Strategic Liaison Officer

Senior Programme & Policy

Overview

Provide strategic guidance on military engagement and support ceasefire processes.

You have:

• Advanced university degree in security studies, international relations, political science, political anthropology or related field is required.
• A first-level university degree in combination with five additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• A minimum of seven (7) years of progressive, responsible experience in support to mediation/negotiation on security arrangements, or policy advice to envoys or mediators in an international organisation is required.
• Experience in the coordination, facilitation, dialogue, management and implementation of ceasefires is highly desirable.
• Fluency in English is required; knowledge of Arabic is desirable; knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

Contract

This is a P-4 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 7 years of experience, depending on education. More about P-4 contracts and their salaries.

Background Information - Job-specific

Background

OSESGY continues to work on the implementation of its mandate to enable a resumption of a peaceful, inclusive, orderly and Yemeni-led political transition process that meets the legitimate demands and aspirations of the Yemeni people.

Org. Setting and Reporting

The position is located in the Office of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen (OSESGY) in Amman, Jordan. The incumbent will report directly to the Principal Military Advisor (PMA) who is the lead of the support to the military aspects of a truce or ceasefire. The incumbent will be expected to undertake travel, including to Yemen and the region.

Functional Responsibilities

The incumbent will perform the following duties:

1. Provide operational guidance and advice to the PMA on the engagement strategy with the parties, with particular focus on designing realistic processes for deepening engagement and inclusive security dialogue, as part of a multi-level engagement strategy.
2. Support the overall establishment and implementation of the ceasefire mechanism, its internal and external responsibilities, and its future organization in support of a ceasefire, with special emphasis on process design, planning, oversight, verification and monitoring, and how to ensure party ownership.
3. Provide guidance and advice to office-wide planning. Provide guidance and advice on OSESGY internal coordination and organisational setup in support of military and security engagement.
4. Participate in OSESGY internal meetings as appropriate, particularly discussions on OSESGY road maps, contingency planning, and implementation plans.
5. Accompany PMA and front office in meetings with external stakeholders and UN HQ, if discussions on military and security-related matters, as appropriate.
6. Support section management, including PMA, with input to workplan implementation, task allocations, prioritization, decision-making and strategic direction of the section.
7. Support and provide input to lessons learned and knowledge consolidation.

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above) Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles. Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role). Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries. Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements. Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving. Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Competencies

Core 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. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

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

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.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education: Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in security studies, international relations, political science, political anthropology or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with five additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience: - A minimum of seven (7) years of progressive, responsible, experience in support to mediation/negotiation on security arrangements, or policy advice to envoys or mediators in an international organisation. - Experience in the coordination, facilitation, dialogue, management and implementation of ceasefires is highly desirable. - Experience providing security sector-related technical support to peace operations is desirable. - Experience of monitoring or peacekeeping missions is desirable.

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

Contract type, level and duration

1. Contract type: Fixed-term staff contract
2. Contract level: P4
3. Contract duration: 12 months

For more details about United Nations staff contracts, please follow this link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/UN-Staff-Contracts.aspx

Additional Information

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. For more information on a retainer contract here.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

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Potential interview questions

Added 3 years ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: jobs.unops.org