UNV Operations Officer

Job Description

1. UNV Assignment Title: UNV Operations Officer

2. Type of Assignment: International UN Volunteer

3. Project Title: UNV programme support to MINUSMA mandate and the UNVprogramme

(http://www.unv.org/)

4. Duration: Contract up until 30 June 2016 with possible extension depending on Mission’s mandate, operational necessity and satisfactory performance.

5. Location, Country: Mali (The volunteer may be required to work anywhere in the Mission area including in remote locations; the exact duty station will be determined upon arrival and can change in the course of assignment.)

6. Expected Starting Date: Immediate

7. Brief Project Description: Under the supervision of the Head of Office and overall authority of the Chief Joint Operations Center (JOC), the UN Volunteer Operations Officer will be part of the Regional JOC team that monitors and reports on political, security and humanitarian situations to MINUSMA senior management and UN Headquarters in New York.

Regional Operations Centre (ROC) Teams in each of the four northern offices in Gao, Timbuktu, Mopti and Kidal will report to the JOC in Bamako. The UNV may be deployed to either ROCs or the JOC.

The Operations Officer will (i) maintain up-to-date knowledge of events relating to political issues, gathering and selecting information from different sources, including the mass media; (ii) ensure the monitoring of all operational and tactical activities in the mission area, and in particular the ARO will monitor and gather comprehensive information about events or actions that may affect the implementation of a mission’s mandate; (iii) Select, classify and maintain relevant information in computerized databases and archives; (iv) assist in the coordination of joint operations such as field missions or medical evacuations; (v) perform other functions as required.

8. Host Agency/Host Institute: United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA)

9. Organizational Context: The United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) was established by Security Council resolution 2100 of 25 April 2013 to support political process in that country and carry out a number of security-related tasks.

The Mission has been asked to support the transitional authorities of Mali in the stabilization of the country and implementation of the transitional roadmap, focusing on major population centers and lines of communication, protecting civilians, human rights monitoring, the creation of conditions for the provision of humanitarian assistance and the return to displaced persons, the extension of State authority and the preparation of free, inclusive and peaceful elections.

(http://www.un.org/en/peacekeeping/missions/minusma/)

10. Type of Assignment Place: assignment without family

11. Description of tasks:

Under direct supervision of the Head of Office, and the overall responsibility of the Chief JOC, the UN Volunteer Opeartions Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

• Incorporates effectively all mission information sources including political, civil affairs, military, police, security, rule of law, administration, logistics, mine action, electoral affairs, gender, child protection, humanitarian, development and human rights perspectives in mission-wide information gathering, analysis and reporting to mission managers and to UN Headquarters.
• Monitors actions taken by intergovernmental groups, UN organizations, government and non-governmental organizations, collating and disseminating information of immediate operational interest.
• Should be engaged in the drafting and consultation processes associated with the production of the integrated SitRep and Code Cables, specifically those addressing current operations, as well as official e-mails.
• Drafts and releases approved Flash Reports and associated updates.
• Ensures the distribution of various technical reports (e.g. military, police updates, mine action, etc.) to relevant offices, sections or divisions.
• Receives information from the relevant UN Country Team.
• Should cultivate a collaborative exchange with the JOC in Bamako; the Operations Officer should be well informed and responsive, maintaining formal and informal exchanges of information with the JOC Operations Officers.
• Assist plan, coordinate and report on joint field missions and medical evacuations.
• Set aside dedicated time for training, coaching, mentoring and capacity development when working with (including supervising) national staff or (non-)governmental counterparts
• UN Volunteers are expected to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment as well as promote voluntary action through engagement with communities (urban & rural) during the course of their work. As such UN Volunteers should dedicate a proportion of their working week to the following in support of and in synergy with their primary role as UN Volunteer.
• Promotion of the UN Volunteer programme mandate^[1]
• Strengthen knowledge and understanding of the influence of voluntary action by the communities serviced directly or indirectly by MINUSMA by doing the following;
• research of the subject matter,
• develop knowledge of related non-profit community based organizations and promote major issues of these organizations through voluntary actions that will influence development and peace-building initiatives.
• undertake awareness-raising (promotion) activities in communities that will increase knowledge of issues of interest to MINUSMA and UNV mandate
• encourage communities to volunteer thoughts and actions to the development of their communities on the basis of core child protection issues of concern.
• Build relationships with a wide range (private/public) of Community Based Organizations, (CBO’s) Civil Society Organizations (CSO’s) - to support and/or participate in community driven voluntary activities and assist them to tell their stories to the World Volunteer Web site;
• Encourage, mobilize and support co-workers and fellow UN Volunteers to better understand the connections between MINUSMA mandate and volunteerism;
• Monitor on a continual basis the impact of integrating issues, activities and voluntary action at the community level;
• Contribute to articles/write-ups on the peace-building and development process and experiences from the above outlined activities and submit them to UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.
• Promote and/or advise CSO’s and Citizens groups in the use of OV (online volunteering), and encourage relevant - groups to use OV whenever – technically possible.

12. Results/Expected Output:

• Daily situation reports drafted and compiled
• Contribution to ad hoc reports for the Special Representative of the Secretary General (SRSG) ensured.
• Contribution to information flow internally and externally with partners as appropriate, such as the Senior Management Group, and members of the civil-military coordination.
• Distribution of various technical reports (e.g. military, police updates, mine action, DDR, etc.) to relevant offices, sections or divisions ensured.
• Information from the relevant UN Country Team received.
• Contribution to the planning, coordination and reporting of joint field missions or medical evacuation.
• Builds capacity within the locally recruited staff by coordinating and reporting on jointe field missions and medical evacuations

A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed.

13. Qualifications/Requirements:

Qualifications, skills, experience:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Political Science, International Relations, Foreign Affairs, Law, or related field. A first level university degree with a relevant combination of academic qualifications and experience in related areas may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• Minimum of two years of relevant experience in field or headquarters operations; joint operations centre direct experience (UN, peacekeeping, military, foreign affairs, etc).
• Fluency in spoken and written English and French is essential. Knowledge of Arabic is an advantage.
• Knowledge of management applications, such as word processors, databases and presentation software as well as other electronic media.
• Valid national driver’s license, ability to drive manual 4 x 4 over rough terrain.

Competencies and values:

• Integrity and professionalism: demonstrated expertise in area of specialty and ability to apply good judgment; high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures in a politically sensitive environment, while exercising discretion, impartiality and neutrality; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented;
• Accountability: mature and responsible; ability to operate in compliance with organizational rules and regulations;
• Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment;
• Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities;
• Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity and gender;

• Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; ability to maintain composure and remain helpful towards the staff, but objective, without showing personal interest; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups;

• Flexibility, adaptability, and ability and willingness to operate independently in austere, remote and potentially hazardous environments for protracted periods, involving physical hardship and little comfort, and including possible extensive travel within the area of operations; willingness to transfer to other duty stations within area of operations as may be necessary;

• Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards the UN core values

14. Living Conditions:

Mali is a non-family duty station with a difficult security and working environment. Mali is a non-family duty station. Living conditions are acceptable in Bamako, but security instructions need to be strictly complied with. Adequate housing is available for rent at US$ 500-1500 per month. The national currency is the Franc CFA (April 2015 exchange rate was 1 US$ = 585 FCFA). Visa credit cards are accepted in some hotels and larger shops. Mali is a country prone to malaria, so mosquito nets are highly recommended. Basic medicines are available from pharmacies, but provision needs to be made for specialized medication.Security recommendations from the UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) must be followed by all UN Staff in the course of their assignments in Mali. For the sake of rewarding experience, UN volunteers in MINUSMA carry out their duties with flexibility, commitment, and a willingness to live and work in challenging conditions including heat and limited water and electricity supply.

15. Conditions of Service (International UNV CoS)

An initial contract up until 30 June 2016; monthly living allowance (MLA) base intended to cover housing, basic needs and utilities, with a base rate of US$ 1,554, which is adjusted monthly according to the movement (upwards or downwards) of the Post Adjustment Multiplier (PAM), which is established by the International Civil Service Commission (ICSC) to ensure that international UN Volunteers have comparable purchasing power at all duty stations despite varying costs of living. The applicable MLA is calculated as follows: MLA = (MLA base rate x PAM) + MLA base rate. See ICSC website http://icsc.un.org for more information on the applicable PAM rates.In addition, UN Volunteers are provided a one-time settling-in-grant (if applicable); a family allowance (if applicable); Well-Being Differential (applicable only in hardship non-family duty stations) life, health, and permanent disability insurance; return airfares (if applicable); resettlement allowance for satisfactory service.

16. Applications

If you are not yet a candidate in UNV’s database, please apply by registering your profile at https://ereta.unv.org/html/index.php?module=myprofile . Important: Once you have created your UNV account by validating your email address, please complete all sections of your profile and select the following code: “15MLI_OPS” from the drop down menu in the “Special Recruitment” tab of ‘MyProfile’. Your application can only be considered once you have submitted your complete UNV profile (green button). As a confirmation of your successful registration, you will receive an email with your UNV roster number.

If you are registered in the UNV database of candidates, please update your profile at: http://MyProfile.unv.org . In the “Special Recruitment” section on the left, click on the “Edit” button and select the advertisement code “15MLI_OPS” from the drop-down list.

Application deadline: 23 August 2015. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

About the Organization

The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme is the UN organization that promotes volunteerism to support peace and development worldwide. Volunteerism can transform the pace and nature of development and it benefits both society at large and the individual volunteer. UNV contributes to peace and development by advocating for volunteerism globally, encouraging partners to integrate volunteerism into development programming, and mobilizing volunteers.

In most cultures volunteerism is deeply embedded in long-established, ancient traditions of sharing and support within the communities. In this context, UN Volunteers take part in various forms of volunteerism and play a role in development and peace together with co-workers, host agencies and local communities.

In all assignments, UN Volunteers promote volunteerism through their action and conduct. Engaging in volunteer activity can effectively and positively enrich their understanding of local and social realities, as well as create a bridge between themselves and the people in their host community. This will make the time they spend as UN Volunteers even more rewarding and productive.