Assessment Period
All applicants should regularly check the United Nations HR Portal at https://hr.un.org/page/assessment or their "My Upcoming Test Schedule" page in Inspira for any updates/changes after the closing of this job opening, particularly during the week before the scheduled testing dates.
Please note that applicants who apply as rostered candidates are not subject to any further assessment and accordingly, will not be invited to participate in the SPT or any other assessments (including any written exam, interview, etc.) throughout the selection process. For more information about the assessment process, please visit the United Nations HR Portal.
Self-Assessment Questionnaire
Is a career at the United Nations right for you? Take the voluntary self-assessment questionnaire and get valuable insight into the working environment of the United Nations as well as the Political, Peace and Humanitarian Network (POLNET). This questionnaire is anonymous and has no impact on your potential candidacy for this position. Upon completion, you will receive feedback to help you decide if working in the United Nations is right for you.
Special Notice
Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.
Extension of the appointment is subject to extension of the mandate and/or the availability of the funds.
Staff members of the United Nations Secretariat must fulfill the lateral move(s) or geographical requirements as set out in ST/AI/2016/1 to be eligible to apply for this job opening. Staff members are requested to indicate all qualifying lateral or geographical move(s) in their Personal History Profile (PHP) and cover note.
Org. Setting and Reporting
The position is located in the United Nations Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) in Bangui. Bangui is classified as a “D” hardship duty station and a non-family duty station. The Chief of Service, Security Sector Reform will directly report to the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General (DSRSG).
Mandate On 10 April 2014 the Security Council established the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) by its resolution 2149 (2104). While the protection of civilians is its utmost priority other mandates of the mission include the support for the transition process, facilitating humanitarian assistance, promotion and protection of human rights, support for justice and the rule of law; and disarmament, demobilization, reintegration and repatriation processes. For more information visit http://www.un.org/en/peacekeeping/missions/minusca/.
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:
• Formulates and implements the substantive work programme of the SSR Unit.
• Oversees the management of activities undertaken by the SSR Unit, ensures that programmed activities are carried out in a timely fashion and co-ordinates work in the different areas both within MINUSCA, and with other organizations of the United Nations System, in particular through the Inter-agency SSR Task Force, as appropriate.
• Provides strategic and technical SSR advice to the Assistant Secretary-General for Rule of Law and Security Institutions, MINUSCA leadership and Member States, as well as both international and national partners, with special emphasis on security sector-wide issues.
• Responds to requests from senior management in UN field operations for advice on design, implementation and review of SSR support.
• Leads the development of integrated UN System-wide solutions to complex national SSR challenges.
• Leads the development and implementation of SSR guidance, including SSR Integrated Technical Guidance Notes.
• Leads the development and maintenance of strategic partnerships in the area of SSR, including with the African Union and World Bank.
• Serves as spokesperson on a diverse range of SSR activities and issues; develops and maintains relations with high level government officials, national leaders and other key players; and actively promotes coordination and communication between international and national partners.
• Leads the implementation of S/RES/2151 (2014), including through co-chairing at the expert level the Inter-agency SSR Task Force.
• Leads, supervises and carries out the work programme of the SSR Unit. Co-ordinates the work carried out by different work units under the SSR Unit and by other agencies and bodies of the United Nations System; provides programmatic and substantive reviews of the drafts prepared by others.
• Co-ordinates and oversees the preparation of reports for presentation to intergovernmental bodies such as the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budget Questions, Committee for Programme Coordination, Economic and Social Council, General Assembly and other policy-making organs, as appropriate.
• Reports to intergovernmental bodies on budget, programme performance and programmatic and substantive issues, as appropriate, particularly those presented in biannual and annual reports.
• Ensures that the outputs produced by the SSR Unit maintain high-quality standards; that reports are clear, objective and based on comprehensive data. Ensures that all outputs produced by the SSR Unit meet required standards before completion to ensure they comply with the relevant mandates.
• Prepares the work programme of the SSR Unit, determining priorities, and allocating resources for the completion of outputs and their timely delivery.
• Undertakes or oversees the programmatic and administrative tasks necessary for the functioning of the SSR Unit, including preparation of budgets, reporting on budget and programme performance, evaluation of staff performance, interviews of candidates for job openings, evaluation of candidates and preparation of inputs for results-based budgeting.
• Recruits staff, taking due account of geographical balance.
• Manages, guides, develops and trains staff under supervision.
• Fosters teamwork and communication among staff in the SSR Unit and across organizational boundaries.
• Leads and supervises the organization of meetings, seminars, etc. on substantive issues. Manages the substantive preparation and organization of such meetings or seminars.
• Participates in international, regional or national meetings and provides programmatic and substantive expertise=, and holds programmatic and substantive and organizational discussions with representatives of other institutions.
• Represents the SSR Unit at international, regional or national meetings.
• Formulates and implements the substantive work programme of the SSR Unit.
• Oversees the management of activities undertaken by the SSR Unit, ensures that programmed activities are carried out in a timely fashion and co-ordinates work in the different areas both within MINUSCA, and with other organizations of the United Nations System, in particular through the Inter-agency SSR Task Force, as appropriate.
• Provides strategic and technical SSR advice to the Assistant Secretary-General for Rule of Law and Security Institutions, MINUSCA leadership and Member States, as well as both international and national partners, with special emphasis on security sector-wide issues.
• Responds to requests from senior management in UN field operations for advice on design, implementation and review of SSR support.
• Leads the development of integrated UN System-wide solutions to complex national SSR challenges.
• Leads the development and implementation of SSR guidance, including SSR Integrated Technical Guidance Notes.
• Leads the development and maintenance of strategic partnerships in the area of SSR, including with the African Union and World Bank.
• Serves as spokesperson on a diverse range of SSR activities and issues; develops and maintains relations with high level government officials, national leaders and other key players; and actively promotes coordination and communication between international and national partners.
• Leads the implementation of S/RES/2151 (2014), including through co-chairing at the expert level the Inter-agency SSR Task Force.
• Leads, supervises and carries out the work programme of the SSR Unit. Co-ordinates the work carried out by different work units under the SSR Unit and by other agencies and bodies of the United Nations System; provides programmatic and substantive reviews of the drafts prepared by others.
• Co-ordinates and oversees the preparation of reports for presentation to intergovernmental bodies such as the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budget Questions, Committee for Programme Coordination, Economic and Social Council, General Assembly and other policy-making organs, as appropriate.
• Reports to intergovernmental bodies on budget, programme performance and programmatic and substantive issues, as appropriate, particularly those presented in biannual and annual reports.
• Ensures that the outputs produced by the SSR Unit maintain high-quality standards; that reports are clear, objective and based on comprehensive data. Ensures that all outputs produced by the SSR Unit meet required standards before completion to ensure they comply with the relevant mandates.
• Prepares the work programme of the SSR Unit, determining priorities, and allocating resources for the completion of outputs and their timely delivery.
• Undertakes or oversees the programmatic and administrative tasks necessary for the functioning of the SSR Unit, including preparation of budgets, reporting on budget and programme performance, evaluation of staff performance, interviews of candidates for job openings, evaluation of candidates and preparation of inputs for results-based budgeting.
• Recruits staff, taking due account of geographical balance.
• Manages, guides, develops and trains staff under supervision.
• Fosters teamwork and communication among staff in the SSR Unit and across organizational boundaries.
• Leads and supervises the organization of meetings, seminars, etc. on substantive issues. Manages the substantive preparation and organization of such meetings or seminars.
• Participates in international, regional or national meetings and provides programmatic and substantive expertise=, and holds programmatic and substantive and organizational discussions with representatives of other institutions.
• Represents the SSR Unit at international, regional or national meetings.
Competencies
Professionalism: Demonstrates in-depth knowledge of security sector reform (concepts, terminology, research and policy literature), in particular security sector-wide issues, with special emphasis on civilian oversight, management and coordination, and including areas such as strategy, policy development and plans; governance oversight and accountability; institutional development; sustainable development, etc. Possesses operational expertise in SSR, as substantiated by successful development of SSR strategies, policies and plans; by the ability to advise senior management and other senior officials on approaches and techniques to assess highly complex and sensitive issues and to provide leadership in overseeing the design, development and implementation of SSR programmes and projects. Proven strengths in policy and operational-level coordination. Proven expertise in the countries or regions of assignment. Demonstrates the capacity for intellectual leadership; conceptual and strategic analytical capacity and ability to thoroughly analyze and evaluate critical matters pertaining to a broad spectrum of SSR issues/problems, in particular security sector-wide issues, with special emphasis on civilian oversight, management and coordination. Ability to apply UN rules, regulations, policies and guidelines in work situations. Commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of SSR. 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.
Integrity: Demonstrates the values of the United Nations in daily activities and behaviours; acts without consideration of personal gain; resists undue political pressure in decision-making; does not abuse power or authority; stands by decisions that are in the Organization’s interest, even if they are unpopular; takes prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour.
Respect for Diversity: Works effectively with people from all backgrounds; treats all people with dignity and respect; treats men and women equally; shows respect for and understanding of diverse points of view and demonstrates this understanding in daily work and decision-making; examines own biases and behaviours to avoid stereotypical responses; does not discriminate against any individual or group.
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.
Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.
Integrity: Demonstrates the values of the United Nations in daily activities and behaviours; acts without consideration of personal gain; resists undue political pressure in decision-making; does not abuse power or authority; stands by decisions that are in the Organization’s interest, even if they are unpopular; takes prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour.
Respect for Diversity: Works effectively with people from all backgrounds; treats all people with dignity and respect; treats men and women equally; shows respect for and understanding of diverse points of view and demonstrates this understanding in daily work and decision-making; examines own biases and behaviours to avoid stereotypical responses; does not discriminate against any individual or group.
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.
Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.
Managerial Competencies:
Vision: Identifies strategic issues, opportunities and risks; clearly communicates links between the Organization’s strategy and the work unit’s goals; generates and communicates broad and compelling organizational direction, inspiring others to pursue that same direction; conveys enthusiasm about future possibilities.
Leadership: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow: empowers others to translate vision into results; is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support; anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions; drives for change and improvements; does not accept the status quo; shows the courage to take unpopular stands. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing.
Vision: Identifies strategic issues, opportunities and risks; clearly communicates links between the Organization’s strategy and the work unit’s goals; generates and communicates broad and compelling organizational direction, inspiring others to pursue that same direction; conveys enthusiasm about future possibilities.
Leadership: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow: empowers others to translate vision into results; is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support; anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions; drives for change and improvements; does not accept the status quo; shows the courage to take unpopular stands. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing.
Education
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in business or public administration, international relations, security sector management or related area is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two years of additional work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Work Experience
A minimum of fifteen (15) years of progressively responsible experience in security sector reform or related fields is required. Experience in the development and implementation of SSR programmes or projects at a sector-wide level is desirable. Experience in leading SSR policy development processes at the international level is also desirable. Experience in advisory and coordination roles in the areas of national security or SSR at the senior level is desirable. A minimum of two years of experience in the management of an SSR team is also desirable. Experience in the development of SSR strategies, policies and plans is desirable, as well as experience in the management of global SSR partnerships. Experience in a conflict or post-conflict setting is desirable.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the UN Secretariat. For this position, fluency in English and French is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.
Assessment
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview. Core values and competencies will be assessed throughout the evaluation process.
HOW TO APPLY:
To apply, please click on link
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, including but not limited to, respect for international human rights and humanitarian law. Candidates may be subject to screening against these standards, including but not limited to, whether they have committed or are alleged to have committed criminal offences or violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law.
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.
Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the At-a-Glance on "The Application Process" and the Instructional Manual for the Applicants, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of the inspira account-holder homepage.
The screening and 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, including but not limited to, their education, work experience, and language skills, according to the instructions provided on inspira. Applicants will be disqualified from consideration if they do not demonstrate in their application that they meet the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations. Applicants are solely responsible for providing complete and accurate information at the time of application: 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 a reference-checking process to verify the information provided in the application.
Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at midnight (New York time) on the deadline date.
Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the At-a-Glance on "The Application Process" and the Instructional Manual for the Applicants, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of the inspira account-holder homepage.
The screening and 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, including but not limited to, their education, work experience, and language skills, according to the instructions provided on inspira. Applicants will be disqualified from consideration if they do not demonstrate in their application that they meet the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations. Applicants are solely responsible for providing complete and accurate information at the time of application: 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 a reference-checking process to verify the information provided in the application.
Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at midnight (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.
