Job Opening
Posting Title: SECURITY SECTOR REFORM OFFICER, P4
Job Code Title: SECURITY SECTOR REFORM OFFICER
Department/Office: SRSG for West Africa/United Nations Office in West Africa
Duty Station: DAKAR
Posting Period: 18 March 2021 - 16 April 2021
Job Opening Number: 21-Security Institutions-UNOWA-152133-R-Dakar (M)
Staffing Exercise N/A

United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity

Org. Setting and Reporting
This position is located in the Political Affairs Section of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel, based in Dakar, Senegal. The Security Sector Reform Officer will report directly to the Head of the Political Affairs Section.

Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the Security Sector Reform will be responsible for the following:

• Assists in the overall management and administration of the SSR capacity. Also provides support in the development of the SSR capacity's support to SSR efforts in west African countries, as well as the day-to-day coordination of activities within the section (e.g. political, military), other departments (communications/public affairs; gender; research and analysis, etc.) and UN entities.
• Supports the provision of strategic and technical advice to both national stakeholders and UNOWAS/UNCT leadership on security sector-wide issues, with special emphasis on civilian oversight management and coordination.
• Works in synergy with UNOWAS’ Military Advisor Cell on analysis of regional security challenges and conflict drivers, including maritime security, drug trafficking and prevention of violent extremism.
• Supports the development of mission strategy policy and proposals with respect to support of national SSR efforts across the region.
• Supports the delivery of coherent 'one-UN' support of national SSR efforts, together with all relevant UNOWAS/UNCT interlocutors, including coordination of UNOWAS/UNCT assistance and through effective integration of all SSR programmes/projects and related activities undertaken by UNOWAS components.
• Supports the provision of advice and assistance to key parties (e.g. SSR unit management and staff, established Commissions, government officials, etc.), consults with relevant stakeholders through inclusive and participatory processes.
• Assists national efforts to mobilize and coordinate international assistance to security sector initiatives.
• Provides UN SSR policy advice to the Head of Political affairs responsible for SSR support, as well as assistance in strategic planning, design, implementation, review and evaluation of SSR programmes/projects.
• Prepares substantive input to SSR position papers and reports for presentation to relevant bodies.
• Establishes and maintains contracts and partnerships with key officials and other actors (national and international) inside and outside the organization in the assigned areas of responsibility with a view to pursuing SSR objectives and ensuring participation in and effective integration of ideas in the planning and implementation of SSR activities.
• Represents the SSR capacity and participates in international, regional and national meetings related to SSR, as required.
• Supervises the organization of meetings, seminars, and other events on substantive issues.
• Initiates and coordinates outreach activities; conducts training workshops, seminars, etc.; makes presentations on assigned topics/activities.
• Coordinates activities related the budget funding (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements, etc.) and prepares related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget, etc.).
• Responds to requests and reporting requirements.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Competencies
• Professionalism: Significant knowledge of security sector reform (concepts, terminology, research and policy literature – in particular in the areas of governance oversight and accountability of the security sector; institutional development; and SSR and sustainable development); ability to work with a wide range of technical experts including police, military, immigration and customs services, public administrative and judicial actors; experience in the design and implementation of SSR programmes/projects; ability to support inter-disciplinary/inter-departmental teams and task forces, and manage multiple tasks simultaneously; proven strengths in policy and operational-level coordination; good research, analytical and problem-solving skills, including ability to identify and participate in the resolution of issues/problems; ability to apply good judgment in the context of assignments given; ability to plan own work and manage conflicting priorities.
Commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of peacebuilding.

• Planning and 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

• Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed

Education
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in political science, business, public security sector management, administration, international relations or a related fields is required. A first level university degree with a relevant combination of academic qualifications and experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience
A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in political analysis, defense sector reform, governance, institutional development, sustainable development or related area. Previous experience in SSR strategy and /or policy development, SSR programmes/projects planning, implementation, management, review and evaluation or implementation is required.
Previous experience in United Nations peacekeeping missions and/or political offices is highly desirable.

Languages
English and French are the working language of the United Nations. For this position fluency (both written and oral) in English and French is required

Assessment
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Special Notice
Initial appointment against this position is for a period of one year and may be subject to extension.
Extension of the appointment is subject to Extension of the mandate and/or the availability of the funds.
Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her.
In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures

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.

The paramount consideration in the appointment, transfer, or promotion of staff shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.
By accepting an offer of appointment, United Nations staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and assignment by him or her to any activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c).
In this context, all internationally recruited staff members shall be required to move periodically to discharge new functions within or across duty stations under conditions established by the Secretary-General.

Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira.
For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side 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.