Natural Resources Focus for 2015 Standby Team of Mediation Experts

Aug 11, 2014 | Norwegian Refugee Council

This team of senior mediation experts functions as a rapid response mechanism that makes expert process and thematic advice available to the UN and its partners worldwide. When deployed in the field, the incumbent will be under the responsibility of the head of the mediation team or the appropriate senior official. At all other times, the post holder reports directly to the UN Department of Political Affairs' (UNDPA) Mediation Support Unit.

UNDPA, under its Policy and Mediation Division (PMD), has established a Mediation Support Unit (MSU) which provides support to UN envoys and partners engaged in mediation, and serves as a repository for expertise on mediation-related issues. MSU, in collaboration with the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), operates a Standby Team of Senior Mediation Experts consisting of eight full-time senior positions. The team is currently under the administrative responsibility of NRC. The expert positions are full-time and home-based appointments, with frequent deployments to the field.

NRC, in cooperation with UNDPA, is seeking experts in the following areas:

Security Arrangements (Ceasefires, DDR, SSR) (1 position)
Constitutional Issues (1 position)
Power-sharing (1 position)
Gender and Inclusion (1 position)
Natural Resources/Wealth Sharing (1 position)
Mediation Process Design (Facilitation and Dialogue) (3 positions)

In your application, please nominate your first (or top 3) area(s) of preference, according to your specific expertise in the abovementioned categories.

For further information on UNDPA and the MSU please visit the UNDPA website.

Job description

  • The main responsibility of the mediation expert is to assist and support UN mediation teams, other partners and the parties to the mediation by:
  • Providing technical expertise and advice within their area of expertise
  • Providing process expertise for the design, planning and management of pre-negotiation, negotiation and implementation frameworks, including national dialogue processes and post-agreement follow-up mechanisms. This expertise should include methods and mechanisms for promoting the inclusion of women, civil society and other Track II actors, in relevant processes
  • As necessary and appropriate, participating in the mediation talks and contributing to the drafting of relevant sections of the peace agreements and other documents
  • As necessary, conceiving, planning and managing specific trainings seminars for the parties and mediators in area of expertise
  • Preparing periodic reports and relevant thematic briefings for the United Nations team involved in a mediation effort
  • Preparing update reports for the Mediation Support Unit, as requested
  • Conducting any other tasks requested by the MSU.

Qualifications

  • A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible and prolonged field experience, including direct experience in mediation and peacemaking processes.
  • Strong analytical capacity
  • Good knowledge of UN’s departments and agencies, and good understanding of the range of mediation mandates of the UN and its international partners. Proven understanding of UN policies and procedures, international humanitarian and human rights standards and other applicable norms, particularly SC Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security
  • Advanced university degree in law, public administration, public policy, international relations, or other relevant area.
  • Proficiency and demonstrated drafting ability in English. Working knowledge of at least one other UN language (French or Arabic in particular) is strongly preferred

Education level

  • College / University, Master / Phd grade

Personal qualities

  • Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrable abilities to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships in multicultural, multi-ethnic environments, with sensitivity for diversity
  • Proven capabilities to interact and build confidence with all stakeholders and partners, as well as externally with media, NGOs and civil society organizations.
  • Capacity to live and work under difficult conditions.

We offer

  • The team's expert positions are full-time one-year appointments. The experts are based in their respective countries of residence and deploy to the field on short notice. The appointment includes a competitive remuneration package commensurate with level of experience required.
  •  
  • Only online applications will be considered. By submitting an application, candidates agree that their details may be shared between UN DPA and NRC for recruitment purposes. Interviews will be held in Oslo in November 2014.

Miscellaneous info

  • Travel: More than 150 days travel
  • Start date for employment: 23.02.2015
  • End date for employment: 03.03.2016
  • End date for employment: 03.03.2016

To apply click here.