Civil Affairs Officer

United Nations Political Office for Somalia (UNPOS)

United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS:	31st August 2012
DATE OF ISSUANCE:	25 July 2012
FUNCTIONAL TITLE:	CIVIL AFFAIRS OFFICER
GRADE:	NO-B
SECTIONS UNIT:	CIVIL AFFAIRS
LOCATION:	GAROWE
VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT NUMBER:	UNPOS-011-2012

THIS POST IS AVAILABLE FOR SOMALI NATIONALS ONLY.

WOMEN CANDIDATES ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.

DESCRIPTION and RESPONSIBILITIES

Within delegated authority, the Civil Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties.

In the absence of a Civil Affairs Staff in South Central, the incumbent will be making regular visits to the recovered areas.

1.      Carry out assessment of the civil, economic and social developments as they impact on the sustainability of peace and reconciliation in accessible regions.   

2.      Analyze information and draft concepts notes on peace building initiatives in a logical and structured manner to support the local authorities and different structures/entities in the respective communities.

3.      Monitor and report on specific aspects of UNPOS’s mandate as they relate to civil affairs, peace building and local governance.

4.      Advise the heads of the Political and Civil Affairs section/unit on coordination with the Local Authorities and other partners in the area of operation.

5.      Support the Local Authorities and the community to identify needs, and advise on probable actions to address the needs.

6.      Develop and maintain close contact with the Central Government, UNCT, AMISOM, IGAD Local Authorities, community-based organizations, and Local NGO’s for the purposes of coordination to achieve consistency and synergy in the implementation of planned activities.  

7.      Represent UNPOS at fora as requested and appropriate.

8.      Prepare DSR and weekly summary of events for the attention of the section/unit head

9.      Facilitate missions to the regions.

10.  Perform other related duties as required.

  

·         Coordinates (across disciplines and components) with other team members to achieve consistency and synergy.

·         Performs other related work as required.

COMPETENCIES

• Professionalism: Professionalism - Good analytical abilities; the ability to identify and resolve difficult and sensitive issues; Skill in identifying sources for data collection;

·         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:  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.

·         Judgment/ Decision-making - Sound judgment in applying technical expertise to resolve a range of issues/problems. Ability to proactively seek and recommend sound policy initiatives.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in any of the following: political science, law, international relations, public administration, business administration, social sciences, engineering, economics or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:     A minimum of four years of progressively responsible experience in political affairs, civil affairs, public administration or related area.

Language:  Fluency in English is required; Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.  

Qualified candidates may submit their applications including their curriculum vitae or United Nations Personal History form (P.11) to the address mentioned below on or before the deadline. Email: recruitment-unsoa@un.org           Please quote; v  Vacancy Notice Number and Functional Title in the Subject of the e-mail. v  Index Number (for UN staff member) and attach an updated fact-sheet, and a copy of the last two performance appraisals. Applications received after the deadline (31/08/2012) will not be considered.

The United Nations shall place 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 DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING).