Employer: United Nations
Closing date: 23 Apr 2015
Under Job Network select "Political, Peace and Security ", and under Job Family select "Political Affairs". You can sort the results by job level (bottom right of the results table), then search for a P5 position (location: Sana'a).
Arabic-speakers, as well as qualified women, are particularly encouraged to apply (Arabic is a requirement for this position).
All applicants are kindly requested to make reference to "outreachforpeace" in their cover letter, to ensure appropriate follow-up
Closing date: 23 Apr 2015
Special Notice
The United Nations Secretariat maintains rosters of qualified and available candidates to fill anticipated job openings in peacekeeping operations, special political missions, and other field operations.
The purpose of this job opening is to generate a list of qualified candidates for inclusion in the Security Sector Reform Officer (P 4) roster.
The entire assessment process takes an average of six months; all applicants will be notified in writing of the outcome of their application (whether successful or unsuccessful) within 14 days of the conclusion of the process. Successful candidates will be placed on the roster and subsequently will be invited to apply for field mission vacancies open only to
roster members. Roster membership does not guarantee selection.
Org. Setting and Reporting
These positions are located in United Nations field peacekeeping operations and special political missions. The SSR Officer typically reports to the head of a SSR unit or to a senior official responsible for SSR operations; though this may vary depending on the mission structure. Applicants will be expected to serve in hardship duty stations with difficult working and living conditions. An updated list of missions and additional information on working in the field can be found at http://www.un.org/en/peacekeeping/about/dfs/
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the SSR Officer will be responsible for the following duties (these duties are generic and may not be carried out by all SSR Officers):
• Assists in the overall management and administration of the SSR capacity. Also provides support in the development of the SSR capacity’s support to national SSR efforts, as well as the day-to-day coordination of activities with other mission components (e.g. political, military, civilian, communications/public affairs, legal, policy/planning, mission analysis etc.) and UN entities;
• Supports the provision of strategic and technical advice to both national stakeholders and Mission/UNCT leadership on security sector-wide issues, with special emphasis on civilian oversight, management and coordination;
• Supports the development of mission strategy, policy and proposals with respect to support of national SSR efforts;
• Supports the delivery of coherent ‘one-UN’ support of national SSR efforts, together with all relevant Mission/UNCT interlocutors, including coordination of Mission-UNCT assistance and through effective integration of all SSR programmes/projects and related activities undertaken by Mission components;
• Supports the provision of advice and assistance to key parties (e.g. SSR unit management and staff, established Commissions, government officials, etc); consults with relevant stakeholders through inclusive and participatory processes;
• Assists national efforts to mobilize and coordinate international assistance to security sector reform initiatives;
• Provides UN SSR policy advice to the senior UN official responsible for SSR support, as well as assistance in strategic planning, design, implementation, review and evaluation of SSR programmes/projects;
• Prepares substantive input to SSR position papers and reports for presentation to relevant bodies;
• Establishes and maintains contacts and partnerships with key officials and other actors (national and international) inside and outside the organization in assigned areas of responsibility with a view to pursuing SSR objectives and ensuring participation in and effective integration of ideas in the planning and implementation of SSR activities;
• Represents the SSR capacity and participates in international, regional or national meetings related to SSR, as required;
• Supervises the organization of meetings, seminars, and other events on substantive issues;
• Initiates and coordinates outreach activities; conducts training workshops, seminars, etc and makes presentations on assigned topics/activities;
• Coordinates activities related to budget funding (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements, etc.) and prepares related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget, etc.);
• Responds to requests and reporting requirements from the SSR Unit, Office of Rule of Law and Security Institutions and/or Department of Peacekeeping Operations; as the case may be;
• Deputize in all respects, for the Chief of SSR Unit, where relevant and as required;
• Performs other related duties as required.
Competencies
Professionalism:
Significant knowledge of Security and/or Defence/Police sector reforms (concepts, terminology, research and policy literature, etc.), in particular in the area(s) of specialization (e.g. governance, civilian oversight and accountability of the security sector; institutional development, sustainable development or other relevant area) and ability to apply technical expertise to identify, assess and resolve a range of difficult issues/problems. Experience in the design and implementation of SSR programmes/projects. Proven strengths in policy and operational-level coordination with multiple stakeholders. Ability to conduct research and data collection using various methods, including ability to evaluate and integrate information from a variety of sources and assess impact on the SSR activities in assigned country/area. Ability to work with a wide range of technical experts including police, military, public administrative and judicial actors and to support inter-disciplinary/inter-departmental teams and task forces, and manage multiple tasks simultaneously. Ability to apply good judgment in the context of assignments given. 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 audience; Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
Planning and Organizing:
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 either political science, business, public security sector management, administration, international relations or related fields is required. 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 seven years of progressively responsible experience in development work generally; and in particular in peacekeeping/peace-building operations in the field with specific focus on inter-agency coordination, political analysis, defense sector reform, institutional development or related area; is required. Previous experience in SSR strategy and/or policy development, programme/project planning, management, review and evaluation or related area is required. Previous experience in United Nations peacekeeping missions is highly desirable.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position(s) advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of a second United Nations official language is desirable.
Assessment Method
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.
United Nations Considerations
Candidates will be required to meet the requirements of Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter as well as the requirements of the position. The United Nations is committed to the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity for all its human resources, including but not limited to respect for international human rights and humanitarian law. Candidates may be subject to screening against these standards, including but not limited to whether they have committed, or are alleged to have committed criminal offences and/or violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law.
The United Nations shall place 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. (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8). The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.
Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the At-a-Glance on "The Application Process" and the Instructional Manual for the Applicants, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of inspira account-holder homepage.
Applications are pre-screened by the system according to the published requirements of the job opening on the basis of the information provided in the application. In relation to the requirements of the job opening, applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their qualifications, including their education, work experience, and language skills. Each applicant must bear in mind that submission of incomplete or inaccurate applications may render that applicant ineligible for consideration for the job opening. Initial screening and evaluation of applications will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted. Applications cannot be amended following submission. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to a reference-checking process to verify the information provided in the application.
Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at midnight (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.
The United Nations Secretariat maintains rosters of qualified and available candidates to fill anticipated job openings in peacekeeping operations, special political missions, and other field operations.
The purpose of this job opening is to generate a list of qualified candidates for inclusion in the Security Sector Reform Officer (P 4) roster.
The entire assessment process takes an average of six months; all applicants will be notified in writing of the outcome of their application (whether successful or unsuccessful) within 14 days of the conclusion of the process. Successful candidates will be placed on the roster and subsequently will be invited to apply for field mission vacancies open only to
roster members. Roster membership does not guarantee selection.
Org. Setting and Reporting
These positions are located in United Nations field peacekeeping operations and special political missions. The SSR Officer typically reports to the head of a SSR unit or to a senior official responsible for SSR operations; though this may vary depending on the mission structure. Applicants will be expected to serve in hardship duty stations with difficult working and living conditions. An updated list of missions and additional information on working in the field can be found at http://www.un.org/en/peacekeeping/about/dfs/
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the SSR Officer will be responsible for the following duties (these duties are generic and may not be carried out by all SSR Officers):
• Assists in the overall management and administration of the SSR capacity. Also provides support in the development of the SSR capacity’s support to national SSR efforts, as well as the day-to-day coordination of activities with other mission components (e.g. political, military, civilian, communications/public affairs, legal, policy/planning, mission analysis etc.) and UN entities;
• Supports the provision of strategic and technical advice to both national stakeholders and Mission/UNCT leadership on security sector-wide issues, with special emphasis on civilian oversight, management and coordination;
• Supports the development of mission strategy, policy and proposals with respect to support of national SSR efforts;
• Supports the delivery of coherent ‘one-UN’ support of national SSR efforts, together with all relevant Mission/UNCT interlocutors, including coordination of Mission-UNCT assistance and through effective integration of all SSR programmes/projects and related activities undertaken by Mission components;
• Supports the provision of advice and assistance to key parties (e.g. SSR unit management and staff, established Commissions, government officials, etc); consults with relevant stakeholders through inclusive and participatory processes;
• Assists national efforts to mobilize and coordinate international assistance to security sector reform initiatives;
• Provides UN SSR policy advice to the senior UN official responsible for SSR support, as well as assistance in strategic planning, design, implementation, review and evaluation of SSR programmes/projects;
• Prepares substantive input to SSR position papers and reports for presentation to relevant bodies;
• Establishes and maintains contacts and partnerships with key officials and other actors (national and international) inside and outside the organization in assigned areas of responsibility with a view to pursuing SSR objectives and ensuring participation in and effective integration of ideas in the planning and implementation of SSR activities;
• Represents the SSR capacity and participates in international, regional or national meetings related to SSR, as required;
• Supervises the organization of meetings, seminars, and other events on substantive issues;
• Initiates and coordinates outreach activities; conducts training workshops, seminars, etc and makes presentations on assigned topics/activities;
• Coordinates activities related to budget funding (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements, etc.) and prepares related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget, etc.);
• Responds to requests and reporting requirements from the SSR Unit, Office of Rule of Law and Security Institutions and/or Department of Peacekeeping Operations; as the case may be;
• Deputize in all respects, for the Chief of SSR Unit, where relevant and as required;
• Performs other related duties as required.
Competencies
Professionalism:
Significant knowledge of Security and/or Defence/Police sector reforms (concepts, terminology, research and policy literature, etc.), in particular in the area(s) of specialization (e.g. governance, civilian oversight and accountability of the security sector; institutional development, sustainable development or other relevant area) and ability to apply technical expertise to identify, assess and resolve a range of difficult issues/problems. Experience in the design and implementation of SSR programmes/projects. Proven strengths in policy and operational-level coordination with multiple stakeholders. Ability to conduct research and data collection using various methods, including ability to evaluate and integrate information from a variety of sources and assess impact on the SSR activities in assigned country/area. Ability to work with a wide range of technical experts including police, military, public administrative and judicial actors and to support inter-disciplinary/inter-departmental teams and task forces, and manage multiple tasks simultaneously. Ability to apply good judgment in the context of assignments given. 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 audience; Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
Planning and Organizing:
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 either political science, business, public security sector management, administration, international relations or related fields is required. 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 seven years of progressively responsible experience in development work generally; and in particular in peacekeeping/peace-building operations in the field with specific focus on inter-agency coordination, political analysis, defense sector reform, institutional development or related area; is required. Previous experience in SSR strategy and/or policy development, programme/project planning, management, review and evaluation or related area is required. Previous experience in United Nations peacekeeping missions is highly desirable.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position(s) advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of a second United Nations official language is desirable.
Assessment Method
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.
United Nations Considerations
Candidates will be required to meet the requirements of Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter as well as the requirements of the position. The United Nations is committed to the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity for all its human resources, including but not limited to respect for international human rights and humanitarian law. Candidates may be subject to screening against these standards, including but not limited to whether they have committed, or are alleged to have committed criminal offences and/or violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law.
The United Nations shall place 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. (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8). The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.
Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the At-a-Glance on "The Application Process" and the Instructional Manual for the Applicants, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of inspira account-holder homepage.
Applications are pre-screened by the system according to the published requirements of the job opening on the basis of the information provided in the application. In relation to the requirements of the job opening, applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their qualifications, including their education, work experience, and language skills. Each applicant must bear in mind that submission of incomplete or inaccurate applications may render that applicant ineligible for consideration for the job opening. Initial screening and evaluation of applications will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted. Applications cannot be amended following submission. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to a reference-checking process to verify the information provided in the application.
Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at midnight (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.
How to apply:
To apply, please visit our Careers website: https://careers.un.orgUnder Job Network select "Political, Peace and Security ", and under Job Family select "Political Affairs". You can sort the results by job level (bottom right of the results table), then search for a P5 position (location: Sana'a).
Arabic-speakers, as well as qualified women, are particularly encouraged to apply (Arabic is a requirement for this position).
All applicants are kindly requested to make reference to "outreachforpeace" in their cover letter, to ensure appropriate follow-up