Security Sector Reform (SSR) Officer (Governance and Institutional Development) , P-4

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS:	25 Jun 2011
DATE OF ISSUANCE:	10 Jun 2011
ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT:	United Nations Integrated Office in Burundi
DUTY STATION:	Bujumbura
VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT NUMBER:	11-PGM-BINUB-425302-R-BUJUMBURA

Remuneration Depending on professional background, experience and family situation, a competitive compensation and benefits package is offered. d="CompVacancy_lbl_MoreInfo">More Info

United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity

Responsibilities Organisational Setting and Reporting Relationships: This position is located in the Political Governance Section in the United Nations Office in Burundi. The Security Sector Reform (SSR) Officer (Governance and Institutional Development) will report to the Head of the Political and Governance Section. Responsibilities: Within delegated authority, the Security Sector Reform Officer (Governance and Institutional Development) will be responsible for the following: Act as the Mission’s focal point on issues related to the governance of the security sector in Burundi, including oversight and accountability and institutional development; Monitor developments in the security sector, in order to inform and advise Mission leadership, national authorities and other partners on developments and progress towards key benchmarks; Advise the Government on the development of a national vision and comprehensive SSR strategy; support the Government in building the capacity of the National Security Council, the Parliamentary Commission on Defence and Security, and other relevant bodies; provide guidance and support to the Permanent National Commission for Combating Arms Proliferation (CNAP); and advocate on cross-cutting issues, including the gender dimensions of the security services and other oversight bodies; Provide a convening function by maintaining a forum for national authorities and international partners to identify gaps and exchange information on SSR programming priorities; Facilitate UN system-wide coherence in support of security sector governance; Provide advice and guidance on issues related to building political will and fostering national ownership; Prepare written outputs, e.g. background papers, analysis, substantial sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc; Provide substantive support to meetings, conferences, etc., including proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations, etc; Provide guidance to external consultants, Military and Police Advisers, government officials and others; Serve as an effective spokesperson and establish collaboration and partnerships with key officials in the security sector at all levels inside and outside the organization; Contribute to effective coordination with United Nations actors, the UN inter-agency SSR Task Force and other strategic partners engaged in SSR ; May perform other duties as required. Work Implies Frequent Interaction with the Following: All relevant components of the Mission and the UN Country Team; Representatives and officials in the Government, international organisations, embassies, bilateral and multilateral partners and consultants; Counterparts, senior officers and technical staff in relevant Secretariat units, particularly DPA and the SSR Unit in DPKO, and in United Nations funds, programmes and other United Nations specialised agencies; Results Expected: Produces high-quality outputs on key SSR issues relating to governance and institutional development of the security sector in order to help establish and reinforce accountable, effective and responsive institutions. Maintains, produces and provides effective monitoring role on relevant SSR benchmarks and provides a convening function.

Competencies Professionalism - Significant knowledge of security sector reform (concepts, terminology, research and policy literature – in particular in the areas of governance oversight and accountability of the security sector; institutional development; SSR and sustainable development); ability to work with a wide range of technical experts including police, military, public administrative, national intelligence and judicial actors; experience in the design and implementation of SSR programmes/projects; ability to support inter-disciplinary/inter-departmental teams and task forces, and manage multiple tasks simultaneously; proven strengths in policy and operational-level coordination; good research, analytical and problem-solving skills, including ability to identify and participate in the resolution of issues/problems; ability to apply good judgment in the context of assignments given; ability to plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of peace consolidation processes. Demonstrated ability to provide leadership and take responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives into substantive work; commitment to the goal of achieving gender balance in staffing. Planning and organising - Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required. Communication - Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; excellent and effective communication (verbal and written) skills, including ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to explain difficult issues; ability to persuade people with varying points of view; ability to convey difficult issues and positions to senior officials; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. Teamwork - Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organisational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings; excellent inter-personal skills with ability to work and foster teamwork, encourage initiative and inspire and supervise staff in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; integrity, tact and strong interpersonal skills; ability to operate across organisational boundaries.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business, public administration, security sector governance, management, international relations or a related field. A first level university degree with a relevant combination of academic qualifications and experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in governance, institutional development, sustainable development, programme/project management and evaluation, or related area is required. Previous experience in the development or implementation of SSR programmes/projects, preferably in the areas of governance, institutional development, or coordination, is highly desirable. Previous experience in United Nations peacekeeping mission or political office in Burundi or the broader Great Lakes Region is highly desirable.

Languages Fluency in spoken and written French and English is required.

Other Skills Basic knowledge of the institutions of the United Nations system, relevant institutional mandates, policies and guidelines is desirable. Attendance on formally recognised or accredited SSR-related courses would be an advantage.

The United Nations shall place 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. (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8). English and French are the two working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, TRAINING OR ANY OTHER FEES). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON BANK ACCOUNTS. PLEASE NOTE THAT APPLICATIONS RECEIVED AFTER THE DEADLINE WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

How to apply All applicants are strongly encouraged to apply online as soon as possible after the vacancy has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the vacancy announcement. Because applications submitted by United Nations (UN) staff members are considered first, provided the eligibility requirements set out in ST/AI/2006/3 are met and the application is submitted in a timely fashion, staff members should apply within 15-day or 30-day mark. Online applications will be acknowledged where an email address has been provided. If you do not receive an e-mail acknowledgement within 24 hours of submission, your application may not have been received. In such cases, please go to “My UN” page and check the status of your application by clicking on “View Application History”, and resubmit the application, if necessary. To start the application process, applicants are required to register by opening a "My UN" account. Go to Login, and Register as a User. Fill in the form and choose a User Name and Password. After opening the account, applicants may apply for vacancies using the Personal History Profile (PHP) provided. Once the PHP has been completed for a particular vacancy, it can be saved and used for future applications. The PHP may be up-dated, when necessary, for future applications. In completing the PHP, please note that all fields marked with an asterisk must be completed. UN staff members must submit scanned copies of their two latest Performance Appraisal System (PAS) reports at the time of application to the appropriate Human Resources Office (HRO)/Personnel Office (PO) to the email address below, clearly indicating the vacancy announcement number. In case you have no access to the digitizing equipment, please submit hard copies of the two latest PAS reports to the relevant HRO/PO via fax. E-mail: staffing@un.org, Fax: 1-212-963-2800 Please see the Frequently Asked Questions, if you encounter problems when applying.