Assessment Period
STANDARD PRE-SELECTION TEST SCHEDULED for 1-3 April 2017.
Screened-in applicants will be invited by email to take the Standard Pre-selection Test (SPT); please ensure that your primary email address in Inspira is correct as this will be used for the invitation. No communications will be sent to your secondary email address.
Information on the SPT will also be available on your "My Upcoming Test Schedule" page in Inspira. The SPT will take place between 10:00 a.m. on 1st April to 9:59 a.m. on 3rd April 2017 (EST, New York time). Applicants must complete the test during this 48-hour testing window in order to remain under consideration.
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.
Screened-in applicants will be invited by email to take the Standard Pre-selection Test (SPT); please ensure that your primary email address in Inspira is correct as this will be used for the invitation. No communications will be sent to your secondary email address.
Information on the SPT will also be available on your "My Upcoming Test Schedule" page in Inspira. The SPT will take place between 10:00 a.m. on 1st April to 9:59 a.m. on 3rd April 2017 (EST, New York time). Applicants must complete the test during this 48-hour testing window in order to remain under consideration.
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.
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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.
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 Senior Protection of Civilians (PoC) Officer will directly report to the mission’s Focal Point for Protection of Civilians and Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General (DSRSG) – Political.
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/
Security Council resolution 2149 (2104) clearly establishes the protection of civilians (POC) as a core mandate task for the United Nations Stabilization Mission in the CAR (MINUSCA). The Mission is charged with supporting the Government of the Central African Republic (CAR) to ensure the effective protection of civilians under threat of physical violence, providing specific protection for women and children affected by armed conflict.
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/
Security Council resolution 2149 (2104) clearly establishes the protection of civilians (POC) as a core mandate task for the United Nations Stabilization Mission in the CAR (MINUSCA). The Mission is charged with supporting the Government of the Central African Republic (CAR) to ensure the effective protection of civilians under threat of physical violence, providing specific protection for women and children affected by armed conflict.
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the Senior Protection of Civilians Officer will perform the following roles and duties:
Advisory:
• Ensure that senior Mission leadership is regularly updated on current and emerging threats against civilians;
• Provide advice to the senior Mission leadership on ways in which the Mission can assist and build the capacity of the National Authorities to fulfill their PoC responsibilities;
• Provide support to relevant components and sections to ensure that protection of civilians concerns are adequately reflected in Mission operations, particularly as concerns civilian-military planning processes;
• Assist in the development of an effective PoC communications strategy, in close coordination with the public information office and the Office of the Humanitarian Coordinator; and
• Ensure overall compliance of the Mission’s PoC efforts with relevant United Nations or DPKO and DFS policies and guidelines.
Coordination and Communication:
• Responsible for overseeing the development and coordinating the implementation of the mission-wide PoC strategy and related in-mission guidance and operational plans;
• Provide Secretariat support to the Senior Management Group on Protection;
• Ensure close coordination with relevant PoC partners in the development and implementation of the strategy, particularly colleagues working on child protection, sexual violence, but also including humanitarian colleagues, focal points for human rights, civil affairs, etc.
• Support senior Mission leadership in establishing sustainable coordination structures in order to strengthen cooperation with relevant protection actors, particularly civil society, local communities and the Government authorities at the national and local levels;
• Coordinate and facilitate information sharing with the Protection Cluster, other security actors that may be present in the mission area, and other such arrangements;
Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting:
• Coordinate the establishment of early warning tools and processes, including through community liaison and alert systems;
• Lead or join joint protection of civilians assessments with other relevant actors;
• Ensure that adequate PoC analysis and benchmarks are developed, in line with JOC and JMAC products and included in relevant reporting requirements, including SG reports;
• Report on any resource and capability constraints which adversely affect the mission's ability to implement its protection of civilians mandate.
• Work with the relevant staff in the mission to conduct after action reviews and lessons learned studies on the mission’s POC efforts;
Training:
• Assess the training needs on protection of civilians issues in the area of responsibility, and design and support the delivery of tailored PoC modules with relevant mission components, in close consultation with the IMTC and the POC Coordination Team in DPKO/DFS;
• In cooperation with the IMTC and other mission components, ensure adequate training and sensitization on PoC for local communities, humanitarian, development or security partners and Governmental institutions, and
• Provide support as required and undertake other tasks as may be appropriate to the specific context and tasks vis-à-vis PoC.
Management:
• Act as the first or second reporting officer for and coordinate the actions of all staff dedicated to protection of civilians’ coordination, including PoC Officers attached to Heads of field Offices.
Advisory:
• Ensure that senior Mission leadership is regularly updated on current and emerging threats against civilians;
• Provide advice to the senior Mission leadership on ways in which the Mission can assist and build the capacity of the National Authorities to fulfill their PoC responsibilities;
• Provide support to relevant components and sections to ensure that protection of civilians concerns are adequately reflected in Mission operations, particularly as concerns civilian-military planning processes;
• Assist in the development of an effective PoC communications strategy, in close coordination with the public information office and the Office of the Humanitarian Coordinator; and
• Ensure overall compliance of the Mission’s PoC efforts with relevant United Nations or DPKO and DFS policies and guidelines.
Coordination and Communication:
• Responsible for overseeing the development and coordinating the implementation of the mission-wide PoC strategy and related in-mission guidance and operational plans;
• Provide Secretariat support to the Senior Management Group on Protection;
• Ensure close coordination with relevant PoC partners in the development and implementation of the strategy, particularly colleagues working on child protection, sexual violence, but also including humanitarian colleagues, focal points for human rights, civil affairs, etc.
• Support senior Mission leadership in establishing sustainable coordination structures in order to strengthen cooperation with relevant protection actors, particularly civil society, local communities and the Government authorities at the national and local levels;
• Coordinate and facilitate information sharing with the Protection Cluster, other security actors that may be present in the mission area, and other such arrangements;
Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting:
• Coordinate the establishment of early warning tools and processes, including through community liaison and alert systems;
• Lead or join joint protection of civilians assessments with other relevant actors;
• Ensure that adequate PoC analysis and benchmarks are developed, in line with JOC and JMAC products and included in relevant reporting requirements, including SG reports;
• Report on any resource and capability constraints which adversely affect the mission's ability to implement its protection of civilians mandate.
• Work with the relevant staff in the mission to conduct after action reviews and lessons learned studies on the mission’s POC efforts;
Training:
• Assess the training needs on protection of civilians issues in the area of responsibility, and design and support the delivery of tailored PoC modules with relevant mission components, in close consultation with the IMTC and the POC Coordination Team in DPKO/DFS;
• In cooperation with the IMTC and other mission components, ensure adequate training and sensitization on PoC for local communities, humanitarian, development or security partners and Governmental institutions, and
• Provide support as required and undertake other tasks as may be appropriate to the specific context and tasks vis-à-vis PoC.
Management:
• Act as the first or second reporting officer for and coordinate the actions of all staff dedicated to protection of civilians’ coordination, including PoC Officers attached to Heads of field Offices.
Competencies
Professionalism: Substantial knowledge of International Humanitarian and Human Rights Law. Ability to influence others to reach agreement; ability to review and edit the work of others; conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results. Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate with counterparts across both inter office and organizational boundaries. Ability to plan, coordinate and monitor own work plan and those under his/her supervision. 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.
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.
Planning and 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.
Managerial Competencies 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 improvement, 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.
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.
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.
Planning and 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.
Managerial Competencies 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 improvement, 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.
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.
Education
Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent degree) in political science, international relations, law, human rights, public administration or related fields. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Work Experience
A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in political science, human rights, humanitarian affairs, international relations, public administration or related fields at the international level in humanitarian, complex emergencies, or peacekeeping settings is required. A minimum of three years of managerial and senior advisory experience is required. A minimum of three years of experience in humanitarian coordination and/or human rights protection, including monitoring and reporting in the field, is required. Experience working on protection of civilians issues is desirable. Experience within the region is desirable.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, 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 here
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.
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.
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.