PROTECTION OF CIVILIANS OFFICER

Org. Setting and ReportingThis position is located in the the Policy and Best Practice Service of the Policy, Evaluation and Training Division (DPET) in the UN Department of Peace Operations (DPO). The Protection of Civilians Officer reports to the Team Leader/Head of the Protection Pillar Team. DPO provides political and executive direction to UN Peacekeeping operations around the world and maintains contact with the Security Council, troop and financial contributors, and parties to the conflict in the implementation of Security Council mandates. The Department works to integrate the efforts of UN, governmental and non-governmental entities in the context of peacekeeping operations. DPET is mandated to develop and disseminate the policy and doctrine guiding the work of United Nations peacekeeping. In addition, the division has the responsibility to evaluate, at the request of the heads of the departments, how those policies are being applied, gather lessons learned and best practices, and use that information to guide the development, coordination and delivery of standardized training, so as to complete the learning cycle. DPET is also responsible for developing and maintaining strategic cooperation with various UN and external partners. ResponsibilitiesWithin delegated authority, the Protection of Civilians Officer (POC) will be responsible for the following duties: • Assists in improving the implementation of protection of civilians mandates in AU and UN peace operations, in close consultation with specialized protection experts, uniformed expertise and relevant regional desks of both organizations; • Develops, implements and evaluates POC policy, guidance and implementation strategies; monitors and analyzes programme/project development and implementation; works to ensure that political strategies, peacebuilding and sustaining peace in peace operations inform POC mandates and vice versa; reviews relevant documents and reports; identifies problems and issues to be addressed and initiate corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties; ensures follow-up actions; • Works closely with the relevant AU and UN offices to determine how POC can be more effectively integrated into the mission planning processes for which they are responsible; • Researches, anlayzes and presents information gathered from diverse sources; • Organizes and prepares written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc.; • Provides specialist inputs on POC into cross-cutting guidance, training and planning materials; • Contributes to POC lessons learned exercises, including generating and analyzing surveys; designs data collection tools; reviews, analyzes and interprets responses, identifies problems/issues and prepares conclusions; • Contributes to and provides analysis of ongoing POC policy debates, including in Member State and research fora; • Initiates and coordinates outreach activities; conducts training workshops, seminars, etc.; makes presentations on assigned topics and activities; • Leads and/or participates in large, complex field missions, including provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties, and drafting missions summaries, etc.; • Coordinates activities related to budget funding (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements, etc.) and prepares related documents/reports; • Performs other duties as required. Competencies• Professionalism: Expert knowledge of institutional mandates, organizational structures and policies within the UN, guidelines and methodologies relating to the protection of civilians. Knowledge of peacekeeping processes. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to conduct data collection using various methods. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. 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 audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. • Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be \"clients\" and seeks to see things from clients' point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients' needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients' environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client. EducationAn advanced university degree (Master’s or Doctorate degree, or equivalent) in law, political science, international relations, human rights, child rights, women’s rights or a related field is required. A first-level degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in the specified fields of studies with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Job - Specific QualificationNot available. Work ExperienceA minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in the protection of civilians in armed conflict, with experience working on developing and managing POC political or programmatic activities is required. Field experience working in or in support of a UN peacekeeping operation is required. Experience in partnerships between international organizations is required. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. French is desirable. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).