development of global knowledge acquisition by systematically collecting experiences (including lessons learned, best practices, reviews, and evaluations) on PSEA, in peacekeeping, humanitarian, and development settings and facilitate the sharing of this information among relevant UN offices and the broader community of practice on PSEA. • Contribute to advancement of research, and identify research gaps, with institutional key partners in the area of PSEA, specifically on evidence-based programming to advance the agenda on PSEA at the field level. • Promote critical thinking and innovative approaches on PSEA, keeping abreast of current research and introducing and implementing innovative practices on reporting, victim/survivor support and protection, accountability, and prevention. Programme development, planning and management • Contribute to the establishment of specific programmatic goals, objectives and strategies, and implementation plans for the sector, using results-based planning and management. • Participate in major monitoring and evaluation exercises to assess progress globally and contribute to the preparation of programme reports, as required, for senior management, intergovernmental bodies, donors, and partners. • Support the development of programme proposals and take other actions to help mobilize funding for PSEA priorities. • Perform other duties as required.

Competencies

Professionalism: Knowledge of a wide range of human rights, humanitarian assistance, peacekeeping, emergency relief, and related issues, with a focus on protection from sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA) and sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), with experience in inter-agency coordination, development of policies, risk management structures and/or embedding safeguarding or related practice into programmes. Good facilitation and interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate, negotiate and influence at all levels. Experience in developing and facilitating training and capacity-building activities. Ability to work with different stakeholders and build consensus and advocacy across various stakeholders. Demonstrated problem-solving skills and judgment in applying technical expertise to resolve a wide range of complex issues/problems. Ability to negotiate and to influence others to reach agreement. Ability to work under extreme pressure, on occasion in a highly stressful environment. Knowledge of institutional mandates, policies and guidelines pertaining to institutions of the UN system and knowledge of the same for the NGO sector. Demonstrated ability to complete in-depth studies and to formulate conclusions/recommendations. Ability to relate peacekeeping/ humanitarian affairs/ development issues and perspectives, including gender issues, to political, economic, social and human rights programmes, in affected country/regions. 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. Client orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view. Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect. Identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions. Monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems. Keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects. Meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client. Judgement/decision making: Identifies the key issues in a complex situation, and comes to the heart of the problem quickly. Gathers relevant information before making a decision. Considers positive and negative impacts of decisions prior to making them. Takes decisions with an eye to the impact on others and on the Organization. Proposes a course of action or makes a recommendation based on all available information. Checks assumptions against facts. Determines that the actions proposed will satisfy the expressed and underlying needs for the decision. Makes tough decisions when necessary.

Education

An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in human rights, international law or other relevant social science field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with 2 years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Job – Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of 7 years of professional experience in human rights, international humanitarian law, child protection, protection from sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA), sexual and gender-based violence and other related areas at the international level is required. A minimum of 2 years of experience working in peacekeeping, humanitarian or development contexts is required. Experience working on and addressing sexual and gender-based violence, sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) and/or the protection of civilians is required. Experience working in the UN system or similar international organization, in the areas of protection from sexual exploitation and abuse or human rights is desirable. Experience networking and advocating at the international level to build support for and facilitate strategic partnerships, is desirable. Experience working with non-governmental organizations (NGO), in the areas of protection from sexual exploitation and abuse or human rights is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations. Fluency in English, including both excellent written and oral communication skills, is required. Knowledge of French is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by a competency-based interview.

Special Notice

At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Appointment or assignment against these positions is for an initial period of one year. The appointment or assignment and renewal thereof are subject to the availability of the post or funds, budgetary approval or extension of the mandate. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. Applicants, who successfully go through a competitive recruitment process and are recommended for selection and/or inclusion in the roster of pre-approved candidates for subsequent job openings at the same level and with similar functions, may have their application information and roster status shared with other UN Organizations. Such applicants may be contacted by other UN Organizations for similar job openings, subject to the confirmation of their interest. Placement on the roster is no guarantee of a future selection.

United Nations Considerations

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

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.