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.

This position is located within the Civil Affairs Division of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). The UNV Officer will be based in Bor. Bor classified as an “E” hardship duty station and a non-family duty station. The incumbent reports to the Senior Civil Affairs Officer/ Team Leader in the Field Office.

Under the direct supervision of Civil Affairs Team leader, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

• Maintain contact with local government authorities, political leaders, traditional leaders, religious leaders, civil society and business groups, as well as representatives of local and international organizations and provide briefing on the mandate and activities of UNMISS if so required; • Provide analysis on conflict management (prevention, mitigation, resolution) including related political, security, social and economic developments, youth and gender-related issues • Identify conflict trends and opportunities resolution on area of responsibility (AOR), and in support of the mission’s overall protection of civilians’ mandate. • Provide support to local level peace processes. • Foster confidence-building dialogues, to enhance understanding and cooperation between parties in conflict. • Provide timely and factual daily, weekly and monthly reports on conflict management, protection of civilians and peace activities within the area of responsibility. • Conduct VIP briefings and facilitate visits. • Collaborate and coordinate mandate related activities with UN agencies, institutions and local and international Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) operating in the State/ County. • Represent Civil Affairs Division (CAD) meetings with United Nations Agencies Funds and Programs, NGOs, local community groups, including youth groups and non-state actors; • Participate in assessment missions to outlying villages and localities and conduct Programmatic Activity Programs in communities across the County • Establish early warning / early response systems, through information gathering and building and maintaining local level relationships. • Implement CAD Workshops and peace activities, in collaboration with other UNMISS Sections or local partners; • Forge partnerships with local community leaders and organizations, to localize the implementation of the Reinitialized Peace Agreement and Roadmap • Ensure all UNMISS mandatory trainings are successfully taken • Undertake other assignments, as directed by the Team leader and/or the Director or OiC Civil Affairs Division.

• Accountability • Adaptability and flexibility • Creativity • Judgement and decision-making • Planning and organising • Professionalism • Self-management

Political analysis and problem-solving skills and experience in working with non-state actors and community groups; including youth and women and training or Workshop facilitation.

Other civil society or community development experience mandatory.

At least two years of relevant experience in coordination and liaison with partners and stakeholders.

Experience working in conflict situations on conflict management: prevention, mitigation, resolution is essential; Proven report-writing and analytical skills is required.

Experience in promoting good governance and democracy and civic education and knowledge of database management would be added advantage.

Solid computer skills, including full proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and other IT applications and office technology equipment.

Living conditions vary between UNMISS duty stations. Each duty station where UNMISS has a field presence has basic residential camp facilities, which includes running water and electricity. Candidates should be aware that accommodation may be austere with the possibility of water shortages and power blackouts. On arrival in Juba accommodation will be on a share basis. Ablutions will also be shared. As the accommodation situation improves single unit accommodation, with an attached ablution, should become available in all locations. Hard wall accommodation is available in Juba.

All UNMISS duty stations apart from Entebbe, Uganda are considered non - family duty stations. The security level of UNMISS duty stations is classified by the UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) who will brief on arrival. A number of locations in South Sudan are prone to conflict.

Primary health care services (preventive and curative) are provided in 11 United Nations Owned Equipment (UNOE) Level-I clinics, 21 Contingent Owned Equipment (COE) Level-I clinics, 4 COE Level-II medical facilities within the mission area and the establishment of contractual agreements for Level-III and Level-IIII care outside the mission area. The 4 Level-II facilities available in Juba, Bor, Malakal and Wau, run by the Troop Contributing Countries (TCC), take referrals from the Level-I clinics and provide hospital-based care.

The climate is tropical with a rainy season in many areas, which should normally span from around April to October. Ability to live and work in difficult and harsh conditions is essential.