Result of Service

• Daily, weekly and monthly report on the situation in Nigeria and Cameroun and the relationship between them and with other neighbors, emphasizing the aspects that could have impact on the implementation of the ICJ ruling, as well as aspect that could have impact on West Africa sub region and all other items considered relevant according to the mandate of UNOWAS and CNMC. • Provide and counsel senior officials with well-analyzed, concise information and recommendations as to appropriate action to be taken; propose solutions, action, consultation and positions to solve problems.

Work Location

YAOUNDE – ABUJA

Expected duration

6 months

Duties and Responsibilities

UNOWAS is entrusted with the overall mandate of enhancing the contributions of the UN towards the achievement of peace and security in West Africa and the Sahel. This includes governance, mainstreaming security sector reform into development strategies, defining an integrated sub regional approach to humanitarian, human rights and gender issues, curbing corruption, poverty alleviation, addressing youth unemployment as well as cross-border illicit trafficking and organized crime. These emerging destabilizing issues can be considered as new threats to security. The mandate of the Mixed Commission on Cameroon and Nigeria (CNMC) is to ensure the peaceful implementation of the judgment of the ICJ (International Court of Justice) and to prevent related tension between Cameroon and Nigeria from escalating into conflict. In this complex and sensitive environment, the CNMC would benefit from the work of a Civilian Observers with strong knowledge of the mandate of the CNMC as well as expertise in supporting national peace initiatives. Under the overall guidance of the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General (SRSG) and Chairman of Nigeria and Cameroun Mixed Commission, reporting directly to the Senior Economic Affairs Officer and CNMC Program Manager, the Civilian Observer will be responsible for the following duties: • Evaluate the security situation of the affected populations in both countries, with regard to the implications of the ICJ decision; prepare ad hoc analytical reports including recommendations on solutions and/or possible action. • Gather on a daily basis comprehensive information on factors that affect or may affect security in the areas covered by the ICJ decision, with a focus on both threats on local security and cross-border security issues; develop a weekly security assessment (level, trends, and major facts) and ad hoc analytical reports, including the reliability of sources. • Prepare analytical reports and papers on matters of concern, with a focus on threats to security and stability in the affected areas (draft notes, background papers, talking points, speeches and other correspondence). • Contribute to country-wide security risks analyses by providing relevant information to the UNDSS based in both Nigeria and Cameroon and act as liaison between CNMC and the security focal points for each of the Parties. • Assist in the development of confidence-building measures, including liaising with and coordinating meetings between local authorities, NGOs, etc. • In coordination with colleagues, contribute to devising conflict prevention or mediation strategies, as well as targeted initiatives aiming at reducing tension or violence in the affected areas. • Support in the field negotiation, mediation and reconciliation processes. • Prepare analytical reports and papers on matters of concern, with a focus on political, threats to security and stability in the affected areas (draft notes, background papers, talking points, speeches and other correspondence). • Conduct research on specific threat factors, including missions in the field. • In coordination with UNDSS based in both Cameroon and Nigeria, develop a Crisis Management System for the Civilian Observer Teams that covers both duty stations and field missions, including rapid dissemination of security related information, alert system, recovering or evacuation of personnel, business continuity plan, etc. • Prepare and provide up-to-date comprehensive security briefings to the Coordinator, senior officials, colleagues, and to special visitors as well. • Maintain contacts with other sectors of the UN, other international organizations and governments on coordination and security matters; brief representatives and provide as appropriate suggestions and recommendations. • Liaise and consult systematically with security experts (national security agencies, national armed forces, defense attachés…). • The candidate may lead one of the satellite offices of Yaoundé and liaising with the Dakar HQ, which could also entail logistical support to the technical field teams that travel to the border on mission. • Arrange and participate in field missions and meetings of the Mixed Commission. During field missions, Candidate will: o make security assessment before field mission in mission area with the parties. o Evaluate the security measures put in place by the Parties. o Chair the security meeting at the base before deployment in the field. o Liaise with focal points from parties when delays or any other problems occur. o Liaise with the UNDSS representatives in field / Yaoundé / Abuja. • Perform other related duties as required.

Qualifications/special skills

Experience: A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in military, international relations, development or conflict resolution work at national and international levels. Experience in missions and/or prior work in operations is required. Military experience at the grade of Colonel or above and field experience is an asset

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in English and French is required.

Additional Information

Not available.

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.