RECOVERY, RETURN AND REINTEGRATION OFFICER

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is in the Protection, Transition, and Reintegration Section of the United Nations Mission South Sudan (UNMISS), Juba. The Recovery, Return, and Reintegration Officer reports to the Chief of Protection, Transition, and Reintegration Section. The Protection Transition and Reintegration Section is responsible for supporting protection, early recovery, return and reintegration initiatives in close coordination with UNMISS components, the United Nations Country Team (UNCT), humanitarian actors and government. The section is also responsible for managing UNMISS Quick Impact Projects across the mission and other related projects aimed at supporting mandate implementation. Juba is classified in the “E” category and as a non-family duty station.

Responsibilities

The Recovery Return and Reintegration Officer will support the Chief Protection Transition and Reintegration Section in leading the Section’s efforts to promote a coherent approach towards protection of civilians, advocacy and facilitation for expanding delivery of humanitarian and protection services to hard-to-reach areas and laying the ground for return and reintegration of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees in close coordination with the international community, in particular the members of the UNCT, Humanitarian Country Team (HCT), other humanitarian and protection partners, and the substantive sections of UNMISS, seeking to ensure synergies and alignment of protection of civilians, stabilization, early recovery, peacebuilding plans and priorities. Within delegated authority, and under the overall leadership and direction of the Chief of Protection Transition and Reintegration Section, the Recovery, Return and Reintegration Officer will supervise the Planning, Analysis and Reporting Team of the Section, at UNMISS headquarters in Juba, responsible for performing the following duties: PLANNING AND PROGRAMMING: Represent Protection Transition and Reintegration (PTR) Section in programming and coordinating Mission’s support for protection of civilians (POC) and delivery of humanitarian and protection services through close engagement with Mission Components, humanitarian, protection and development partners and local authorities and representatives; Monitor and assess the situation of protection of civilians, delivery of humanitarian and protection services and return and reintegration; Provide PTR Teams in Field Offices and at UNMISS headquarters in Juba, with guidance to address challenges to protection of civilians, safe and voluntary return and reintegration, delivery of humanitarian and protection services across the country; Ensure Protection Transition and Reintegration Section’s participation in and substantive contribution to coordination mechanisms with Mission Components and humanitarian, protection and development partners on protection of civilians and development and implementation of durable solutions for displaced persons; Provide the Chief of Section with strategic advice on the implementation of the Mission mandate at the field level, in particular protection of civilians, safe and voluntary return and reintegration, and fostering an environment conducive to delivery of humanitarian and protection service, and identify opportunities and develop programmes for durable solutions to internal displacement, early recovery and peace-building activities; and Coordinate with relevant PoC partners in implementation of the Mission-wide POC strategy and protection plans, including supporting development of Mission contingency plans, early warning and PoC Threat and Risk Assessments reports, with focal points for protection and sexual violence in conflict. PARTNERSHIP: Build and sustain collaborative working relations with Mission Components, UN and non-UN partners, national authorities and representatives, bilateral and multilateral donors, regional organizations, international financial institutions, the private sector, civil society and other stakeholders; Strengthen cooperation with Mission Components and relevant protection actors, including national authorities, civil society, UN agencies and funds and programs with complementary mandates and other relevant partners, including the protection cluster, bilateral and multilateral donors, regional organizations, the private sector and other stakeholders; Support in assessing the training needs on protection of civilian issues within the mission, and design and support the delivery of tailored POC modules with relevant mission components. Constructively engage affected populations, vulnerable communities, and local authorities to support development of associated policies and guidelines; and conduct other duties as required. RESOURCE MOBILIZATION AND MANAGEMENT: Support and lead PTR Teams at the field level and UNMISS HQ on the management of UNMISS Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) with an aim to establish to create an improved environment for implementation of the Mission mandate; Support Protection Transition and Reintegration field teams to develop coherent programmatic initiatives that promote protection of civilians, reintegration and peacebuilding; Support and lead PTR Teams at the field level on development and roll out of the Section’s Annual Work Plan and Results Based Budget (RBB); Support mainstreaming of protection of civilians plans and activities of PTR field Teams; and mentor and evaluate staff members of PTR Teams in Juba. ANALYSIS, ADVICE AND REPORTING: Bring to the attention of the Chief of Protection Transition and Reintegration Section ongoing, emerging and anticipated developments that would impact on implementation of the Mission mandate; Lead PTR Teams in producing daily and analytical reports, inputs to code cables and reports of the Secretary-General related to protection of civilians, early recovery, delivery of humanitarian and protection services, and return and reintegration of IDPs and refugees; Lead PTR Teams in producing inputs to briefings, background notes, talking points, cables, media statements, speeches by senior officials, as well as Mission’s strategies, policies and other mechanisms to strengthen protection of civilians, facilitate return and reintegration and foster an environment conducive to delivery of humanitarian and protection services; Work closely with Mission components at both the field level and UNMISS HQ to provide early warning of POC threats to Heads of Offices and Chief of Protection Transition and Reintegration Section and support joint in information triangulation, monitoring, analysis and reporting and the utilization of data for purposes of early warning analysis and response. INFORMATION MANAGEMENT AND COMMUNICATION: Lead in management of effective flow of information on activities and programmes of Protection Transition and Reintegration Teams, including QIPs, between HQ and PTR Teams in Field Offices.

Competencies

Professionalism: Extensive knowledge of and significant practical experience with issues related to protection and rights of women and children affected by protracted conflict, early recovery, return and reintegration, humanitarian affairs, core policies and guiding principles of the UN peacekeeping missions; Excellent drafting, monitoring, and reporting skills; ability to examine, edit and provide analytical inputs and intellectual guidance for the work of others; ability to advise a Head of Section on tactical approaches and strategies to advance implementation of mission mandate in complex, sensitive and fluid circumstances, ability to develop and implement policies and projects related to the section’s responsibilities. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and proficiency of the subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines, and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; ability to work under pressure including insecure environments, while maintaining productivity and effectiveness. 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. Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; willingness to solicit inputs by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from other; places team agenda before personal agenda. Supports and acts in accordance with group final decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; Willingness to share credit for team accomplishments and joint responsibility for team shortcomings. Leadership: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow empowers others to translate vision into results; is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support; anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions; drives for change and improvements; does not accept the status quo; shows the courage to take unpopular stands. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing.

Education

An advanced university degree (Masters degree or equivalent) in social sciences, political science, international relations, economics, development studies, or a related field. A first level university degree with a relevant combination of academic qualifications and experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Job – Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible professional experience in the areas of protection of civilians, humanitarian affairs, early recovery, complex emergencies, return and reintegration, rehabilitation and development, inter-agency coordination, policy advisory, resource mobilization and advocacy, in a post-conflict context is required. Proven working experience in protection of civilians, return and reintegration, and leadership and supervisory experience of diverse, cross functional teams in a fragile post conflict environment, with specific regional working experience is required. Working experience and comprehension of peacekeeping planning and reporting processes, including leading results-based planning, resource allocation and budgeting, comprehensive and performance assessment processes is required. At least three years of related experience in a UN common system, including peacekeeping, political missions and UN agencies, funds, and programmes, or similar international or regional organizations, bilateral donors, research institutions and non-governmental organization in a conflict or post-conflict setting is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required.

Assessment

Previously rostered candidates are not subject to any further assessment and as such, will not be invited for such an assessment.

Special Notice

This “Recruit from Roster” job opening is only open to roster applicants who are already placed on pre-approved rosters, following a review by a United Nations Central Review Body. Only roster applicants who were placed on rosters with similar functions at the same level are considered to be eligible candidates. Eligible applicants receive an email inviting them to apply. Rostered applicants are encouraged to apply only if they are interested and available to take up the position at the duty station/s specified in the Job Opening. Applying to this job opening carries an expectation to accept the offer, if selected.

United Nations 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, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, 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. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile of the inspira account-holder homepage. 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 internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira 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. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee

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