JOB DETAILS:
United Nations National Field Officer Colombia UN Jobs 2024
United Nations looking for “National Field Officer”. Applicants with an Advanced degree may apply on or before 21-Jul-24.
The United Nations has published a job vacancy announcement on 05-Jul-24 for qualified applicants to fill in the vacant post of National Field Officer to be based in Arauca, Colombia. For more jobs, please visit https://unjoblink.org
Company Name: United Nations
Job Title: National Field Officer
Duty Station: Arauca, Colombia
Country: Colombia
Application Deadline: 21-Jul-24
On May 11, 2021, the United Nations Security Council, through Resolution 2574 (2021), decided to grant the request of the Government of Colombia and extended the tasks of the Mission to also include verifying compliance and implementation of sanctions imposed by the Special Jurisdiction for Peace on individuals who have acknowledged detailed and full truth and responsibility before the chambers of this Special Jurisdiction.
In October 2022, the United Nations Security Council, reaffirming its full commitment to the peace agreement in Colombia, extended the mandate of the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia until October 31, 2023, through Resolution 2655 (2022).
On January 11, 2023, the United Nations Security Council, through Resolution 2673 (2023), decided to grant the request of the Government of Colombia and expanded the tasks of the Mission to include, in addition to verifying points 3.2, 3.4, and the specific sanctions, the implementation of point 1 and point 6.2 of the Final Agreement.
Within the framework of delegated authority and under the supervision of the Regional, Subregional, or Local Team Leader or their designated representative, the UN Volunteer will carry out the following tasks:
• Frequently visit meeting areas and nearby towns to become familiar with the dynamics operating on the ground to gather concerns and identify the challenges faced by the signatory parties and affected communities;
• Build strong and productive relationships with the parties, local actors, and communities, in coordination with Public Information Officers and the heads of Regional Offices;
• Support regional, subregional, and local teams in the implementation of their activities related to the Mission’s mandate, including aspects related to engagement with the parties and communities, monitoring and verification activities, maintaining databases, and preparing reports; observing, gathering information, receiving needs from the parties and affected communities, monitoring incidents and alleged violations of the Final Agreement, and recommending and implementing preventive and corrective actions;
• Assist in analyzing parameters of murders and threats based on the context of armed groups and dynamics present in the region;
• Support the preparation and analysis of monthly, bi-weekly, and daily reports;
• Assist in building and maintaining relationships with civilian and military/police authorities involved in security guarantees for former FARC-EP combatants and communities most affected by the conflict;
• Support monitoring institutional commitments in reincorporation, including assistance in implementing sustainability indicators for economic projects and systematizing indicators for each project;
• Assist in monitoring the activities of the COMUNES party (former FARC party), analyzing their actions, strengths, and weaknesses, supporting the engagement of the COMUNES party at the regional and local levels with the national party bodies;
• Support monitoring economic reintegration projects for former FARC-EP combatants implemented by the Mission and through governmental and non-governmental entities and international cooperation, to promote their swift execution and alert to difficulties or delays encountered;
• Assist in creating communication pieces and products needed for education and dissemination of peace and reconciliation proposals;
• Support the Mission’s participation in institutional spaces such as Municipal Peace Councils and reconciliation processes promoted for Mission support;
• Serve as a liaison between UN counterparts and other actors present in the area of responsibility;
• Analyze and report on the Mission’s mandate and the scope of its activities;
• Perform additional functions, if necessary, based on criteria established by the person in charge of leading the team.
• Furthermore, UN Volunteers are required to:- Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day)- Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country- Provide annual and end of assignment reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities using UNV’s Volunteer Reporting Application- Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.- Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers- Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering, or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.
Professionalism: Discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy, and tact in dealing with clients; ability to exercise good judgment; capacity to interact and coordinate with various actors; personal initiative and sense of ownership; willingness to take initiative and accept responsibility for one’s actions; ability to work independently within established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately, and confidentially; responsiveness and client orientation.
Integrity: Upholding and embodying the UN’s values and ethical standards in daily activities and behavior, both in professional duties and personal life; acting without regard to personal gain; not succumbing to political pressure in decision-making; supporting decisions that reflect the organization’s interests even when they are unpopular; taking action against unprofessional or unethical behavior; not abusing power or authority.
Teamwork and Respect for Diversity: Ability to operate effectively within organizational boundaries; capacity to establish and maintain effective and harmonious collaborations in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity and gender; sensitivity and adaptability to different cultures, genders, religions, nationalities, and ages; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equity by ensuring the full participation and involvement of both women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance and training to colleagues.
Commitment to Continuous Learning: Initiative and eagerness to learn new skills and stay up-to-date with developments in the area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in the work environment.
Planning and Organization: Organizational and problem-solving skills and the ability to manage a large volume of work efficiently and promptly; ability to set priorities, plan, coordinate, and monitor (own) work; capacity to work under pressure and handle multiple projects/activities simultaneously.
Communication: Interpersonal communication skills; ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to deliver articulate, succinct presentations; capacity to make and defend recommendations with objective arguments; ability to communicate and empathize with Mission staff, and local counterparts and interlocutors from diverse backgrounds.
Flexibility: Adaptability and capacity to live and work in potentially adverse and remote conditions, including physical hardship and limited comfort; ability to operate independently in austere environments for prolonged periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and relocate to other work sites within the area of operations if necessary.
Genuine Commitment to the Principles of Volunteering: Including solidarity, compassion, reciprocity, and autonomy; and commitment to the mission and vision of UNVMC, as well as the UN’s Core Values.
responsible areas such as: community engagement, civil society, international relations, political affairs, program monitoring and evaluation, project design and implementation of development and social projects, report writing, political analysis, media monitoring, and/or related experiences;
Other technical knowledge and professional and personal qualities desirable and/or required for the position include:
• Required ability to participate in meetings, draft archival notes, substantive reports, and conduct political analysis;
• Required demonstration of impartiality, respect for the mission’s mandate, and absolute adherence to the confidentiality clause;
• Required high adaptability to the specific conditions of the job and field missions (due to territory, climate, river missions, etc.);
• Required excellent interpersonal skills; cultural and social sensitivity; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a variety of actors, including community members, religious and youth organizations, law enforcement, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with communication tools and approaches for development;
• Required knowledge in the inclusion of a gender perspective;
• Required affinity and interest in working in post-conflict situations, in volunteer work as a mechanism for lasting and stable peace and development, and in the United Nations system;
• Required solid computer skills, including advanced handling of various Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) as well as email/internet; and office technology equipment;
• Required valid driver’s license and demonstrable ability to drive manual or automatic vehicles and 4×4 vehicles. Possessing a driver’s license is mandatory for employment. Upon arrival at the mission, the volunteer will be required to take a driving test in accordance with the Mission’s current vehicle use regulations.
• Desirable knowledge in economic, political, and social reintegration issues;
• Previous experience in project management and administration. Desirable knowledge of the rural productive development sector;
• Desirable experience working in multicultural and dynamic environments, engaging with people of different cultural backgrounds and opinions, and under different contractual conditions;
• Desirable experience in the inclusion of gender and ethnic approaches;
• Desirable experience in Latin America;
• Desirable experience in performing multiple functions simultaneously under stress, in insecure and potentially hostile environments, in austere living conditions, and for extended periods;
• Desirable experience in facilitating workshops, pedagogical and recreational processes, participating in training processes;
• Desirable experience in mediation processes and interaction with communities. Communication skills and abilities to interact with a wide range of community interlocutors.
General: The Mission offices are located in different terrains with diverse climates, ranging from coastal and warm to mountainous with very variable temperatures. Most substantive staff, such as United Nations Volunteers, are deployed throughout the country in 9 regional offices, 8 sub-regional offices, 2 satellite offices (HUB), and 12 local offices.
Diet and Food: Although there is a wide variety of food products available throughout Colombia, stores and markets may be distant from work areas and may not meet all volunteers’ dietary preferences.
Health: United Nations Volunteers should be aware that they may be exposed to various tropical diseases and must complete all medical formalities specified in the Offer or Transit Alerts before traveling and should carry their Vaccination Record to the Mission.
Colombia is a country at risk for yellow fever transmission, with the highest risk departments being Amazonas, Arauca, Caquetá, Casanare, Cesar, Guanía, Guaviare, La Guajira, Meta, Putumayo, and Vichada. While vaccination certification is not mandatory for travelers from infected areas, it is strongly suggested that all personnel be vaccinated. Note that other countries may require a yellow fever vaccination certificate for travelers from Colombia. Other mandatory vaccines are MMR (if unsure when it was last received, if there is no proof of immunization, or if born after 1958), Polio, and Tetanus/Diphtheria. Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Typhoid vaccines are recommended. In areas <1,700 m (5,577 ft), there is a risk of contracting malaria. Chemoprophylaxis (atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine) should be considered, with drug resistance indicated for chloroquine, always prescribed after medical consultation. Colombia has promoted healthcare services in almost all UN deployment locations, but volunteers should be aware that local healthcare facilities may be limited, without access to immediate high-complexity care. As explained in the Medical Support Manual, medical care will be provided to all Observers and UN staff as needed.
Covid-19: The United Nations is not currently mandating Covid-19 vaccination. However, the Government of Colombia requires proof of full vaccination completed at least 14 days prior to boarding, or a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before boarding, or a negative antigen test taken no more than 48 hours before boarding. Therefore, and because the WHO considers vaccination the best protection against Covid-19, it is strongly recommended that all candidates complete their Covid-19 vaccination series before applying to this call. In all cases, the required vaccines will be those authorized by the World Health Organization, which can be consulted at this link, or those officially approved by a UN-recognized country or territory.
Colombia is a unique country with unique people and offers a rewarding and enriching UNV experience. However, some destinations are not suitable for family accompaniment and will require more resilience and dedication than others. Therefore, the ability, capacity, and willingness to live and work in relatively challenging and difficult conditions, with limited comfort, are essential.