Under the direct supervision of the Political Affairs Officer UNOWA/CNMC and the overall supervision of the SRSG UNOWA, Chairman of the CNMC the incumbent shall carry out the following duties and responsibilities:

Duties and Terms of Reference of the UN Civilian Observers to the CNMC

The UN Civilian Observers (UNCOs) to the Cameroon-Nigeria Mixed Commission (CNMC) are individual contractors engaged by UNOWA under temporary contract to carry out Peace Operations, performing peace-building support to CNMC. Their work is focused in “soft security” and humanitarian factors. The role demands impartiality and independence of the UNCOs. An adequate balance in Gender, as well as balanced Political, Security Sector, Social Development and Human Rights capacities, is essential among them. They actively participate in the confidence building and reconciliation process at the grass roots level, looking for opportunities to operate in support of one party or in the frame of the CNMC Observer Group. They handle matters concerned with the security and well being of the affected population. They aim to create a culture of cooperation, good neighborliness and peaceful co-existence.

UNCOs to the CNMC, are given the legal status of “experts on mission” within the meaning of the article VI, Section 22 of the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the UN, of 13 February 1946. They materialize the presence of the United Nations in the field by using the corresponding UN insignias, in dignified and proper manner. They share responsibilities to perform their common daily duties, as well as for the operation, maintenance and supervision of all UN equipment, facilities or premises assigned to their teams in the field or to the respective outstations.They ascertain that the withdrawal and transfer of authority and its impacts are internalized by the affected populations. They conduct regular visits to the border areas as it sees necessary with the consent or on request by one party or the other or both, who are to ensure their security. As per their broad expertise, they cooperate in defining projects for the affected populations, following up their implementation. They research for appropriate relevant information, produce studies or special reports and provide briefings to national or local authorities, members of the diplomatic establishment, UN agencies, NGOs, journalist, etc., and undertake other duties, consistent with these guidelines. They are required to respect the same confidentiality obligations expected from the UN staff members.

Competencies

Professionalism: ability to identify problems, i.e. political, ethnic, racial, socio-economic and or causing civil unrest in a country or geographic area; ability to understand and evaluate internal/national political situation; skill in developing sources for data collection;

Planning and organizing: ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor own plan;

Communication: ability to write in a clear and concise manner and to communicate effectively orally;

Teamwork: Good interpersonal skills; ability to develop and maintain effectively work relationship with different national and cultural backgrounds with sensitivity and respect for diversity. Technological awareness: good computer skills; proficiency in using word processing;

Qualifications

Education
The required areas of expertise are Social Development and Human Rights. Thus, academic background should include advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in Human Rights or Social Sciences and development studies or a related field. A relevant combination of university degree, professional training and equivalent experience in a national or international agency would be considered in lieu of the advanced degree.

Work Experience: A minimum of 7 years progressively responsible experience in areas

connected to the political; previous political reporting experience in a UN peacekeeping mission would be an asset;

Personal conduct and performance

The UNCOs must display exemplary personnel and professional integrity.  This implies international outlook and independence from direction from governments and organizations external to United Nations. They must act with impartiality, maturity, high ethical standards, honesty and trustworthiness. In particular, the UNCOs shall: 

The UNCOs are committed to work in the field, operating from field outstations with only essential logistic and administrative support.

Languages: Fluency in written and spoken English and French

Other requirements

Experience in analysis of political, security and media issues would be an asset; ability to informally translate / interpret form English to French and vice versa an asset as well as drafting skills for reports

Preference will be given to equally qualified women candidates.

Applicants meeting the above qualifications are requested to submit the following only:

1. Cover letter, a one-page Statement of Interest explaining why you consider yourself qualified and motivated for this particular position

2. Completed Summarized Personnel Information Form

3. Completed P-11 and P-11 Supplementary Forms

4. Curriculum Vitae (CV) & the P-11, Copy of Diplomas and Degrees

Note: We request that you kindly review the VA carefully to check that you are meeting the Minimum requirement for the post.

Please email your application to:

unowao@un.org

 or

 Fax : (221) 33 820-4638

UNOWA

United Nations Office for West Africa
Lot 14, Ouest Almadies, Dakar-Sénégal.