General
Description of assignment title
Civil Affairs Officer
Assignment country
Kosovo (UNSC 1244)
Expected start date
21/09/2023
Sustainable Development Goal
16. Peace, justice and strong institutions
Volunteer category
International UN Volunteer Specialist
Host entity
UNMIK
Type
Onsite
Duration
9 months (with possibility of extension)
Number of assignments
1
Duty stations
Mitrovica
Details
Mission and objectives
The mandate of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) was established by the Security Council in its resolution 1244 (1999). The primary and overarching objectives of UNMIK are to ensure conditions for a peaceful and normal life for all inhabitants of Kosovo, strengthen and consolidate peace, security, and stability, and promote and protect human rights for all people.
Context
Assignment context All references to Kosovo shall be understood to be in the context of Security Council Resolution 1244 (1999).
Task description
Under the overall guidance of the Head of the Mitrovica Regional Office (MRO), the Civil Affairs Officer of UNMIK Mitrovica Regional Office has the following responsibilities: Participate in and report about meetings as required, including preparation of meeting minutes; Monitor specific aspects of mandate implementation, particularly as relate to inter-community trust-building; Liaise and maintain working relationships with municipal officials/authorities, community representatives, international organizations and international and local civil society organization; Support good offices and other efforts to facilitate trust building between institutions and communities, particularly as relate to youth and women; Support development of activities (programmatic, facilitation, advocacy, etc), in conjunction with local interlocutors and other UNMIK offices, to facilitate trust building between institutions and communities, Particularly as relate to youth. Monitor, report on and analyse all activities that have political, socio-economic and cultural significance or have implications for the enjoyment of the rights of communities, including developments in municipal governance and civil society. Assist in the coordination of mandate implementation with other international agencies as appropriate; Provide interface, direct or indirect, between relevant local institutions and communities, with a view to facilitating interactions between them; Perform all such additional duties as required.
Eligibility criteria
Age
27 – 80
Nationality
Candidate must be a national of a country other than the country of assignment.
Requirements
Required experience
5 years of experience in International Affairs, Development, Security Diplomacy, Administration or Foreign Relations. Experience in field or peacekeeping operations is highly desirable.
Area(s) of expertise
Community development
Driving license
–
Languages
English, Level: Fluent, Required
Required education level
Bachelor degree or equivalent in Political Science, Political Economy, International Relations, International Law, Public Administration, or related fields is required.
Competencies and values
Professionalism – Demonstrated ability to identify problems, i.e. political, ethnic, racial, social, economic, etc., causing unrest in a country or geographic area; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of peace operations. Judgment/Decision-Making – Sound judgment in applying expertise to resolve a range of issues/problems and the ability to proactively seek and recommend sound policy initiatives. Analytical and Negotiating Skills – Proven analytical, research and negotiating skills. Communications – Excellent oral skills and proven drafting ability; ability to develop contacts and foster collaboration with other organizations in order to acquire timely information on current initiatives and studies pertinent to assigned area. Planning and Organizing – The ability to manage own plan and the work and the work schedules of others and to meet deadlines. Technological Awareness – Good computer skills, including proficiency in word processing, spreadsheets and presentation software, e.g., PowerPoint. Teamwork – Sound interpersonal skills and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with people of different national and cultural backgrounds with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
Other information
Living conditions and remarks
Kosovo is a family duty station. Located in the Balkans mountain range of South Eastern Europe, the climate is continental, with warm summers and cold, snowy winters. Houses/Apartments are easily available and generally have electricity and running water, although this may not be 24hrs. Costs are reasonable, but vary according to location, i.e. city centre or outlying villages. Upon arrival, you will reside in a hotel or apartment until you get permanent housing. The UNV Support Office can assist in helping you identify suitable housing. There are not any specific health problems associated with Kosovo, and no vaccines are required prior to arrival. UNMIK provides a clinic for its staff, should anyone fall ill. Foods and dietary needs of all kinds are provided for in the many supermarkets. There are marketplaces that cater in fruits and vegetables, and bakeries offer some exquisite pastries and breads. Fresh fish and meats are also easily available.
Inclusivity statement
United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme that welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, care protected characteristics. As part of their adherence to the values of UNV, all UN Volunteers commit themselves to combat any form of discrimination, and to promoting respect for human rights and individual dignity, without distinction of a person’s race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.
Note on Covid-19 vaccination requirements
Selected candidates for certain occupational groups may be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) in line with the applicable host entity policy
