Civil Affairs Officer

Mission and objectivesUnder Resolution 2677 (2023), the Security Council determined that the situation in South Sudan continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security in the region. The Council extended the UNMISS mandate until 15 March 2024. It also emphasized that the Mission should continue advancing its three-year strategic vision defined in resolution 2567 (2021) to prevent a return to civil war, build durable peace and support inclusive, accountable governance as well as free, fair and peaceful elections in accordance with the Revitalized Peace Agreement. Under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations, UNMISS is therefore authorized to use all necessary means to implement its mandate which includes: (a) Protection of civilians (b) Creating conditions conducive to the delivery of humanitarian assistance (c) Supporting the Implementation of the Revitalised Agreement and the Peace Process (d) Monitoring, investigating, and reporting on violations of humanitarian and human rights law The overall ceiling for uniformed personnel is maintained at 17,000 troops and 2,101 police, including 88 corrections officers. Please refer to https://unmiss.unmissions.org/mandate for more information.

ContextThis position is located within the Civil Affairs Division of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). The Civil Affairs Officer will be based in Bentiu, Unity State. Bentiu classified as an “E” hardship duty station and a non-family duty station. The incumbent reports to the Senior Civil Affairs Officer/ Team Leader in the Field Office.

Task DescriptionUnder the direct supervision of Civil Affairs Team leader, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks: • Maintain contact with local government authorities, political leaders, traditional leaders, religious leaders, civil society and business groups, as well as representatives of local and international organizations and provide briefing on the mandate and activities of UNMISS if so required; • Provide analysis on conflict management (prevention, mitigation, resolution) including related political, security, social and economic developments, youth and gender-related issues • Identify conflict trends and opportunities resolution on area of responsibility (AOR), and in support of the mission’s overall protection of civilians’ mandate. • Provide support to local level peace processes. • Foster confidence-building dialogues, to enhance understanding and cooperation between parties in conflict. • Provide timely and factual daily, weekly and monthly reports on conflict management, protection of civilians and peace activities within the area of responsibility. • Conduct VIP briefings and facilitate visits. • Collaborate and coordinate mandate related activities with UN agencies, institutions and local and international Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) operating in the State/ County. • Represent Civil Affairs Division (CAD) meetings with United Nations Agencies Funds and Programs, NGOs, local community groups, including youth groups and non-state actors; • Participate in assessment missions to outlying villages and localities and conduct Programmatic Activity Programs in communities across the County • Establish early warning / early response systems, through information gathering and building and maintaining local level relationships. • Implement CAD Workshops and peace activities, in collaboration with other UNMISS Sections or local partners; • Forge partnerships with local community leaders and organizations, to localize the implementation of the Reinitialized Peace Agreement and Roadmap • Ensure all UNMISS mandatory trainings are successfully taken • Undertake other assignments, as directed by the Team leader and/or the Director or OiC Civil Affairs Division.

Competencies and values• Accountability • Adaptability and flexibility • Creativity • Judgement and decision-making • Planning and organising • Professionalism • Self-management

Living conditions and remarksLiving conditions vary between UNMISS duty stations. Each duty station where UNMISS has a field presence has basic residential camp facilities, which includes running water and electricity. Candidates should be aware that accommodation may be austere with the possibility of water shortages and power blackouts. On arrival in Juba accommodation will be on a share basis. Ablutions will also be shared. As the accommodation situation improves single unit accommodation, with an attached ablution, should become available in all locations. Hard wall accommodation is available in Juba. All UNMISS duty stations apart from Entebbe, Uganda are considered non - family duty stations. The security level of UNMISS duty stations is classified by the UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) who will brief on arrival. A number of locations in South Sudan are prone to conflict. Primary health care services (preventive and curative) are provided in 11 United Nations Owned Equipment (UNOE) Level-I clinics, 21 Contingent Owned Equipment (COE) Level-I clinics, 4 COE Level-II medical facilities within the mission area and the establishment of contractual agreements for Level-III and Level-IIII care outside the mission area. The 4 Level-II facilities available in Juba, Bor, Malakal and Wau, run by the Troop Contributing Countries (TCC), take referrals from the Level-I clinics and provide hospital-based care. The climate is tropical with a rainy season in many areas, which should normally span from around April to October. Ability to live and work in difficult and harsh conditions is essential.