UNOPS helps its partners in the United Nations system meet the world’s needs for building peace, recovering from disaster, and creating sustainable development. UNOPS is known for its ability to implement complex projects in all types of environments around the globe. In an effort to promote organizational excellence, UNOPS seeks highly qualified individuals for the following position in the below project:
Vacancy Details
Vacancy Code 2007/NAO/AFG/03 Post Title Special Assistant to the Programme Director
Post Level L3
Project UNMACA
Duty Station Kabul
Duration 1 Year
Closing Date 25 June 2007
Project Background
The Mine Action Programme in Afghanistan (MAPA) is operating under the responsibility of the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) and is a project executed by UNOPS. The Mine Action Programme for Afghanistan (MAPA) includes the UN Mine Action Centre for Afghanistan (UNMACA), five UN Area Mine Action Centres with two sub-offices and two dozen NGOs and commercial companies working as implementing partners. The programme currently employs approximately 8,500 Afghan personnel.
In the absence of an indigenous national coordinating body and at the request of the Afghan Government, the UNMACA plans, manages and oversees all mine action activities for Afghanistan. It provides technical support and ensures the proper integration of mine action into wider humanitarian assistance and reconstruction assistance programme. The UNMACA also supports the development of a national institution in the context of transition of post-conflict reconstruction activities from the international community to the Government of Afghanistan. The head of the Mine Action Programme for Afghanistan is the Programme Director who oversees all strategic planning and coordination of mine action at the national level.
Duties and Responsibilities
The Special Assistant to the Programme Director of the United Nations Mine Action Centre for Afghanistan (UNMACA) will provide direct support to the Director in the conduct of his/her day-to-day tasks and responsibilities as part of the Front Office of the Centre. In this role, the selected candidate will be responsible for supporting the Programme Director in his/her overall management of the Programme through ensuring the coordination and implementation of supporting tasks and activities as directed by the Programme Director and Deputy Programme Director. The Special Assistant will carry out these tasks by:
• Acting as focal point for the coordination and organisation of the Directors schedule, meetings, activities and discussions with key interlocutors, through participation in and coordination of: o Meetings with the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan; o Meetings with the International Diplomatic Community; o Meetings with UN Senior Management representatives; o Meetings with other members of the UNMACA and MAPA. • Advising the Programme Director on matters that require his/her attention based on a sound understanding and knowledge of the components and activities of the Mine Action Programme for Afghanistan, • Drafting of notes, talking points, briefs, presentations and other written materials and correspondence for the Director and wider UNMACA staff as required; • Monitoring and follow-up of meeting and discussion outputs and implementation requirements on behalf of the Director; • Provision of support to the Director in the development of a MAPA resource mobilisation plan; • Overseeing the UNMACA public information profile within Afghanistan, through direct relations with media representatives • Identifying needs and coordinating inputs, talking points or briefings as requested by UNAMA for Senior UN officials on MAPA activities; • Identifying needs and coordinating, compiling and communicating UNMACA inputs to UNAMA documents, such as Reports of the Secretary-General, Reports to the Security Council, policy papers and guidelines; • Drafting communications by the Programme Director to senior staff of UNMAS, UNOPS, UNAMA or external partners, as needed; • Conduct of appropriate supporting staff work for the day-to-day conduct of the UNMACA Front Office tasks and activities; • Other tasks as requested by the Programme Director or Deputy Programme Director.
Required Competencies & Knowledge
• Good knowledge of the roles and activities of the United Nations within complex humanitarian emergency or developmental environments; • Knowledge of mine action and in particular the Mine Action Programme for Afghanistan. • Proven ability to produce reports and papers on substantive issues with strict attention to deadlines; ability to review and edit the work of others. • Excellent drafting ability and communication skills, both oral and written, and good computer skills; • Proven ability to communicate complex concepts orally; ability to prepare written reports that are clear, concise and meaningful. • Proven ability to plan and organize work, requiring an understanding of its strategic direction. • Good interpersonal skills and abilities to gain assistance of others in a team endeavor. • Good judgment and initiative, imagination and resourcefulness, energy and tact; • Proven ability to plan and establish team priorities. • Strong analytical and planning skills; • Ability to effectively work in a multicultural environment. • Be physically fit, and in good health. • Have a demonstrated ability to live in the conditions of the region. • Knowledge of the UN system and familiarity with UNOPS procedures is highly desirable.
Academic Qualifications/Experience/Language
• Relevant Bachelors degree and 7 years experience or Masters degree and 5 years experience • Experience in complex humanitarian and/or development programmes, in one or more countries, at the operational level (minimum 2 years overall professional experience required) • Experience in resource mobilization with the international donor community. • Fluency in written and verbal English
Submission of Applications
Qualified candidates may submit their application, including a letter of interest, complete Curriculum Vitae and an updated United Nations Personal History Form (), via e-mail to . Kindly indicate the vacancy number and the post title when applying (in the subject line by e-mail).
Additional Considerations
- 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 selected candidate at a level below the advertised level of the post.
