Security Sector Reform (SSR) Officer

Contract

This is a UNV International Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Specialist contracts.

Assignment is renewable on an annual basis (1 July - 30 June) up to a maximum of 4 years. Contract renewals are granted based on Mission mandate, availability of budget, operational necessity and satisfactory performance.

Duty station can change in the course of an assignment based on operational necessity; UN Volunteers may be required to work and travel anywhere in the area of operations of the host organization, including in remote locations.

Within delegated authority and under the supervision of the Chief SSR, the UN Volunteer SSR Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

• Assists in the development of key components of the approved SSR Programme, including overall policy and legal framework, implementation strategy, operational modalities and action plans, taking into account national programme priorities and targets. • Substantively participates in the development, implementation and evaluation of assigned projects, monitors and analyzes project development and implementation, reviews relevant documents and reports, identifies problems and issues to be addressed and proposes corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties, and identifies and tracks follow-up actions. • Provides technical inputs to ongoing projects, as well as technical advice and assistance to key parties (e.g.: SSR unit management, established Commissions, or government officials); consults with relevant stakeholders through inclusive and participatory processes; and undertakes continuous monitoring of project activities. • Organizes or undertakes research on various aspects of SSR work; analyzes and presents information gathered from diverse sources; identifies problems and issues to be assessed and proposes corrective actions. • Assists in policy development, including the review and analysis of issues and trends, preparation of impact evaluation or equivalent studies, and so on. • Undertakes survey initiatives; reviews, analyzes and interprets responses, identify problems/issues and prepare conclusions. • Participates in field missions, including provision of guidance to government officials and other parties; drafts mission summaries, and so on. • Initiates and coordinates outreach activities; contribute to conduct training workshops and seminars; makes presentations on assigned topics or activities. • Contributes to coordinating activities related to budget and funding (project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements, and so on) and prepare related documents and reports (pledging, work, programme budget, and so on). • Liaises closely with others relevant parties to ensure that SSR activities are well integrated and coordinated. • Prepares various written outputs, like draft background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, and similar. • Provides substantive support to consultative and other meetings, conferences, etc., to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations, and so on. • When working with (including supervising) national staff or (non-)governmental counterparts, the incumbent is strongly encouraged to set aside dedicated time for training, coaching, mentoring and capacity development. • Performs other related duties as required by direct supervisor.

• Integrity and professionalism: demonstrated expertise in area of specialty and ability to apply good judgment; ability to work independently under established procedures in a politically sensitive environment, while exercising discretion, impartiality and neutrality; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented. • Accountability: mature and responsible; ability to operate in compliance with organizational rules and regulations. • Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities. • Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity and gender; • Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups; • Flexibility, adaptability, and ability and willingness to operate independently in austere, remote and potentially hazardous environments for protracted periods, involving physical hardship and little comfort, and including possible extensive travel within area of operations as may be necessary; • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards the UN core values.

peacekeeping/peace-building or development work with specific focus on SSR, inter-agency coordination, political analysis, institutional development, or a related area. Previous experience in policy coordination or project management is desirable. Previous experience working in a conflict or post-conflict setting is required. Previous experience in SSR with professional experiences in advising, guiding, or mentoring defense or security forces is deirable. Previous experience in the UN common system is desirable. Proven experience gained in a professional capacity in drafting high quality, analytical reports is desirable. Experience with project management and sensitization of national partners is desirable.

The Central African Republic is a non-family duty station with a difficult security and working environment. Security instructions from the UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) need to be strictly complied with in all duty stations. The country security level is 4, restricting movement to official travel only. Currently a curfew applies from 10 pm to 5 am.

The country is landlocked, with very limited travel possibilities, and surrounded by countries with volatile and security problems (Cameroon, Chad, DRC, Sudan, South Sudan). There is an unstable socio-political situation and social unrest and grievance, in particular in the capital city Bangui, with frequent civil servant strikes causing interruption of health, education and civil service, due to years of unpaid salaries. Power cuts are a norm, causing insecurity in the city. The population in Bangui, including the expatriates, is concerned about increasing crime as a direct result of the March 2013 coup by the SELEKA, a coalition of rebel groups, and events in December 2013 that carried the country into chaos. The country is entirely dependent on the Cameroon seaport, situated 1500 km away, causing regular shortage of basic domestic goods. Travel time for a truck from Douala in Cameroon to Bangui averages a week because of bad roads and roadblocks along the way.

This situation puts tremendous stress on personnel. There are very limited medical infrastructures and services do not function properly. Living conditions are difficult due to the high cost of living and the scarcity of basic products and food. Supermarkets having a variety of food and consumer goods are available, but are costly. Fresh vegetables and fruits are available in the market.

There is no MINUSCA guesthouse in Bangui. Private accommodation possibilities are limited and getting a house that is compliant with UN security measures can take several weeks. UN personnel in Bangui live on the local economy by renting apartments and houses. In comparison to a few years ago, more accommodation is available now, but at high cost. Sharing accommodation is recommended. Currently all serving UN Volunteers have access to decent accommodation ensuring minimum standards of comfort. The average monthly cost for accommodation varies from around 1000 USD for a small apartment with basic furniture, but no power generator and interrupted running water supply, to 2,000+ USD with all commodities.

A UN dispensary provides basic medical care for UN personnel and a UN hospital has been operational since August 2014. A Level II Hospital run by a military medical team exists as well.

Only four airlines officially recognized by the UN System serve the country: Air France (twice a week), Royal Air Maroc (twice a week), Kenya Airways (three flights per week) and Asky (three flights per week). Flights are sometimes subject to cancellation when security situation volatility increases.

A Rest & Recuperation (R&R) scheme has been re-established since August 2013 and maintained for all CAR duty stations at a 6-week frequency.

The Central African Republic is a unique country and MINUSCA is a unique operation. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural and security 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 physical hardship and little comfort, are essential.