Armed Groups Expert

Consultant

Overview

Serve as an armed groups expert contributing to sanctions compliance and investigative reporting.

You have:

• An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in military science, political science, international relations, law, journalism or other relevant area.
• A minimum of ten years (including a minimum of three years of field experience) of progressively responsible experience in the relevant area is required.
• Significant field experience in post-conflict or other transitional situations is required.
• Strong field research or investigative experience in the area of expertise is required.
• Experience in writing high-quality reports is required.
• Proven interpersonal skills in complex, political and structured working environments is required.
• A demonstrated understanding of sanctions regimes in a United Nations, regional organization or Member State setting is highly desirable.
• Experience in working under the rules and regulations of the organization and the working culture and methods of the United Nations Secretariat is highly desirable.
• Fluency in English is required.
• Knowledge of another official UN Language is an advantage.

Contract

This is a Consultancy contract. More about Consultancy contracts.

Result of Service

The Panel of Experts established pursuant to Security Council resolution 2206 (2015) (“the Panel”) consists of five experts with demonstrated substantive knowledge, experience and skills in areas relevant to the implementation of the sanctions regime. The Panel’s mandate is established and can be renewed or terminated by the Security Council. The Panel acts under the direction of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 2206 (2015) concerning South Sudan. The Expert will serve with a Panel reporting to the Sanctions Committee and the Security Council. The Expert comes under the overall guidance and management of the Security Council Subsidiary Organs Branch of the Security Council Affairs Division of the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, specifically, of the Secretary of the concerned Security Council Committee, the Chief of the Branch and the Director of the Security Council Affairs Division. The work of the Panel is facilitated by a Coordinator who is also an expert on the Panel. For more information about the Panel, including its reports and other relevant materials, please see: https://main.un.org/securitycouncil/en/sanctions/2206/panel-of-experts/work-mandate

Work Location

Home Based with travel

Expected duration

12 months

Duties and Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the armed groups expert will be responsible for (but not limited to) the following duties: Substantive • Contribute to the monitoring of sanctions measures and investigation of alleged sanctions violations as mandated by Security Council resolutions related to South Sudan in his/her area of expertise; • Undertake investigations into actions or policies that have the purpose or effect of expanding or extending the conflict in South Sudan or obstructing reconciliation or peace talks or processes; • Participate in investigations of alleged violations of the sanctions regime and contribute to reporting thereon through investigative reports, interim and final reports of the Panel to the Security Council, as well as any periodic briefing/reporting as requested by the Security Council and/or the Committee; • Contribute to the preparation of recommendations by the Panel for improved implementation of the Security Council resolution related to South Sudan, based on the Panel’s investigations, country visits and outreach activities; • Compile information on individuals and entities that may engage in sanctions violations; • Gather, examine and analyse information regarding the supply, sale or transfer of arms and related materiel and related military or other assistance to the territory of South Sudan, including through illicit trafficking networks, pursuant to the arms embargo established by resolution 2428 (2018), with a focus on Member States, armed groups and regional actors; • Prepare and deliver briefings and presentations on the sanctions regime and the Panel’s activities; • Contribute to investigating flows of arms and ammunition, with a focus on transfers involving armed groups; • Monitor media, including social media, on issues and cases relevant to the mandate of the Panel; • Assist in identifying areas where the capacities of States can be strengthened to enhance the implementation of the sanctions regime; • Contribute to reports that adhere to a high standard of evidence and rigorous methodology; • Provide due process to Member States, entities and individuals to respond to allegations and findings when conducting investigations; and • Take on other duties as mandated by the Security Council and/or directed by the Committee. Organizational • Contribute to the preparation of a programme of work of the Panel, including a travel schedule, at the outset of the mandate, which will be updated regularly; • Participate in investigative missions and bilateral consultations to gather information from government authorities, private individuals and entities, civil society, regional and sub-regional organizations and United Nations field presences; • Draft and follow up on correspondence in his/her areas of responsibility; • Collate and assess the information obtained, including by sharing written notes and briefs with other Panel members; • Classify, categorize and archive the materials obtained in the course of the Panel’s investigation; and • Submit to the UN Secretariat an End of Assignment Report at the end of the mandate. Administrative • Abide by the rules and regulations of the United Nations, as guided by the Secretary of the Committee, the Chief of the Subsidiary Organs Branch and the Director of the Security Council Affairs Division, among others. • Abide by the applicable policies, guidelines and procedures on safety and security within the UN’s Security Management System (UNSMS). • Abide by the applicable policies, guidelines and procedures on official travel, including the 03 July 2024 Policy Guidelines on Official travel: Compliance with the advance purchase policy (OHR/PG/2024/5).

Qualifications/special skills

An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in military science, political science, international relations, law, journalism or other relevant area 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. • A minimum of ten years (including a minimum of three years of field experience) of progressively responsible experience in the relevant area is required. • Significant field experience in post-conflict or other transitional situations is required. • Strong field research or investigative experience in the area of expertise is required. • Experience in writing high-quality reports is required. • Proven interpersonal skills in complex, political and structured working environments is required. • A demonstrated understanding of sanctions regimes in a United Nations, regional organization or Member State setting is highly desirable. • Experience in working under the rules and regulations of the organization and the working culture and methods of the United Nations Secretariat is highly desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN Language is an advantage.

Additional Information

Geographical diversity is a strong consideration. Women are particularly encouraged to apply. Candidates are encouraged to apply to the Security Council Affairs Division Pool of Experts. Candidates registered in the Pool of Experts are available for consideration whenever relevant opportunities arise. They will be contacted directly by the relevant team using the email address provided in the PHP submitted when applying to the Pool. Candidates who have joined the Pool should also actively apply to sanctions expert vacancy announcements posted In Inspira and on this website. Candidates interested in becoming members of the Pool of Experts can apply at the following URL: https://careers.un.org/jobSearchDescription/191928?language=en. For more information, please see: https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/sanctions/Pool_of_Experts. Candidates should list all work experience and diplomas in the relevant part of the application. Work experience and diplomas only mentioned in the cover letter will not be considered for screening purposes. Statements must include concrete start and end dates, detailed description of tasks and achievements and whether the experience was obtained in full-time or part-time. Candidates should note that eligibility and fees will be decided based on their submitted application only. There is no option to revise an application after submission. An appointment shall not be granted to a person who is the father, mother, son, daughter, brother or sister of a staff member.

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.

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Potential interview questions

Added 4 months ago - Updated 3 months ago - Source: careers.un.org