HEAD OF OFFICE, POLITICAL AFFAIRS (Chief of Office)

Overview

Lead and coordinate activities of the DSRSG Office.

You have:

• A minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible experience in political affairs, civil or humanitarian affairs, human rights, international relations, programme management, or a related field is required.
• Fluency in both English and French (both oral and written) is required.
• Advanced University Degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Political Science, International Relations, Social Science, Law or a related field.

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.

Salary

The salary for this job should be between 128,707 USD and 162,415 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 post is located in the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), based in Goma. Goma is classified at "D" hardship level and a non-family duty station. The Chief of Office, reports to the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General (DSRSG) for Protection and Operations.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Head of Office, will be responsible for the following duties: Management of the DSRSG Office: •Leads, directs and coordinates the personnel and activities of all components of the DSRSG Office, in line with the strategic guidance provided by the DSRSG, as well as applicable principles, rules and regulations; Acts as a strategic subject matter expert and adviser for the DSRSG on various issues. •Manages the flow of information to the DSRSG and supports a swift and transparent decision-making process. •Plans, coordinates and manages programmes, projects and activities of the DSRSG office and coordinates with other components of the Mission and external to the Mission as required. •Ensures that the works of all Mission components, including all substantive sections under the DSRSG’s Pillar are in accordance with the overall guidance from the DSRSG and the political strategy of the Mission, including on MONUSCO disengagement plan and transition. •Monitors and analyzes information and data, manages, coordinates and supervises the preparation of analytical materials and assessments for the DSRSG’s attention related to political, civil, social, economic and other developments in the region related to the implementation of the mandate, including MONUSCO disengagement plan. •Supervises, mentors, and evaluates staff within the DSRSG office; participates in selection of new staff for the office; coordinates the activities and personnel of all civilian Mission components at the regional and subregional level. •Manages the formulation of the programme of work of the Protection and Operations Pillar. Analysis, Advice and reporting: •Identifies emerging issues pertaining to the mandate; analyzes implications and makes recommendations to the DSRSG on possible strategies and measures; proposes plans of action for immediate and long range solutions to issues of concern in the region. •Coordinate and provides input for the regional office for the Secretary-General 's reports to the Security Council on the activities of the Mission as well as briefings to the Security Council and other such documents. •Ensures regular, timely and high quality reporting to the DSRSG on pertinent developments and issues; Manages the Preparation of various written materials, such as analytical reports, statements, notes on meetings, speeches, briefing notes and draft code cables for the DSRSG. •Oversees the preparation of contextual information materials, such as background notes and profiles; Ensures an effective system of information management designed to guarantee accessibility and utility of information. •Provides political advice to other components of the Mission as appropriate. Liaison and Coordination: •Consults and collaborates with institutional partners to increase understanding of issues and develop strategies and plans of action to address challenges, in pursuit of shared objectives; Monitors, evaluates and reports on implementation; •Provides good offices on behalf of the DSRSG, as appropriate. •Develops and maintains productive relations at the regional and municipal levels with governmental officials, political actors and leaders of the civil society, as well as regional actors and organizations and the wider UN system and other national and international partners on coordination and policy matters. •Supports and/or facilitates visits to the AoR by Mission delegations and/or other partners and stakeholders. •Performs other related duties as requested by the DSRSG.

Competencies

Professionalism: 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. 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. 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 the audience. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. Planning and 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. 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 creativity and initiative. 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 impacts of decisions prior to making them. Takes decisions with an eye to the 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, Law or a related field. A first level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Job - Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible experience in political affairs, civil or humanitarian affairs, human rights, international relations, 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, and direct advice and support to senior UN officials is required. Excellent and proven political awareness and management skills are required. Excellent and proven communication and drafting skills as well as diplomatic skills are required. Extensive experience in political outreach, facilitation, analysis, advice, management of personnel, planning and reporting 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. A minimum of two years of experience working in a UN Peacekeeping Operation or Special Political Mission or a UN agency in the field is desirable. Experience working in two or more different substantive areas covered by UN field operations is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position advertised, fluency in both English and French (both oral and written) is required.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

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. Appointment or assignment against this position is for an initial period of one year. The appointment or assignment and renewal thereof are subject to the availability of the post or funds, budgetary approval or extension of the mandate. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.

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. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile 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.

Potential interview questions