Programme Specialist

Duration of the contract 1 year (renewable) Deadline for submission of applications 25 November 2023 Organizational Unit Peacekeeping Training Programme Unit (PTPU) Number of job positions 1 Accountabilities:

Within delegated authority and under the supervision of the Chief, Pre-deployment Training and Advisory Section, Peacekeeping Training Programme Unit (PTPU), in the Division for Peace, the Programme Specialist is responsible for the following duties (in compliance with the Institute’s relevant policies, guidelines, procedures and processes):

Positioning the Programme and the Division as the international center of reference in supporting Member States, international and regional organizations and other stakeholders contributing to lasting peace and security in the world, by:

Coordinating the planning, development and directing the military pre-deployment training portfolio; Strongly Contributing to the successful financial performance of the Programme and Division by the maintenance of effective donor and partner relations and contributing in the identification of possible sources of funding leading to conceptualization of new project concepts and project proposals and contributing to reinforcing visibility and strengthening reputation by conducting public outreach and awareness raising initiatives as appropriate and presenting the work of the Programme and the Division and attract donor support; Participating in the Integration of innovation in contributing in the identification of potential areas for further development and incubating new initiatives and methodologies with the goal of enhancing the diversity and effectiveness of the military pre-deployment training portfolio and keeping abreast of relevant debates / trends in the area of capacity building / peace and security; Strongly supporting the coordination of partnerships with peacekeeping training centres and other relevant partners: namely, the Global Peace Operations Initiative (GPOI), the Asociación Latinoamericana de Centros de Entrenamiento para Operaciones de Paz (ALCOPAZ) and others; Coordination and creation of synergies with other pillars targeting uniformed personnel and security sector actors; Coordinating initiatives within the wider peace and conflict spectrum, such as those pertaining to rule of law, transitional justice, elections, negotiation and conflict resolution, Security Sector Reform (SSR) and others as relevant.

Coordinating the design, development, and implementation of select projects, activities, and initiatives, by:

Preparing and reviewing relevant documents and reports, including project proposals, concept notes, and other documents as requested; Contributing in defining the overall project implementation strategy, including a project implementation timeline and required logistical and human resources; Strongly contributing in the coordination of the overall project(s) implementation; Coordinating needs assessment(s) as relevant; coordinating content review and development, development of training tools and standards, as well as the production and dissemination of training materials and publications (in partnership with relevant actors); Coordinating the development of the methodological framework, including the development of technology-enhanced learning solutions and of innovative methodological approaches (in cooperation with Learning Solutions); and coordinating the development of the evaluation framework; Monitoring and analyzing project implementation liaising with relevant partner institutions and donors to insure effective delivering; Ensuring proper reporting to the donors.

Coordinate, plan activities in the area of Women, Peace and Security (WPS) with a particular focus on applying a gender and inclusivity lens in capacity building initiatives, by:

Contributing to projects, activities and initiatives promoting women’s increased and meaningful participation in peace operations, particularly within the framework of the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda, the Elsie Initiative for Women in Peace Operations, UN Uniformed Gender Parity Strategy (2018 – 2028), and other relevant policies and documents; Integrating a gender lens and a conflict-sensitive approach into relevant capacity development initiatives addressing security sector personnel; Preparing and reviewing relevant documents and reports pertaining to gender and WPS, including project proposals and concept notes as requested; In strongly support to the Chief, Pre-deployment Training and Advisory Section, providing inputs on gender in peace operations and WPS projects and activities; Coordinating the development of capacity building initiatives in the areas of prevention of and response to sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) and conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) addressing security sector actors at the national, regional, and international levels. Work implies frequent interaction with: Team members in the Pre-deployment Training and Advisory Section; Team members in the Peacekeeping Training Programme Unit; Officials in national governments (including focal points from national armed forces and other core security actors, including: military, police, correction officers, civilians working in the security sector, paramilitary forces, intelligence and security services, border guards, customs, reserves and local security units, civil defense forces and national guards) and international organizations; Local organizations.

In the execution of the above tasks, the incumbent will supervise and coordinate a team composed of trainers, Advisors and Consultants.

Results expected: Effective support provided in the design and delivery of relevant training activities and in other training-related events within the Pre-deployment Training and Advisory Section, PTPU, Division for Peace; Effective advice on the direction of the Programme’s activities; Effective support to the promotion of Programme’s products and services; Effective support in the funding efforts; Inclusion of the gender lens on all the Section and Programme’s activities, All the above, impacting the efficiency, the quality and the inclusiveness within the Section and Programme’s deliverables Competencies:

Professionalism:  Good understanding and Knowledge of theories, concepts and approaches in the areas of peacekeeping, women empowerment, post-conflict reintegration, strong experience in the area of training, coaching, advising and education. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems, good ability to communicate and develop fruitful cooperation with partners, donors and any other relevant stakeholder; ability to accurately prepare a range of outputs and reports including training project proposals and concept notes; good ability managing training projects, from the design to the implementation, monitoring and final reporting; good ability to prepare training projects budgets; demonstrated ability to apply good judgment in the context of assignments given. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence representing the Institution and programme in project coordination groups; 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.

Planning & 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.

Communications: 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.

Accountability:  Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.

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 and career aspirations of staff; Appraises performance fairly.

Minimum requirements

Experience: A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management in international affairs, peacebuilding and training development; advanced understanding and knowledge of human-centred, participatory, and experiential training approach. Experience with the UN Secretariat, UN Common System or other international organization is desirable. Experience in project management is also desirable. Good computer skills; proficiency in using advanced functions on standard computer applications

Education: Completed university Master’s degree in international affairs, political science, human rights, international law and diplomacy, or a related field from an accredited academic institution.

Language: Fluency in English; fluency in one or more official UN languages is desirable.

Special Notice:

UNITAR is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Qualified women, individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups, and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.

English and French are the two working languages of UNITAR. Priority will be given to the applicants from the under-represented regions at UNITAR. There will be a probation period of 3 months.

UNITAR staff members are subject to the authority of the UNITAR Executive Director and their appointments are limited to service with the Institute.

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. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation or sexual abuse, or crimes other than minor traffic offences, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions.

Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. UNITAR is a non-smoking environment.

The 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 Staff Regulations and Rules and UNITAR administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications to be considered for the current job opening. 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 reference checks to verify the information provided in the application.

No Fee:

UNITAR DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). UNITAR DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.

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