Org. Setting and Reporting

Please note that the United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS) began operations effective 01 November 2024, succeeding the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM). The position is located in the United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS) and is based in Mogadishu. The Special Assistant will report directly to the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General (DSRSG, Political).

Responsibilities

Within limits of delegated authority, the Special Assistant will be responsible for performing the following duties: • Provides substantive and practical support to the DSRSG in identifying, analyzing and monitoring political developments and emerging issues with respect to the implementation of the Mission’s mandate as given by the Security Council; • Reviews and monitors activities in Somalia; assesses trends which might affect the political and security situation and the political impact of intra-regional issues; recommends solutions/possible actions by the DSRSG; • Brings to the attention of the DSRSG all matters requiring the DSRSG’s personal attention, makes recommendations on how those matters might be handled, and ensures appropriate follow-up, as directed; • Organizes and manages the DSRSG’s meetings and Mission events, prepares written summaries and conducts follow-up activities, as appropriate; • As requested, handles incoming and outgoing correspondence of the DSRSG; • Drafts correspondence for the DSRSG’s signature, as well as other documentation including background papers, talking points, speeches, trends analysis, code cables and reports to the Security Council; • Develops, liaises and maintains close working relations with Mission components, officials of state institutions, political parties, civil society, religious actors and other national and international partners on coordination and policy matters; • Plans, organizes, and manages conferences, meetings, seminars and workshops as directed by the DSRSG; • Coordinates, as required, actions related to the transition towards United Nations agency-led commitment, depending on the mission’s mandate and the situation in the country concerned. This includes liaising with bilateral donors and other international organizations, with a view to realizing greater synergy and coordination, specifically regard post-mission activities in the country; • Performs other duties, as assigned.

Competencies

• PROFESSIONALISM: Shows ability to complete in-depth studies and reach conclusions on possible causes and solutions to political problems in specific areas and/or countries. Shows ability to relate to various issues and perspectives to political, social, economic and humanitarian programmes in affected countries and areas. 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. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. • 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. • 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.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Political Science, Management or Development, or a related field. A first-level university degree in combination with additional two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Job – Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in political affairs, diplomacy, conflict resolution, or related Extensive experience in political outreach, facilitation, analysis, advice and reporting is required. Experience working in a disarmament, security, development management, conflict resolution or related area is required. Experience in political outreach, facilitation, analysis, advice and reporting is desirable. Experience working in or support of a field operation of the United Nations Common System or comparable international organization or non-governmental organization is desirable. Experience in a conflict or post-conflict setting is desirable. Experience working in the Horn of Africa is desirable. Previous experience working in the office of a senior public official and/or as a Special Assistant (or similar) to a senior public official is desirable.

Languages

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

Assessment

Previously rostered candidates are not subject to any further assessment and as such, will not be invited for such an assessment.

Special Notice

Please note that following the UN Security Council’s adoption of resolution 2753 (2024), UNTMIS mandate is expected to be terminated at the end of the anticipated transition by 31 October 2026. This “Recruit from Roster” job opening is only open to roster applicants who are already placed on pre-approved rosters, following a review by a United Nations Central Review Body. Only roster applicants who were placed on rosters with similar functions at the same level are considered to be eligible candidates. Eligible applicants receive an email inviting them to apply. Rostered applicants are encouraged to apply only if they are interested and available to take up the position at the duty station/s specified in the Job Opening. Applying to this job opening carries an expectation to accept the offer, if selected. 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.