Expert, Leveraging tech for Uniformed Peacekeepers

Result of Service Objective:

To enhance mandate implementation and strengthen the performance and capabilities of uniformed peacekeepers in United Nations peace operations by leveraging current and new digital technologies.

Work Location Home-based (working remotely). Travel is required.

Expected duration Initially for six months, to deliver on Phase 1 *(Funds permitting, and depending on progress, the project will be extended for an additional 2 months, to achieve Phase 2.)

Duties and Responsibilities Background The Strategy for the Digital Transformation of Peacekeeping aims to make UN Peacekeeping more innovative, data-driven, and technology-enabled. The Strategy has four Goals: (1) to drive innovation; (2) to maximise the use of current and future technology; (3) to understand and mitigate threats to the safety and security and mandate implementation; and (4) to ensure responsible use of data and digital technologies (do no harm).

Since the launch of the Strategy in August last year, an advanced team has been planning for a three-year implementation, to start in mid-2022. Following consultation across the Department of Peace Operations (DPO), the Office of Information Communications and Technology (OICT) and peacekeeping missions, and with other stakeholders, the current project has been identified as one of the implementation priorities for 2022.

This project will focus on our uniformed components both at headquarters and in the field and will seek to leverage innovative digital technologies and new ways of working to address critical operational needs, gaps and challenges, with a view to strengthening the performance and capabilities of our uniformed peacekeepers. As a result, it will enhance the capacity of peacekeeping operations to ensure the safety and security of personnel and to effectively deliver on mandates.

Main Activities (over an initial six-month period) Provide expert advice and guidance on leveraging technology for UN military and police operations, and guide a Project Steering Committee consisting of key stakeholders, including OMA, Police Division, OPSP, DPET, DOS/UCSD, ODCSS and OICT:

Phase 1: 1. Carry out a desk review and develop a report that provides an assessment and recommendations for leveraging innovative technological solutions and new ways of working, with a view to strengthening the performance and capabilities of uniformed peacekeepers. (4 months)

The report should:

a. Identify and prioritize critical existing operational needs, gaps, and challenges (including those already identified by ongoing and previous initiatives such as the Action Plan on Improving Safety and Security) that can be addressed by leveraging technological solutions and adopting new ways of working. b. Review current/ongoing DPO/OICT and field technology-related initiatives related to uniformed components that aim to achieve (a), above, and assess their: i) alignment with priority needs, gaps, and challenges, ii) whether they have the resources, capacity, expertise, etc. to be realized; and iii) if not, what is required. c. Identify any other technological solutions (including emerging trends and advances in technology), as well as consideration of current operational workflows and practices, that can be deployed holistically to address current, or foreseeable critical operational needs, gaps, and challenges, including those articulated in the DTS goal 2.2 (Technological Solutions)

2. Following consultations with the Project Steering Committee, develop an implementation roadmap for achieving recommendations in (1), above. (2 months)

Phase 2: Working closely with the Digital Transformation team, and various stakeholders, guide and advise the Project Steering Committee to launch the actions needed in each area. (2 months) *

Qualifications/special skills Academic Qualifications: Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in international relations, security 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.

Experience: More than 15 years of progressively responsible experience in international settings related to political and/or military issues, having covered both field and HQ perspectives, is required. Experience working in peacekeeping mission contexts, strategic planning/guidance, including in relation to challenges facing the uniformed components of peacekeeping missions and providing advice to senior level decision-making is required. Command/Leadership experience facilitating change and driving technology related initiatives within a military/police structure is required. Previous experience leading strategic initiatives and dealing with UN member states and intergovernmental processes is desirable.

Language: Fluency in English is required

Additional Information The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

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.

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.