JOB DETAILS
Under the overall authority of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) and direct supervision of the Chief of Section/Political Affairs Officer, the Senior Information Analyst will serve as Head of Unit and be responsible for providing indepth analysis with the view of informing the good offices on efforts of the SRSG, whilst serving the UN system in West Africa, as deemed appropriate. Thematic areas for research include; constitutional reforms, political transition, elections-related tension, political dialogue, social tension, human rights, gender, security, transnational organized crimes (including illicit drug trafficking), arms proliferation, terrorist activities, religious/ethno-political extremism, natural resources exploitations. Geographic zones include the Mano River Union, the Gulf of Guinea, the Sahel, the Lake Chad Basin and the Senegambia.
Responsibilities
Reporting to the Chief of Section/Political Affairs Officer in the UN Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), the Senior Information Analyst will be responsible for the following duties within the Office: • Coordinate and supervise the analytical activities, which include the management (collection, coordination, analysis and dissemination) of information in order to support decision-making, policy development and planning within the Office; • Develop a strong relationship with relevant components based on clear delineation of respective functions in consultation with the UNOWAS senior leadership, ensure that priority information requirements are established and maintained, and that priorities are established for information collection and analysis in accordance with the Office mandate; • Provide in-depth analysis with the view to informing the good offices efforts of the SRSG and to serving the UN system in West Africa, as deemed appropriate,, including establishing strong working relationships with relevant states’ authorities and other actors; • Attends statutory meetings; ensure appropriate orientation of the gathering of comprehensive information about events or actions that may affect the successful implementation of the Office’s mandate or UN presence in the countries and/or region; • Oversee the monitoring of a wide spectrum of information sources including Missions daily and/or weekly situation reports, Peace and Development Advisors’ reports, open sources and interaction with government officials and civil society organizations; liaising with the O/SRSG
• Oversee the preparation of continuous risk analyses and threat assessments; • Coordinates with the O/SRSG on hosting regular Integrated Assessment Working Group Meetings with other regional offices and UNCT based in Dakar; • Prepare, implement and monitor the Unit’s work plan; supervise and provide guidance to the staff within the unit, including through the timely monitoring and processing of performance tools (e-pas) • Manage the recruitment and selection of staff of the Unit in consultation with the Director of Political Affairs Division; • Oversee the submission of the Unit’s RBB and performance reporting. Ensure the timely production and quality of products generated by the Unit; • Provide briefings to senior UN staff and visiting delegations as required; • Support and liaise closely with the UN Crisis Management Team and respond to specific incidents as required; • Maintain contact with the other offices and agencies on a regular basis to indicate, and respond to needs that may arise; • Ensure that the appropriate level of confidentiality for the Unit products is maintained; • Prepare standard operating procedures for the work of the Unit, as required; • Perform other relevant duties as directed by the appropriate leadership.
Competencies
PROFESSIONALISM – Strong analytical skills, and experience in information collection and management. Excellent drafting and editing skills with the proven ability to produce cogent reports and edit the work of others. Ability to develop information collection and assessment plans that support the mandate of the peacekeeping operation and its strategic objectives. Proven ability to integrate different perspectives inter alia political, civil affairs, military, police, security, humanitarian, human rights, rule of law, gender, child protection, development, DDR, and electoral affairs, into analytical products. Proven ability in conducting research and drafting and preparing various sensitive and confidential analytical and operational correspondence/reports and presentations in a fast-paced and high-stress environment. Ability to coordinate with many different actors in the Mission and the UN System and with key actors in West Africa to develop and foster collaboration and contact networks; and to work in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment and maintain effective working relations with people of different national, professional and cultural backgrounds. Capable of identifying, articulating and defending complex concepts, issues and recommendations. Demonstrated ability to complete in-depth studies and to formulate conclusions and/or recommendations. Ability to identify trends and to forecast. Understanding of information data management methodologies and information technology initiatives. Conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; and 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. Works effectively with people from all backgrounds and treats all people with dignity and respect. Examines own biases and behaviours to avoid stereotypical responses. 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 audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. Ability to communicate regularly and effectively with colleagues in remote locations through telephonic and electronic media.
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 clients. JUDEGEMENT/DECISION-MAKING – Identifies key issues in complex situations, and comes to the heart of problems quickly; gathers relevant information before making a decision; considers positive and negative impacts of decisions prior to making them; 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. BUILDING TRUST – Provides an environment in which others can talk and act without fear of repercussion; places confidence in colleagues, staff members and clients; gives proper credit to others; operates with transparency; follows through on agreed upon actions; treats sensitive or confidential information appropriately.
Education
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in political science, social sciences, international relations, law, public administration, economics or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Work Experience
A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in international/political affairs, academic research, diplomacy, development, security, or foreign relations, including in senior advisory/managerial capacities. Experience with early warning and/or protection of civilians’ strategies or operations is required. Experience working with the major civilian and uniformed occupational areas of multi-dimensional peacekeeping or otherwise to have shown a capacity to operate effectively in an integrated civilian-military-police context is desirable. Experience working in conflict and post conflict environment is desirable. UN peacekeeping or other field operation experience is desirable. Management and leadership experience is desirable. Experience in information management/policy analysis and/or strategic development in an advisory/managerial position is desirable. Ability to build and maintain successful working relationships, both inside and outside the Mission is desirable. A clear understanding of the region and the culture and previous experience in the region is desirable.
Languages
Fluency in English and French (both oral and written) is required; Knowledge of Portuguese or Arabic may be an advantage.