Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO), duty station Goma. Goma is classified at “D” hardship category and is a non-family duty station. The incumbent will report to the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General (DSRSG) for Protection and Operations. The Head of Office (HoO) is the most senior United Nations representative in the designated Area of Responsibility (AoR) and is responsible for implementing the Mission’s mandate and developing strategies for achieving these goals in the AoR using the political, institutional and financial resources available. The HoO plays an important role in this as he/she is responsible for the overall coordination of protection of civilian’s actions in the AoR. The HoO also leads the coordination of stabilization efforts, including coordination of the Provincial Integrated Transition Team, in the AoR.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Head of Office, Political Affairs will be responsible for the following duties: Management • Lead, direct and coordinate the personnel and activities of all Mission Political components in the Area of Operations (AoR) in line with the mandate and strategic guidance provided by Mission Headquarters, as well as applicable principles, rules and regulations. Act as a strategic subject matter expert and adviser for the Mission Political components. • Ensure the operational functioning of the Goma Field Office, in collaboration with Mission Support. • In consultation with substantive components at Mission HQ, direct the activities of the local substantive teams, which may work in the following thematic areas: political affairs, civil affairs, human rights, rule of law, DDR, Community Violence Reduction (CVR), stabilization, security sector reform, electoral assistance, and public information. • Exchange with provincial and local authorities on all above-mentioned thematic areas. • Work closely with the UN Provincial Team (UNPT) in Goma. • Engage with the diplomatic community in Goma and visiting diplomats. • Liaise with other partners of the Government of DRC (SAMIDRC, Ad Hoc Verification Mechanism (R-AVM), ICGLR, etc.), as appropriate. • Get in contact with armed actors in the zone on tactical and operational matters, if needed. • Coordinate the work of the Provincial Integrated Transition Team, in the AoR. • Formulate a comprehensive programme of work for the Goma Field Office, determining priorities and activities that are in accordance with the mandate, Result-Based Budget (RBB), and Head of Mission’s strategic guidance and which promote coherence and integration across the substantive units; Monitor and report on performance against targets/indicators, including for mandated reporting to the General Assembly such as the RBB performance report. • Work in close partnership with the Mission’s military and police components to ensure that their activities are aligned with Mission priorities and relevant frameworks and regulations, including vis-à-vis security and crisis management. • Through delegated authority, act as Area Security Coordinator, responsible for implementing the UN security management framework, designed to ensure the protection of all UN staff and assets. • Supervise, mentor, and evaluate staff, participate in the selection of new staff. Analysis, Advice and Reporting • Identify, analyze and monitor local developments and emerging issues with respect to Mission priorities. • Assess implications and make recommendations to the Mission leadership and partners on possible strategies, policies and other measures to address issues of concern and to advance mandated objectives and UN principles and values; Monitor, evaluate and report on outcomes. • Ensure regular, timely and high-quality reporting to the Mission leadership on pertinent developments and issues. Manage the preparation of summary and analytical reports, including situation reports, briefing notes, notes to file and draft code cables. • Oversee the preparation of contextual information materials, such as background notes and profiles. Ensure an effective system of information management designed to guarantee accessibility and utility of information. Planning, Coordination and Facilitation • Develop and maintain productive relationships with the authorities, political and community leaders, civil society actors, the UN family and other national and international partners on coordination and policy matters. • Develop and lead outreach strategies targeting the local population, in order to cultivate ties, create/expand political space, foster dialogue and develop an understanding of local perceptions and views on relevant issues, challenges and possible solutions thereto. Ensure that perceptions are factored into the Mission’s own activities and contribution to policymaking and planning processes. • Consult and collaborate with institutional partners to increase understanding of issues and develop strategies and plans of action to address challenges, in pursuit of shared objectives. Monitor, evaluate and report on implementation. • In particular, promote coherence in the activities of the members of the United Nations Country Team (UNCT), seeking to ensure synergies that are aligned with the Government’s national plans and priorities; Support the development and implementation of UN common planning and programming processes, including through the provision of substantive and practical assistance to related activities. • Provide good offices on behalf of the Mission leadership, as appropriate. • Oversee the development of quick impact projects and CVR and their implementation. • Support and/or facilitate visits to the AoR by Mission delegations and/or other partners and stakeholders. • Perform other relevant duties, as requested by the DSRSG Protection and Operations.

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. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing. 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 the audience. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. Planning and 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. Managing performance: Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority. Makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member. Accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills. Monitors progress against milestones and deadlines. Regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff. Encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative. Actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff. Appraises performance fairly. Judgement/decision making: Identifies the key issues in a complex situation, and comes to the heart of the problem quickly. Gathers relevant information before making a decision. Considers positive and negative impacts of decisions prior to making them. Takes decisions with an eye to the impact on others and on the Organization. Proposes a course of action or makes a recommendation based on all available information. Checks assumptions against facts. Determines that the actions proposed will satisfy the expressed and underlying needs for the decision. Makes tough decisions when necessary.

Education

Advanced University Degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Political Science, International Relations, Social Science, Law or a related field. A first level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Job – Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of fifteen (15) years of progressively responsible experience in political, civil or humanitarian affairs, human rights, programme management, or a related field is required. Experience in outreach, facilitation, analysis, advice, management of personnel, budget preparation, planning, gender mainstreaming and reporting is required. At least five (5) years’ experience in management and coordination of multi-disciplinary teams and direct advice and support to senior leadership is required. Experience working in coordination with national or international military forces is desirable. A proven track record of leadership in multi-cultural settings is desirable. At least five (5) years’ experience working in a United Nations common system field operation (inclusive of peacekeeping, political missions and UN agencies, funds, and programmes)-or similar international organization or non-governmental organization in a conflict or post-conflict setting is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position advertised, fluency in both English and French (both oral and written) is required.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Special Notice

This job opening is advertised to fill a temporarily vacant position during the absence of the regular incumbent for a period of 364 days, subject to availability of funds. The regular incumbent is entitled to return to this position at the expiry of the temporary vacancy period. If the regular incumbent exercises the right to return, the appointment or temporary assignment or promotion of the candidate selected for this job opening will not be renewed or extended. The selection process for this job opening will be conducted pursuant to ST/AI/2010/3 on the “Staff Selection System” and include the compliance review process by a review body described in staff rule 4.15. In case of selection, a staff member of the United Nations Secretariat who meets the definition of “internal candidate” in staff rule 4.10 will be placed on a temporary assignment if he or she holds the same grade as the job opening; and a temporary promotion if he or she holds a lower grade than the job opening. If the regular incumbent vacates the position during such temporary assignment or promotion, the selected staff member will be laterally assigned, promoted or transferred to the position without further selection process under ST/AI/2010/3. • 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. • 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. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

United Nations Considerations

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. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile 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. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.