CHIEF OF SERVICE, CIVIL AFFAIRS

Contract

This is a D-1 contract. This kind of contract is known as Professional and Director staff. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's a staff contract. It usually requires 15 years of experience, depending on education. More about D-1 contracts and their salaries.

Org. Setting and Reporting This position is located in the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK). The CHIEF OF SERVICE, CIVIL AFFAIRS (Head of the Office of Community Support in UNMIK) reports to the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General (DSRSG). Responsibilities Within the limits of delegated authority, the Head of the Office of Community Support will be responsible for the following duties: Contributes to the development of the strategic vision for the overall Mission and UN effort, and ensures that Civil Affairs work is clearly conceptualized in support of this, in line with the evolving situation on the ground. Provides leadership and vision for effective cooperation between Civil Affairs and local authorities in Kosovo, as one part of the overall Mission efforts, with a view to; strengthening local ownership of trust-building processes, building capacity, promoting cooperation between communities, as well as supporting operations, policy and decision-making processes as appropriate. Formulates and implements the substantive work programme of Civil Affairs, in consultation with key partners inside and outside the Mission, taking account of gender considerations and ensuring that the component functions as one part of a coherent overall UN effort to support the reconciliation process. Provides clear guidance on activities and performance expectations to component staff and oversees the management of programmed activities, including the delivery of high-quality outputs and results. Designs and institutes effective partnership and information-sharing arrangements with both relevant Mission and non-Mission actors, including the UN Kosovo Team (UNKT). Oversees and ensures effective cooperation and coordination on the ground with all partners by Office of Community Support staff. Ensures that all Mission and non-Mission partners are clear about the role and contributions of the Office of Community Support. Ensures that the Mission and its mandate is effectively and consistently represented to relevant interlocutors by the Office of Community Support (and other Mission actors where appropriate), and that the perceptions and concerns of all sectors of the population are accurately fed into Mission-wide situation analysis and planning processes. Ensures that Mission leadership is provided with high-quality information and consistent analysis concerning conflict dynamics at the local and municipal levels, progress with or obstacles to trust-building processes throughout Kosovo, and possible areas for Mission action. Advocates for, and provides contextual advice to, the Mission on adherence to the principle of local ownership in the execution of its mandate. Institutes and oversees the programme management system for Confidence-building Measures (CBMs) including through setting up project management and approval mechanisms, proposing Mission-specific priorities and ensuring impact evaluation. Undertakes or oversees the programmatic/administrative tasks necessary for the functioning of Civil Affairs, including preparation of budgets, reporting on budget/programme performance, evaluation of staff performance, evaluation of candidates, and preparation of inputs for results-based budgeting. Ensures an appropriate balance of skills and specializations is recruited to the Office of Community Support, in accordance with (and where possible anticipating) evolving requirements over time. Fosters team spirit among Civil Affairs staff, ensures they are provided with the requisite guidance and training to fulfill their tasks (including mission-specific induction and skills training), oversees the systematic identification of lessons and good practice and the sharing of these with Civil Affairs components in other Missions, and encourages free and active participation by all component staff in the online Civil Affairs Community of Practice. Working closely with communities and bringing minorities/communities together eliminating political conflict Performs other duties as require., Convene or overseas support to national level dialogue and negotiation betwe en groups in conflicts at the local level. Facilitates, enables or mediates dialogue, where appropriate. Forges partnerships with relevant actors to advocate the protection and empowerment of excluded and/or threatened groups in full respect of humanitarian and international law. Identifies and coordinates a response to specific conflict drivers countrywide, including by mobilizing a response from other actors, where appropriate. Forges partnership with other actors in this area, including the UN Country Team (UNCT) and particularly UNDP. Oversees with national/local authorities and other partners to identify critical support needs of local authorities and to design strategies for responding to them, either through Civil Affairs Support or through mobilization of other actors and resources. Competencies Professionalism: Candidates should demonstrate competency in the core profile as well as one or both of the two professional specializations below. Core Profile: Seasoned and sophisticated understanding of the contexts within which peacekeeping operations function, and ability to contribute significantly to the overall strategic vision of UNMIK. In-depth knowledge of UN policy on Civil Affairs and related areas, and a sophisticated understanding of the role of Civil Affairs in empowering and enabling other actors. Ability to conceptualize, communicate and implement a work programme for a large and geographically disbursed team, ensuring that it functions effectively and as one part of a wider collective effort. Ability to forge strategic networks and partnerships with a wide range of actors and design mechanisms for coordination. Ability to work persuasively with partners to ensure that the work of the component is integrated into overall Mission and UN efforts. Ability to conduct sophisticated analysis of political, economic and social factors affecting conflict dynamics and peace processes and to identify critical peace building gaps. Sensitivity to complex dimensions of conflict, including related to issues of ethnic identity, gender and historical patterns of exclusion. Understanding of the functioning of political parties and the role of elected or transitional members of representative bodies. In-depth understanding of the principle of local ownership and of how to advise the Mission on applying this in various aspects of its work. Understanding of how to ensure that the concerns and perceptions of the local population are taken account of in the overall planning and operations of the Mission. Ability to design and manage complex information flows. Substantial knowledge of project design and project cycle management. Ability to mobilize and manage financial resources. Sophisticated understanding of how to integrate gender perspectives into the work of peace operations. Appreciation of the value of identifying and sharing best practices and lessons learned. Proven ability to work under extreme pressure, on occasion in highly stressful environments. Ability to work with tact and diplomacy, primarily as an enabler of constructive actors and processes. Respect for local cultures and values, awareness of the impact of personal conduct, ability to adapt behavior to different environments with sensitivity. Commitment to long term objectives, tenacity and a positive attitude in pursuing them. Understanding of political and social dynamics in Kosovo. 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. Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honors commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable. Planning& 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. Leadership: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow: empowers others to translate vision into results; is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support; anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions; drives for change and improvements; does not accept the status quo; shows the courage to take unpopular stands. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing. Empowering Others: Delegates responsibility, clarifies expectations, and gives staff autonomy in important areas of their work; encourages others to set challenging goals; holds others accountable for achieving results related to their area of responsibility; genuinely values all staff members' input and expertise; shows appreciation and rewards achievement and effort; involves others when making decisions that affect them. Education Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in social sciences, political science, international relations, public administration, anthropology, law, economics or related area. 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 15 years of experience in political science, social sciences, international relations, law, public administration, economics, civil affairs, conflict resolution and mediation, programme development, stabilization activities, public administration or related field, returns and camp management, property issues, is required. A minimum of five years in a management position with responsibility for developing and implementing a strategic programme with both personnel and resource management responsibilities, is required. A minimum of five years spent in a field setting with Peace-Operations, UN Funds or Programmes, National or International NGOs, international bilateral organizations, etc. is required. Languages English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English (oral and written) is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage. Assessment Previously rostered candidates are not subject to any further assessment and as such, will not be invited for such an assessment. Special Notice This "Recruit from Roster" job opening is only open to roster applicants who are already placed on pre-approved rosters, following a review by a United Nations Central Review Body. Only roster applicants who were placed on rosters with similar functions at the same level are considered to be eligible candidates. Eligible applicants receive an email inviting them to apply. Rostered applicants are encouraged to apply only if they are interested and available to take up the position at the duty station/s specified in the Job Opening. Applying to this job opening carries an expectation to accept the offer, if selected. 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. Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side 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.