Civil Affairs Officer, NO-C

MINUSCA - United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic

Ndele, Central African Republic

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in Ndele, within the Civil Affairs Section of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA). The Civil Affairs Officer at this level reports to the Chief of Section/Service, Civil Affairs, or Civil Affairs Officer.

Responsibilities

Within the limits of delegated authority, the Civil Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

Core profile:

Provides information and analysis for the Mission and other actors where applicable, on political, social and economic issues affecting conflict dynamics at the local and regional level, including analysis on how these relate to the national level and vice versa. Ensures that the concerns and perceptions of the local population are effectively communicated to the Mission, as well as other actors where appropriate.
Represents the mission at the local level as required.
Contributes to a shared understanding of the Mission environment, mandate and operations amongst Mission actors at the local level, in particular uniformed components, to support consistency and coherence of approach. Fosters effective working relations with United Nations Country Team (UNCT).
Contributes to the formulation of recommendations concerning Mission actions and approaches required at the local level. Assists in mobilising responses from other actors where appropriate.
Manages individual Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) intended for confidence building purposes at the local level, in line with DPKO/DFS Policy Directive on QIPs and mission specific priorities.
Supervises, monitors and encourages the work of staff under his/her responsibility in undertaking the full range of their duties.
Identifies and researches good practice and lessons learned in Civil Affairs work and shares these with colleagues, including through active participation in the online Civil Affairs Network.
Contributes to overall mission monitoring and planning as required.
Performs other duties as required, in line with the DPKO/DFS Policy Directive on Civil Affairs.

Conflict Management:

Supports dialogue between groups in conflict in the area of responsibility by convening structured meetings and similar activities.
Promotes and protects the interest of excluded and/or threatened groups through advocacy in full respect of humanitarian and international law.
Supports civil society groups and/or institutions at the local level that promote a culture of peace and reconciliation using knowledge of local language and culture. Assists the civil society groups and institutions where appropriate, in becoming effective implementing partners for Quick Impact Projects.

Support to State Institutions:

Assists local institutions to assess capacity building and support needs, working with partners including the UNCT and in particular UNDP. Helps to design a coordinated response to these needs from relevant actors.
Assists in the design and implementation of appropriate and practical Civil Affairs support to local authorities, including mentoring and support to policy and decision-making processes where appropriate.
Supports dialogue and cooperation between authorities and relevant interest groups with the aim of creating political space and accountability, and provide support to the development of structures of accountability and transparency.
Supports events such as public fora or town-hall meetings to foster development of political space at the local level. Supports civic education programmes at the local level on a range of issues, including elections, policy issues, and good governance principles, in coordination with local authorities and/or civil society actors.

Programme Management:

Manages a local field office or team, undertaking or overseeing the programmatic and administrative tasks necessary for its functioning.
Manages a small Mission QIPs programme in accordance with Mission priorities and the DPKO/DFS policy on QIPs. Includes, inter alia: acting as Secretariat to a decision-making body on QIPs, ensuring the effective and timely running of the project design, approval and implementation process, the keeping of accurate records, assistance with determining mission specific priorities, assessment of impact of the overall programme, and drafting of QIPs submission for the Mission budget.
Contributes to the development and ensures distribution of high-quality mission-specific induction materials. Assists with the design, implementation and evaluation of tailored in-mission skills training for Civil Affairs components in accordance with global Civil Affairs skills training methodologies.
Serves as focal point on gender for the Civil Affairs component, identifying and communicating ways to ensure that gender perspective is taken into account in all aspects of Civil Affairs work.
Serves as focal point for researching, identifying and sharing good practices and lessons learned with the Civil Affairs component and the global Civil Affairs community.
Performs other related work as required.

Competencies

Professionalism: Shows pride in work and 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.

Education

An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in political science, law, international relations, public administration, social sciences, anthropology, economics or a related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in social sciences, governance, international relations or other related area is required.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in French is required. Knowledge of English is desirable.

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