Liaison Officer

Contract

This is a UNV National Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as National UN Volunteer. It is normally only for nationals. More about UNV National Specialist contracts.

The Office of the UN Resident Coordinator supports the UN Resident Coordinator and the UN Country Team to ensure strategic, coherent, and efficient functioning of the UN Development System in South Sudan. The position is located within the UN Resident Coordination Office (RCO) in Juba, South Sudan and under the overall supervision of Head RCO / Strategic Planner.

Within the delegated authority and under the overall supervision of the Head of RCO/ Strategic Planner, the National UNV will perform the following:

Coordination & liaison:

• Supports the Head of RCO/RC in general coordination involving Government Ministries and, Representatives.

• Supports the day-to-day operational activities related to the work of the office of the Resident Coordinator.

• Provides supplemental information to the Head of RCO/RC on policy and substantive guidance and other relevant information on the peace process as well as other key political and security developments at the national level.

• Provides timely information and analysis to the Strategic Planner/RC on developments in the country about operations, including crisis management.

• Drafts responses to requests from DCO/UNHQ and supports visiting delegations in Juba and states.

• Assists in follow up on RCO internal coordination activities and programmes.

• Assists in planning, coordinating, and supporting programmatic activities of the office of the Resident Coordinator, particularly where coordination is needed with external partners including government.

• Assists UNSDCF result groups in the implementation of joint workplans to ensure SDG-relevant and SDG-responsive UN operational activities for development.

• Supports Head of RCO in the coordination of inputs for reports and prepares written outputs as required, including review of policy documents and analytical reports, background briefings, talking points, correspondences, and logistics arrangements on RCO consultation process.

• Provides substantive support to organize consultations, meetings, and conferences, including annual UNCT retreat.

• Performs other related duties as required.

• Professionalism: demonstrate understanding of operations relevant to RCO; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to RCO procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures. ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially, responsive and client oriented.

• Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and RCO in daily activities and behaviors while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular. take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behavior; does not abuse power or authority.

• 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 and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals. and provide guidance or training to colleagues.

• Planning& 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.

• Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honors commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.

• Creativity: Actively seeks to improve programmes or services; offers new and different options to solve problems or meet client needs; promotes and persuades others to consider new ideas; takes calculated risks on new and unusual ideas; thinks “outside the box”; takes an interest in new ideas and new ways of doing things; is not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches.

  the field of administration and finance, working in the UN or other international development organization.

• Other desired/mandatory required technical knowledge

• Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills.

• Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing.

• Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development.

• Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel.

• Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment.

• Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines.

• Desirable: valid national driver’s license and proven ability to drive manual gear 4x4 over rough terrain; (if not applicable, delete)

• Sound security awareness.

• Have affinity with or interest in development coordination volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

The September 2018 Revitalized Agreement on Resolution of Conflict in the Republic South Sudan (R-ARCSS) provides for the formation of Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (R-TGONU) as a basis for governing the country during the transitional period 2020-2022 followed by elections in 2023.

Though there has been significant reduction in level of conflict and violence across the country, South Sudan is still in Security Phase III level, with UN imposed curfew from 7:00pm to 5:00am. Banking facilities are available however, use of credit and debit cards is limited.

There are two mobile telephone companies namely, Zain and MTN providing services and sim cards are obtained with cash after registration by the service provider. JEDCO Electricity is currently lighting Juba however, the city is still mostly powered by individual generators.

Running water is dependent on water tankers that deliver water to households and access to better health facilities is still a challenge. UN volunteers can access medical services in the UN Agency clinic while other medical services can be obtained at the UNMISS Level 2 hospital.

South Sudan is a unique country with a unique humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding context. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving potential physical hardship, are essential.

As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. National UN Volunteers are part of the malicious insurance plan.