Civil Affairs Officer

Contract

This is a UNV International Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Specialist contracts.

All references to Kosovo shall be understood to be in the context of Security Council Resolution 1244 (1999).

Within the UNMIK Office of Community Support (OCS), under the direct supervision of the Head of OCS Pejë/Peć-Prizren Field Office, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

• Monitor and analyze activities that have a significance or have implications for the members of non-majority communities and keep the office informed; • Monitor non-majority protection and returns related activities as well as protection of cultural and religious heritage in the area of responsibility (AOR); • Liaise with local municipal authorities to bring to their attention non-majority community concerns to the extent warranted; • Liaise with Kosovo institutions, political parties, non-majority and religious community representatives, the diplomatic community, international organizations and NGOs for information gathering regarding political developments; • Assist and help members of non-majority communities protect their rights and interests with Kosovo institutions, to the extent required; • Assist in all aspects related to the implementation of UNMIK’s trust and confidence building agenda within the AOR; • Assist with identification, development, implementation and monitoring of projects, in line with the Mission’s Programmatic Activity and Confidence Building Project programmes. • Prepare timely, reliable, objective, concise and comprehensive reports on significant developments in the AOR, with special attention to areas inhabited by non-majority populations; • Provide inputs for other reporting requirements of OCS; • Closely monitor returns, reintegration, community stabilization and development initiatives and programmes in close cooperation with other international and local organizations; • Maintain accessible databases on municipal activities, political personalities, political parties and movements, parallel political structures, as well as decentralization and cultural heritage issues in the AOR; • Assist in facilitating humanitarian aid delivery to non-majority areas, including medical supplies, when required; • Represent UNMIK at various fora; • Liaise with responsible colleagues on logistic and support matters of the office; The UN Volunteer is required to travel frequently and long hours within the AOR to perform the tasks listed above. • Performs other related duties as required.

• Integrity and professionalism: demonstrated expertise in area of specialty and ability to apply good judgment; high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures in a politically sensitive environment, while exercising discretion, impartiality and neutrality; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented.

• Accountability: mature and responsible; ability to operate in compliance with organizational rules and regulations.

• Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment.

• Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priori-ties and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities. • Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity and gender.

• Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including local staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse back-grounds; ability to maintain composure and remain helpful towards the staff, but objective, without showing personal interest; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups.

• Flexibility, adaptability, and ability and willingness to operate independently in austere, remote and potentially hazardous environments for protracted periods, involving physical hardship and little comfort, and including possible extensive travel within the area of operations; willingness to transfer to other duty stations within area of operations as may be necessary;

• Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity, and self-reliance; and commitment towards the UN core values.

Civil Affairs, Political Affairs, or related area, or in support of a field operation of the United Nations Common System or a comparable international organization, National or International NGO, community-based organizations, or research institutions is required. Experience in conflict management, support to state institutions, or programme management would be desirable. Experience in project management is an advantage. Previous experience in Kosovo is an asset.

Computer skills: Good computer skills are required. Proficiency in Microsoft 365 Office suite applications, or in equivalent word processors, spreadsheet editors, personal information managers, presentation programs, and notetaking software is required.

Kosovo is located in the Balkans mountain range of south-eastern Europe. The climate is continental, with warm summers and cold, snowy winters. Houses/Apartments are easily available and generally have electricity and running water. Costs are reasonable but vary according to location - i.e. city centre vs. outlying villages. Upon arrival, you will reside in a hotel until you get permanent housing. The UNV Field Unit can assist in identify suitable housing. There are no specific health problems associated with Kosovo, and no vaccines are required prior to arrival. Air pollution indexes are high during the winter period and may pose a threat to particularly sensitive groups. UNMIK offices are equipped with air filters. UNMIK provides contracted medical service to its staff should anyone fall ill. Foods and dietary needs of all kinds are available in the many supermarkets. There are market places that cater fruits and vegetables, and bakeries offer some exquisite pastries and breads. Fresh fish and meat are also available. Several English-speaking schools are available in Kosovo. Pejë/Peć is about 80 kilometers, or about one hour and half drive from Pristina, where UNMIK HQ is located. The UNV is requested to live within “commuting distance” of the duty station that allows the UNV to be able to come to and be physically present at the office during the required working hours when requested, including at short notice.

Note on Covid-19 vaccination requirements Selected candidates for certain occupational groups may be subject to inoculation (vaccina-tion) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) in line with the applicable host entity policy.