HEAD OF OFFICE, POLITICAL AFFAIRS

Contract

This is a P-5 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 10 years of experience, depending on education.

Salary

The salary for this job should be between 110,869 USD and 138,944 USD.

Please keep in mind that the salary displayed here is an estimation by UN Talent based on the location and the type of contract. It may vary depending on the organization. The recruiter should be able to inform you about the exact salary range. In case the job description contains another salary information, please refer to this one.

Org. Setting and Reporting This position is located in the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), in the Torit Field Office. The Torit Field Office is classified in the “E” category and as a non-family duty station. The Head of Field Office P-5 reports to the Special Representative of the Secretary General (SRSG) through the Mission Chief of Staff.

Responsibilities Within delegated authority, the Head of Field Office P-5 will be responsible for the following duties:

Management .Lead, direct and coordinate the personnel, operations, programs and activities of all substantive and uniformed Mission components in the Area of Responsibility, in line with the mandate, priorities and strategic guidance provided by Mission Headquarters, as well as applicable principles, rules and regulations. •Ensure the operational functioning of the Field Office, in a challenging security and political environment in collaboration with Mission Support and other components in Mission Headquarters including providing timely inputs to the Early Warning and Response System.

.Provide guidance in conducting regular preparation and implementation of FTX, TTX and CASEVAC / MEDVAC exercises to assess the preparedness and response of the field office in the event of crisis management, identifying gaps and generate After Action Review reports for making improvements.

•In consultation with substantive components at Mission HQ, lead, direct and coordinate the activities of the Field Office teams, which may comprise of the following thematic areas: political affairs ( FIOC), civil affairs, human rights, rule of law, gender affairs, protection of civilians, child protection, public information, as well as provide advice and coordination with Mission uniformed personnel. . •Formulate a comprehensive programme of work for the Field Office, determining priorities and activities that are in accordance with the mandate, and Head of Mission’s strategic vision and guidance to promote coherence and integration across the substantive units, to achieve high quality results, including towards advancing the implementation of the Mission-wide priorities such as the Action for Peacekeeping (A4P+), comprehensive performance assessment system (CPAS), women, peace and security (WPS), youth, peace and security (YPS), and others. . Collaborate with UNCT and humanitarian partners to increase understanding on building durable peace and develop strategies and plans of action to address challenges, in pursuit of shared objectives; monitor, evaluate and report on implementation. •Through delegated authority, act as Area Security Coordinator, responsible for implementing the UN security management framework, designed to ensure the protection of all UN personnel and assets. •Supervise, mentor, and evaluate staff and ensure geographical diversity and gender parity principles are adhered to in recruitment. .Ensure UN personnel uphold UN code of conduct and discipline and uphold zero tolerance to Sexual Exploitation and Abuse - In coordination with the Field Administrative Officer, prioritize the welfare, wellbeing and living conditions of all personnel in Torit field office, including civilian and uniformed personnel. - Manage and oversee the programmatic and administrative tasks for the functioning of the Field Office, including budget preparations, reporting performance, monitoring and evaluation

Analysis, Advice and Reporting •Identify, analyze and monitor local developments and emerging political and security issues with respect to the Mission mandate and priorities; Assess implications and make recommendations to the Mission leadership and partners on possible strategies, policies and other measures to address issues of concern and to advance mandated objectives and UN principles and values; Monitor, evaluate and report on outcomes. •Ensure regular, timely and high quality analytical reporting to the Mission leadership on pertinent developments and issues; Manage the preparation of summary and analytical reports, including situation reports, briefing notes and notes to file. •Oversee the preparation of contextual information materials, such as background notes and profiles; ensure an effective system of information management designed to guarantee accessibility and utility of information.

Planning, Coordination and Facilitation •Develop and maintain productive relationships with the local and state authorities, political and community leaders, civil society actors, the UN family and other national and international partners on coordination and policy matters. •Develop and lead outreach strategies targeting the local population, in order to cultivate ties, create/expand political space, foster dialogue and develop an understanding of local perceptions and views on relevant issues, challenges and possible solutions thereto; Ensure that perceptions are factored into the Mission’s own activities and contribution to policy-making and planning processes. •Consult and collaborate with diverse institutional partners to increase understanding of issues and develop strategies and plans of action to address challenges, in pursuit of shared objectives; Monitor, evaluate and report on implementation. •In particular, promote coherence across organizational boundaries , seeking to ensure synergies that are aligned with the State and local Government’s national plans and priorities; Support the development and implementation of UN common planning and programming processes. - Provide effective UN representation and exercise of good offices on behalf of the SRSG, as appropriate. •Support and/or facilitate visits to the Area of Responsibility by Mission delegations and/or other partners and stakeholders. •Perform other relevant duties, as requested by the Mission Chief of Staff or the SRSG.

Competencies Professionalism: Extensive knowledge of issues pertaining to South Sudan, especially in the area of peace and security, regional and global dynamics, as well as relevant local and international actors. Ability to produce reports and papers on technical issues and to review and edit the work of others. Ability to apply UN, or other large international organization, rules, regulations, policies, and guidelines in work situations. 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.

Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; Tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; Places team agenda before personal agenda; Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Managing Performance: Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability, and decision-making authority; Makes sure that roles, responsibilities, and reporting lines are clear to each staff member; Accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills; Monitors progress against milestones and deadlines; Regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff; Encourages risk-taking and supports staff when they make mistakes; Actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff; Appraises performance fairly.

Judgement/Decision-making: Identifies the key issues in a complex situation, and comes to the heart of the problem quickly; Gathers relevant information before making a decision; Considers positive and negative impact on others and on the Organization; Proposes a course of action or makes a recommendation based on all available information; Checks assumptions against facts; Determines that the actions proposed will satisfy the expressed and underlying needs for the decision; Makes tough decisions when necessary.

Education Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in political science, international relations, social science, economics, law, public administration, or a related field. A first level university degree with a combination of two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience A minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in political, civil or humanitarian affairs, human rights, programme management, or a related field is required.

A proven track record of leadership in multi-cultural settings, including management and coordination of multi-disciplinary teams, is required.

Experience working in a United Nations common system field operation (inclusive of peacekeeping, political missions and UN agencies, funds, and programmes) -or similar international organization or non-governmental organization- in a conflict or post-conflict setting is required.

Experience in outreach, facilitation, analysis, advice and reporting is required.

A minimum of two years of experience working in a UN Peacekeeping Operation or Special Political Mission is desirable.

Experience working in two or more different substantive areas covered by UN field operations is desirable.

Experience working in Africa is desirable.

Languages English and French are the working languages for the United Nations. For the position advertised fluency in oral and written English is required.

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.

Qualified women that meet the requirements of this job opening are particularly encouraged to apply and will be given full consideration in accordance with the United Nations efforts to increase women participation in its workforce.

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.

Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process.

The paramount consideration in the appointment, transfer, or promotion of staff shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. By accepting an offer of appointment, United Nations staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and assignment by him or her to any activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). In this context, all internationally recruited staff members shall be required to move periodically to discharge new functions within or across duty stations under conditions established by the Secretary-General.

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.