This position is located in the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) in location classified as “D” and non-family duty stations. The incumbent can be deployed in Bamako. For operational tasks, the incumbent will report to the Chief DDR and, for strategic guidance, to the Director Security Sector Reforms – Disarmament Demobilization and Reintegration in Bamako.
The United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) was established by Security Council resolution 2100 of 25 April 2013 and mandated MINUSMA “to assist the transitional authorities of Mali in developing and implementing programmes for the DDR of former combatants and the dismantling of militias and self-defence groups, consistent with the objectives of reconciliation” (Paragraph 16.a.v). The peace accord in the context of Algiers Inter-Malian negotiations was endorsed by the government of Mali and armed movements in June 2016, Annex 2 to Chapter 8 on Defence and Security entrusts MINUSMA with a significant role in supporting and supervising the cantonment of the armed groups and requests a Commission Technique de Securite (CTS) chaired by the MINUSMA Force Commander to develop modalities for the cantonment and disarmament of the armed groups in the north of Mali, with support from the DDR section. In line with UN Resolution 2227 (2015), MINUSMA-DDR has the mandate to support the implementation of the defense and security measures of the peace agreement.
Within delegated authority, the DDR Officer will be responsible for the following duties:
•Assists DDR unit management in the overall planning of strategic, technical and operational components of its work and in the day-to-day coordination of its activities with other mission components (e.g. political affairs, military, public information; logistic support; humanitarian) and UN entities.
•Supervises DDR staff members in the regional office, including administration and management of funds allocated for DDR work programmes objectives; coordinates activities related to budget funding and prepares related documents/reports.
•Directs and manages DDR teams in field operations, as required.
•Plans and implements all DDR field operations in accordance with the mission’s mandate.
•Coordinates policy development, including the review and analysis of issues and trends, preparation of impact evaluation or other research activities and studies.
•Provides technical inputs to the planning, design and implementation of diverse programmes/projects, as well as technical advice and assistance to key parties (e.g. DDR unit management, DDR Commissions, government representatives, etc.); consults with relevant stakeholders through inclusive and participatory processes.
•Takes the lead in identifying, establishing and maintaining contacts and partnerships with other international and national actors in assigned areas of responsibility with a view to pursuing DDR objectives and ensuring participation in and effective integration of ideas in the planning and implementation of DDR activities.
•Leads and/or participates in large, complex programmes/projects, field missions, etc., including provision of guidance to government officials and other relevant parties; reviews relevant documents and reports; identifies problems and issues to be addressed and initiates corrective actions; ensures follow-up actions.
•Leads and supervises the organization of meetings, seminars, etc. on substantive issues; manages the substantive preparation and organization of such meetings or seminars.
•Prepares and/or supervises preparation of various written outputs, e.g. background papers, analysis, substantial sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc.
•Provides substantive support to consultative and other meetings (e.g. conferences, workshops) to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations; assists in the planning of high level visits.
•Ensure identification of Community Violence Reduction (CVR) and Community Based Reinsertion (CBR) projects, review the project proposals and oversee their implementation in the region
•Supports DDR Chief in day-to-day supervision of staff and their field operations activities; carries out programmatic/substantive reviews of work and draft reports prepared by others.
•Supports DDR Chief in resource mobilization efforts and ensures coordination with donors, including the private sector.
•Performs other related duties as required..
•Professionalism: In-depth knowledge and understanding of unit’s mandate and strategic direction and ability to develop and direct viable programme/projects reflective of these goals. Proven expertise in country/region of assignment; in-depth understanding of and ability to evaluate international political situations in that area. Knowledge of wide range of DDR issues; conceptual and strategic analytical capacity, including ability to analyze and articulate the DDR dimension of complex issues that require a coordinated UN response. Demonstrated problem-solving skills and judgment in applying technical expertise to resolve a wide range of complex and unusual issues/problems and in developing innovative and creative solutions. Ability to negotiate and to influence others to reach agreement. Knowledge of institutional mandates, policies and guidelines pertaining to DDR and knowledge of the institutions of the UN system. Ability to work under extreme pressure, on occasion in a highly stressful environment (e.g. civil strife, natural disasters and human misery). 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.
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in political science, social sciences, international law or affairs, management, economics, business administration, finance, economics, development or other relevant fields. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.
A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible professional experience in international affairs such as peacekeeping and peacebuilding operations or development programmes, including in the planning and management of large programmes/projects is required.
Detailed knowledge of the development process and post-conflict related issues is required.
Experience in the field of DDR of ex-combatants with specific focus on disarmament, demobilization, reintegration, community violence reduction, small arms control, conflict/post-conflict crisis management, economic recovery or related area is required.
Experience in research and analysis on issues related to DDR and CVR is required.
Proven ability to work in a large multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural team and of coordination with multiple partner agencies funds or programmes is required.
Experience in drafting reports to governmental and intergovernmental bodies is required.
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English and French (both oral and written) is required.
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an informal interview.
• This position is temporarily available until 30 December 2020. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment.
• While this temporary assignment may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, the selection for this position is for a limited period and has no bearing on the future incumbency of the post.
• Subject to the funding source of the position, the eligibility for this temporary job opening may be limited to candidates based at the duty station.
• This temporary job opening may be limited to “internal candidates,” who have been recruited through a competitive examination administered according to staff rule 4.16 or staff selection process including the review of a central review body established according to staff rule 4.15.
• Staff members of the United Nations common system organizations who will reach the mandatory age of separation or retirement within the duration of the current temporary need period are not eligible to apply.Submitting an application or selection for the current temporary job opening does not delay or increase the mandatory age of separation.
• Retirees above the mandatory age of separation who wish to be considered for the current temporary job opening must indicate the reason for their last separation as "retirement." Such retirees shall not be employed by the Organization, unless (a) the operational requirements of the Organization cannot be met by staff members who are qualified and available to perform the required functions; and (b) the proposed employment would not adversely affect the career development or redeployment opportunities of other staff members and represents both a cost-effective and operationally sound solution to meet the needs of the service.
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.
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.
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