LIAISON OFFICER

Org. Setting and ReportingThe position is located in the Office of the Assistant Secretary-General (OASG) of the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism to Assist in the Investigation and Prosecution of Persons Responsible for the Most Serious Crimes under International Law Committed in the Syrian Arab Republic since March 2011 (IIIM) located in Geneva, Switzerland. The incumbent of the position reports to the Head of Entity. ResponsibilitiesWithin the limits of delegated authority, the Liaison Officer is responsible for performing the following functions: - Provides information and analysis to the Head of Entity and the Leadership Team and prepares draft reports related to the Mission's mandate; - Assesses implications and makes recommendations to the Head of Entity and senior management on possible policies, strategies and other measures to address issues of concern and to advance mandated objectives; - Consults and cooperates with partners to develop strategies and plans of action to address accountability related challenges, in pursuit of shared objectives; - Supports preparations for official meetings, events and visits, including through the provision of secretariat services, drafting talking points and speeches for the Head of Entity and other senior staff members; - Provides support to the work of the substantive sections of the IIIM and contributes to a shared understanding of the entity mandate and operations amongst actors, and relevant national and international stakeholders; - Fosters effective working relations with the UN Country Team colleagues and counterparts, Government representatives, civil society actors, military and law enforcement actors, academic and research institutions, and other national and international partners on information-sharing, policy and coordination matters; - Interacts closely with Local Team Leaders and all IIIM staff members in preparing summary and analytical documents, including situation reports, background notes, and talking points; - Participates in fact-finding-and other-missions; - Supervises and monitors the work of colleagues under his/her responsibility in undertaking the full range of their duties; - Carries out other duties as assigned. CompetenciesPROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge in development of policy objectives for effective handling of political affairs, peacekeeping, crisis management, conflict prevention and mediation, accountability and/or humanitarian matters. 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. 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. 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. 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. EducationAdvanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in social sciences, political science, international relations, public administration, anthropology, law, economics, or related area is required. A first-level university degree with a combination of two (2) additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Job - Specific QualificationNot available. Work ExperienceA minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in political affairs, diplomacy, conflict resolution, mediation or related field is required. A minimum of two (2) years' experience in political outreach, facilitation, analysis, advising or reporting is required. Experience in multilateral diplomacy is required. Experience working in Syria is required. Experience working in the area of justice and accountability in the Syrian context is desirable. Experience leading teams in multi-cultural settings, including management and coordination of multi-disciplinary teams is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, fluency in English and Arabic is required. AssessmentEvaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview. Special NoticeIn line with staff regulation 1.2 (c), staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations. The position is presently based in Geneva. However, it is expected to be relocated to Damascus, Syria. Upon confirmation of the relocation, Damascus will become the official duty station of the incumbent, and the corresponding post adjustment, benefits, and entitlements of that duty station will apply. The relocation of the position may result in slight changes to the present Job description. Extension of the appointment is subject to extension of the mandate and/or the availability of funds. 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. At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is essential. Fulfillment of the responsibilities of this position may necessitate engagement with material and/or information that may be distressing. In line with staff regulation 1.2 (c), staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations. The position is presently based in Geneva. However, it is expected to be relocated to Damascus, Syria. Upon confirmation of the relocation, Damascus will become the official duty station of the incumbent, and the corresponding post adjustment, benefits, and entitlements of that duty station will apply. The relocation of the position may result in slight changes to the present Job description. United Nations ConsiderationsAccording 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 FeeTHE 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.