PROGRAM OFFICER – NEXUS SPECIALIST

Contract

This is a P-3 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 5 years of experience, depending on education.

Salary

The salary for this job should be between 120,483 USD and 157,764 USD.

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Org. Setting and Reporting The UN Secretary-General launched on 1 January 2019 a bold and new global reform which repositioned the UN Development System to deliver more effectively and efficiently with the achievement of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals. As part of this reform, UN Resident Coordinator Offices (UN RCO), under the leadership of an empowered and independent UN Resident Coordinator - the highest-ranking official of the UN Development System and Representative of the UN Secretary-General at country level - support countries in the achievement of their development priorities and the attainment of the SDGs.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is a country of contrasts and opportunities, with impressive human and natural resources, and a high potential for socio-economic development. However, after more than two decades of one of the most complex humanitarian crises in the world, the DRC remains ranked 179th out of 191 on the human development index. The Congolese population is faced with high levels of chronic vulnerabilities and critical humanitarian needs, mainly stemming from recurring conflicts of various types.

In a context of protracted crisis like the DRC, the humanitarian, development, and peace (HDP) nexus approach - also known as the Triple Nexus - aims at increasing collaboration, complementarity, and coherence among humanitarian, development, and peace actors to reduce humanitarian needs, vulnerabilities, and long-term risks, while addressing the underlying factors and causes of the crises. This approach is in line with the commitments of the Word Humanitarian Summit to transcend the humanitarian-development-divide, and shift from delivering humanitarian assistance to ending need. It also aligns with the need to make progress on the Sustainable Development Goals.

Since the Nexus approach was first considered in the country in 2018 under the joint leadership of the DSRSG/RC/HC and the Government of the DRC, some key milestones have been achieved to advance the Nexus. In 2019, an analysis of risks and vulnerabilities was conducted by the OECD, and four collective outcomes were agreed upon during a national workshop with wide participation from government, UN agencies, donors, and national and international NGOs. These four collective outcomes aim at (i) tackling food insecurity and malnutrition, (ii) improving access to basic social services (iii) reducing population displacement, and (iv) combating gender-based violence. They are now reflected in most planning and strategic documents across the three pillars of the Nexus.

The provinces of Kasai, Kasai-Central and Tanganyika were chosen as pilot Nexus provinces to their specific context and HDP discussions which were happening locally at the time in the context of MONUSCO’s withdrawal. Provincial operationalization workshops were held to bring actors together, produce the first mappings of HDP actors (3Ws) and identify Nexus pilot territories. As of 2023, multistakeholder Nexus Provincial Groups (NGPS) are now functional under the leadership of local authorities and their work focuses on joint coordination, mapping, programming, and monitoring tools. At national level, a Nexus Core Team (NCT) brings together representatives of UN Agencies, international and national NGOs, donors, and Government.

The next phase of Nexus in DRC is to strengthen this national Nexus coordination both at strategic and technical level, with a broader participation and stronger government leadership. It is also essential to start measuring tangible results of the Nexus approach, by demonstrating an actual decrease in the number of vulnerable people and needs. A specific emphasis will be put on one specific collective outcome in each province (in relation to the most important humanitarian needs). Nexus will also be extended to provinces with higher levels of humanitarian needs such as Ituri and South Kivu. In light of the above, the Coordination Officer - Nexus Specialist aims to strengthen the capacity within the Resident Coordinator’s Office to roll out the humanitarian-development-peace nexus and operationalize the collective outcomes. He/she will supervise two Associate coordination officers - National Nexus Analysts (NOB) based in Kananga (Kasai Central), and Kalemie (Tanganyika).

The position is located in the United Nations Resident Coordination Office (RCO) in Kinshasa, DR-Congo and reports to the DSRSG/RC/HC through the RCO Team Leader.

Responsibilities Within delegated authority, the incumbent will perform the following duties:

1. ASSIST AND ADVISE THE DSRSG/RC/HC IN COORDINATING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE HUMANITARIAN-DEVELOPMENT-PEACE NEXUS IN THE DRC: - Support the DSRSG/RC/HC in ensuring better synergies of the development community with peacebuilding and humanitarian communities in the areas of analysis, planning, programming and financing. - Coordinate and integrate different workstreams within the Integrated Office linked to the nexus. - Provide secretariat function of the multi-stakeholder Nexus Core Team and support coordination with national/local authorities, civil society, international NGOs, the private sector and development partners. - Work closely with national counterparts, donors and other stakeholders to ensure that humanitarian activities support and/or link into recovery and sustainable development strategies. - Advocate for the inclusion of early recovery and resilience building issues in the provincial operationalization of national humanitarian strategies and plans as well as in national and provincial development plans. - Maintain close liaison with relevant development partners, the diplomatic corps, regional organizations and other actors supporting the UN’s humanitarian, development, conflict prevention and peacebuilding efforts. - Advise on funding opportunities and mechanisms to fund humanitarian-development- and peace related initiatives and programmes in fragile and conflict affected areas promoting durable solutions for returns, targeting the most vulnerable people, and actively advocate for donor support in this area. - Support the implementation of the durable solutions strategy at national and provincial level in coherence with the Nexus approach (in cooperation with UNHCR and other relevant stakeholders). - Organize and conduct workshops in Kinshasa as relevant.

2. PROVIDE SUPPORT TO DSRSG/RC/HC, THE UNCT AND THE HCT ON SCALING UP HUMANITARIAN-DEVELOPMENT-PEACE INTERVENTIONS IN TANGANYIKA, KASAI AND EXTENDING THE APPROACH TO OTHER PROVINCES: - Work with development and humanitarian partners, in particular UNDP and OCHA to facilitate the implementation and contextualization of the collective outcomes at the provincial level and the elaboration of joint strategies and interventions by the development community aimed at enhancing resilience, reducing humanitarian needs. - Support the establishment of coordination fora or provide support to existing coordination at provincial level to enhance the operationalization and rollout of the triple nexus approach. - Provide support to mapping exercises of activities and efforts to enhance geographic convergence of implementation. - Work with the PBF secretariat and other sections of the Integrated Office as needed to ensure synergies between different projects; provide advice on how to ensure a strong nexus focus in PBF funded projects. - Maintain close liaison with the World Bank to ensure synergies with ongoing development programmes. - Provide quality support to the development, implementation and evaluation of projects under the triple nexus. - Supervise the Associate Coordination Officers/ Nexus Analyst based in Kananga (Kasai Central) and Kalemie (Tanganyika). - Organize and conduct workshops in the field as relevant.

3. ADVISE AND INFORM THE DSRSG/RC/HC ON CURRENT HUMANITARIAN-DEVELOPMENT-PEACE DISCUSSIONS AND THE NEW WAY OF WORKING AT THE GLOBAL LEVEL, TOOLS, INSTRUMENTS AND POLICIES AS MAY BE REQUIRED: - Maintain close contact with relevant staff in UN Headquarters as well at the regional level including relevant focal points at DCO, OCHA, UNDP, DPPA-DPO, DCO. - Contribute actively in a community of practice and ensure that lessons learned, and best practices are shared across a network of practitioners in order to strengthen the expertise in this area. - Compile best practices and lessons learnt from implementation in DRC, disseminate within the country and feed into discussions at regional and global level. - Collects and analyzes data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. - Perform any other duties considered necessary to advance the implementation of the humanitarian-development-peace nexus in DRC.

Competencies PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge and understanding of sustainable development theories, concepts and approaches. Ability to identify and develop sources for data collection. The ability to research, analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management on sustainable development issues. 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.

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.

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.

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.

EMPOWERING OTHERS: Delegates responsibility, clarifies expectations, and gives staff autonomy in important areas of their work; Encourages others to set challenging goals; Holds others accountable for achieving results related to their area of responsibility; Genuinely values all staff members' input and expertise; Shows appreciation and rewards achievement and effort; Involves others when making decisions that affect them.

Education Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent degree) in international relations, public administration,social sciences, political science, economics or related area, is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Certification in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is an advantage.

Work Experience A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in humanitarian and development coordination or a related field is required.

Experience in working in countries simultaneously addressing humanitarian, recovery, development and peace challenges, is required.

Experience in strong engagement with multistakeholder Nexus coordination with humanitarian, development, and peace stakeholders is required.

Proven expertise in Humanitarian-Development-Peace Nexus policies and practices is required.

Experience at the international level in a large organization with dispersed operations is desirable.

Experience working within the UN system, preferably in an operational UN Agency or a Development Agency is desirable.

Experience working in DR-Congo is desirable.

Experience in humanitarian response and recovery operations (complex emergencies and/or natural disasters) is desirable.

Experience in a UN peacekeeping mission is desirable.

Experience of two (2) years or more in data analytics or related area is desirable.

Languages English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English and French is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.

Note: "Fluency equals a rating of "fluent" in all four areas (read, write, speak, understand) and "Knowledge of' equals a rating of "confident in two of the four areas.

Assessment Evaluation of qualified candidates for this position may include a substantive assessment, such as a written test, which will be followed by a competency-based interview.

Special Notice THIS IS A PROJECT POST. Appointment against this post is open for an initial period of one year and may be subject to extension subject to legislative body funding availability.

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.

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.

Internal Applicants: When completing the form, ensure ALL fields, ALL professional experience and contact information are completed and up to date. This information is the basis for the hiring manager to assess your eligibility and suitability for the position and to contact you.

Individual contractors and consultants (Non-Staff Personnel) who have worked within the UN Secretariat in the last six months, irrespective of the administering entity, are ineligible to apply for professional and higher temporary or fixed-term positions and their applications will not be considered.

For this position, applicants from the following Member States, which are unrepresented or underrepresented in the UN Secretariat as of 30 September 2022, are strongly encouraged to apply: Afghanistan, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahrain, Belize, Brunei Darussalam, Cabo Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, China, Comoros, Cuba, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Djibouti, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Malta, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Monaco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Norway, Oman, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Slovenia Solomon Islands, South Sudan, Timor-Leste, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Vanuatu.

Applicants, who successfully go through a competitive recruitment process and are recommended for selection and/or inclusion in the roster of pre-approved candidates for subsequent job openings at the same level and with similar functions, may have their application information and roster status shared with other UN Organizations. Such applicants may be contacted by other UN Organizations for similar job openings, subject to the confirmation of their interest. Placement on the roster is no guarantee of a future selection.

At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application.

All applicants are strongly encouraged to apply on-line as soon as possible after the job opening has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the job opening. Online applications will be acknowledged where an email address has been provided. If you do not receive an e-mail acknowledgement within 24 hours of submission, your application may not have been received. In such cases, please resubmit the application, if necessary. If the problem persists, please seek technical assistance through the Inspira "Need Help?" link.

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.