Programme Specialist Job Vacancy at UNOPS Ethiopia

Vacancy code VA/2012/B5001/708
Job title Programme Specialist
Department/office NAO, Mine Action
Duty station Addis Abba, Ethiopia
Contract type International ICA
Contract level IICA-2
Duration 12 months (with possibility of extension)
Application period 29-Jun-2012 to 29-Jul-2012
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Background Information - UNOPS

“UNOPS plays a critical role in providing management services for our life-saving, peacebuilding, humanitarian and development operations. I have seen many examples of how these activities help suffering people in troubled parts of the world.”
-Ban Ki-moon, United Nations Secretary-General

UNOPS mission is to expand the capacity of the UN system and its partners to implement peacebuilding, humanitarian and development operations that matter for people in need.

Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, UNOPS vision is to always satisfy partners with management services that meet world-class standards of quality, speed and cost effectiveness.

By assisting UN organizations, international financial institutions, governments and other development partners, UNOPS makes significant, tangible contributions to results on the ground.

UNOPS employs around 3,500 personnel annually and on behalf of its partners creates thousands more work opportunities in local communities. With its headquarters in Copenhagen, Denmark, a network of five regional offices and a further 20 operations and project centres, UNOPS oversees activities in more than 80 countries.

UNOPS is committed to achieving a truly diverse workforce.
Background Information - Job-specific

The African Union, established as a unique Pan-African continental body, is charged with spearheading Africa’s rapid integration and sustainable development by promoting unity, solidarity, cohesion and cooperation among the peoples of Africa and African States as well as developing a New Partnership worldwide. Its Headquarters is located in Addis Ababa, capital of Ethiopia.

In seeking to achieve these objectives, the African Union is working together with the United Nations, the European Union and other stakeholders to strengthen its capacity to deliver. In this regard, the stakeholders are looking to recruit a Programme Specialist for the Security Sector Reform Expert Project (Equivalent to P4 level) for the programme:

Building African Union Capacities in Security Sector Reform: A Joint United Nations – European Union Support Programme.

As the implementing agency for the programme, the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) invites applicants for the position of Programme Specialsit  African Union Expert Security Sector Reform (SSR) Project.  

The Programme Specialist  will report to the Head of Defense and Security Division (DSD), within the Peace and Security Department.

The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.
Functional Responsibilities

    Assist in the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the African Union Security Sector Reform activities including development of project proposals and fundraising for SSR activities
    Conduct research, write policy documents, publish and disseminate project outputs related to security sector reform on the African continent
    Consult with African Union Member States, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), the International Community, Partners, Civil Society Organizations and other stakeholders in the implementation of projects related to security sector reform on the African continent
    Take an inter-departmental approach to security sector reform and to consult with staff in other relevant African Union Departments, Divisions or Units
    Constitute, deploy and participate in SSR teams for assessment missions, AU peace operations and training as directed by management of the African Union Peace and Security Department
    Formulate proposals, policies, plans of action, programmes and projects for the implementation of the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA)
    Write and submit narrative and financial plans and produce regular reports on projects and activities relating to security sector reform
    Organize meetings, workshops, seminars and conferences on activities related to security sector reform
    Participate, when feasible, in regional or international conferences, symposia and seminars that are related to enhancing the effectiveness and impact of projects on security sector reform
    Ensure the effective utilization of junior staff and assist in their staff development through appropriate guidance and mentorship
    Perform any other peace and security related duties as may be assigned by the Head of Division, Director – Peace and Security Department or by the Commissioner for Peace and Security from time to time

Competencies

    Significant knowledge of security sector reform concepts, terminology, research and policy literature particularly on the African continent is required
    Comprehensive knowledge of the origin, vision, structure and relevance of the African Union is essential. General knowledge of the United Nations system is required
    Ability to communicate clearly both in speech and in writing including public speaking and Power Point Presentations
    Ability to work closely with multiple partners to manage and implement SSR-related projects/programmes and to mobilize resources for these projects.
    Follow up on new developments in security sector reform and show willingness to learn from others and also contribute to the learning of workmates
    Demonstrated competence in social science research and practical experience in social and security issues, with emphasis on the African continent, is essential.
    Have the ability to work closely with governments, NGOs and multi-lateral institutions in complex peace and security undertakings.
    Be computer literate and well versed in the use of the Internet , Power Point, Excel and Word.  Keep abreast with other available technology.Have excellent writing, negotiating , analytical and communicative skills.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

    Advanced University Degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Political Science, International Relations or any related Social Sciences; or a First Level University Degree (Bachelors Degree or Equivalent) in Political Science, International Relations or any related Social Sciences with additional years of releavnt experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
    At least seven (7) years of work experience with five (5) of such years devoted to work related to peace and security, conflict prevention and management, institutional reform and development or other relevant areas in Africa.
    Previous experience with security sector reform is a requirement.  
    Experience in programme/project development, implementation, monitoring and assessment as well as mobilizing resources for projects/programmes, ideally in the area of SSR or SSR-related activities desirable.
    Fluency in oral and written English is required.
    Fluency in oral and written French is required.
    Knowledge of Arabic and/or Portugese is desirable.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: International Individual Contractor Agreement
Contract level: IICA-2
Contract duration: 12 months (with possibility of extension)

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:
http://www.unops.org/ENGLISH/WHOWENEED/CONTRACT-TYPES/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements-ICAs.aspx

Additional Considerations

    Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time (CET)
    Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
    Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
    Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
    UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a level below the advertised level of the post
    The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS
How to Apply;
https://gprs.unops.org/pages/viewvacancy/VADetails.aspx?id=708