Civil Affairs Officer

Job Title: Civil Affairs Officer

Organization: United Nations Volunteers (UNV)

Host entity: UNMISS

Assignment country: South Sudan

Expected start date: 05/11/2023

Sustainable Development Goal: 16. Peace, justice and strong institutions

Volunteer category: International UN Volunteer Specialist

Type: Onsite

Duration: 8 months (with possibility of extension)

Number of assignments: 1

Duty stations: Kuajok

Details

Mission and objectives

Under 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.

Context

This position is located within the Civil Affairs Division of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). The UNV Officer will be based in Kuajok FO, Warrap State. Kuajok classified as an “E” hardship duty station and a non-family duty station. The incumbent reports to the Civil Affairs Officer, Team Leaders, in Kuajok.

Task description

Under 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 for resolution and in support of the mission’s overall protection of civilians’ mandate. • Backstop and 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, note-to-files and thematic reports on conflict management, protection of civilians, subnational political and peace activities as appropriate. • 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 field locations 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.

Eligibility criteria

Age

27 - 80

Nationality

Candidate must be a national of a country other than the country of assignment.

Requirements

Required experience

3 years of experience in Political analysis and problem-solving skills and experience in working with non-state actors and community groups; including youth and women and other marginalized groups. Experience in facilitating public fora, dialogue, workshop facilitation etc., with at least at least two years of relevant experience in coordination and liaison with partners and stakeholders; Experience working in conflict situations on conflict management: prevention, mitigation, resolution is essential; Proven report-writing and analytical skills is required. Peace and Conflict, Political Science, Social Science, other civil society, or community development experiences is required.

Area(s) of expertise

Community development, Crisis and emergency response, Development programmes

Driving license

Manual Transmision Required

Languages

English, Level: Fluent, Required Arabic, Level: Working knowledge, Desirable

Required education level

Bachelor degree or equivalent in conflict related studies, political-economy and/or any relevant social science discipline; Other civil society or community development experience mandatory.

Competencies and values

• Accountability • Adaptability and flexibility • Creativity • Judgement and decision-making • Planning and organizing • Professionalism • Self-management

Other information

Living conditions and remarks

Living 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 is 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. Several 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. South Sudan is a unique country and unique Peacekeeping (humanitarian) operation. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential.

Inclusivity statement

United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme that welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, care protected characteristics. As part of their adherence to the values of UNV, all UN Volunteers commit themselves to combat any form of discrimination, and to promoting respect for human rights and individual dignity, without distinction of a person’s race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

Note on Covid-19 vaccination requirements

Selected candidates for certain occupational groups may be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) in line with the applicable host entity policy

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