Mission and objectives

In August 2012, the Government of Colombia and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia – People’s Army (FARC-EP) began talks to reach a peace agreement. At the request of the parties, a special political mission was established by Security Council Resolution 2261 (2016), composed of unarmed international observers. From then on, the Mission was mandated to verify the disarmament process bilaterally with the FARC-EP and to participate as an international component (UN-CI) in the Tripartite Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (MM&V) of the bilateral and definitive ceasefire and cessation of hostilities. This mandate concluded on September 25, 2017. In June 2017, the Government of Colombia and the FARC-EP requested that the United Nations Security Council approve a second UN political mission for a period of three years. In July 2017, the United Nations Security Council approved Resolution 2366 (2017), establishing a second political mission (Verification Mission) for an initial period of 12 months starting on September 26, 2017, with the mandate to verify the implementation by the Government of Colombia and the FARC-EP of sections 3.2 and 3.4 of the Final Agreement (security guarantees for individuals and groups associated with the FARC-EP and security programs for communities; and the political, economic, and social reintegration process of the FARC-EP). During the transition period between July and September 2017, the Mission began provisional activities related to its next mandate, reporting initial progress to the Security Council. Since then, the Security Council has extended the mandate of the Verification Mission annually through successive resolutions.

Context

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.

Task Description

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.

Competencies and values

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.

Living conditions and remarks

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