Duties and Responsibilities
This position is for a future anticipated United Nations mission in South Sudan. The position would be based in Juba, South Sudan for a minimum period of 11 months.
With the 9 July date of independence date fast approaching, the international community, while understanding the need for substantial assistance to Government of South Sudan (GOSS), remains concerned on the capacity of the GOSS to transparently utilize that assistance and fight the prevalent corruption among its senior cadres. The GOSS has openly acknowledged this problem and has vowed to make meaningful and visible steps to fight corruption. However, the GOSS will need considerable assistance and advice to generate its own capacity to put in place mechanisms that tackle corruption through an institutionalized approach.
The silver lining to the problem of corruption in South Sudan is that it has so far been limited to the elite and the scale of corruption has not yet become endemic to the working levels of the Government. The situation allows setting up of effective transparency mechanisms at all levels of Government while political leverage on President Kiir is exerted to harness and rein in corruption in the upper echelons of his Government. Transparency in governance also has a direct bearing on the peace and security in South Sudan. Wherever the GOSS would be perceived corrupt and hence unfit to rule, its legitimacy would be challenged with the consequent security challenges emanating from this perception.
In light of the foregoing, the SRSG of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), through his good offices role, could play a constructive role advising GOSS to fight corruption. In this regard, he/she would be well served with a senior advisor on fighting corruption and setting up transparency mechanisms and ultimately widening the scope of advice from the SRSG to other actors in the process including GOSS. The key functions of the role of the Adviser, amongst others, would be, as follows:
- Act as principal advisor to the SRSG on the GOSS’ plans to fight corruption and set up relevant accountability mechanisms;
- Keep the SRSG informed on the process and provide advice for his intervention with senior GOSS officials;
- Attend meetings on the issue on behalf of the SRSG as and when required;
- Interact with other actors (bilateral and multilateral donors, INGOs etc.) to coordinate advice to GOSS; and
- Act as focal point for the Mission with working level GOSS officials dealing with the setting up of transparency mechanisms.
Competencies
Professionalism - Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to the particular sector and functional area with a focus on economic crime, corruption, and transparency related issues. Good knowledge of legislative aspects of preventing and combating corruption, including their international dimensions. Demonstrated ability to identify key strategic issues, negotiate, analyze and contribute to the resolution of complex problems/issues. Ability to apply good judgement in the context of assignments given and to provide effective specialized expert advice. 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. 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 operations.
Building trust - Reputation for dealing honestly and openly with issues and staff; recognized and highly respected by peers, clients, partners, and staff.
Planning and Organizing - Demonstrated ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor own work plan and those under his/her supervision.
Vision – In-depth understanding of the Mission’s strategic direction and ability to transform it into proposed work programmes and reports pertaining to SSR.
Communications – Ability to draft clear and concise reports and other documents and correspondence to and on behalf of senior United Nations officials, the diplomatic community and other programme partners in the Mission; ability to communicate orally effectively.
Leadership – 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.
Judgment/Decision-making - Demonstrated sound judgment in applying technical expertise to resolve a range of issues and problems; ability to proactively seek and recommend sound policy initiatives.
Qualifications
Experience - At least 10 years of professional experience in providing advisory services to transparency mechanisms, financial management structures, anti-corruption bodies or investigating and prosecuting corruption cases in anti-corruption agencies, law enforcement, prosecution services or the judiciary, or as technical adviser on anti-corruption in international organizations or a non-governmental organization. Knowledge of development cooperation issues, particularly related to the links between corruption and development. Experience of setting up transparency mechanisms in a post-conflict/iindepedence setting his highly desirable.
Education - Advanced university degree in financial management, law, criminal justice, economics, political and social sciences or a related discipline. A first level university degree with a relevant combination of academic qualifications and experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Languages - English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required.
Interested and qualified candidates are kindly requested to apply by sending a recent CV to outreachforpeace@un.org
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