Remote: Senior Mediation Adviser, Multiple positions


Jun 7, 2024 | UNOPS Development Group
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Based in New York, the UNOPS Development and Special Initiatives Portfolio supports diverse partners with their peacebuilding, humanitarian and development operations. The portfolio manages the operational support to the Standby Team of Senior Mediation Advisers (SBT) mechanism, along with the provision of project management and implementation services. 

Background Information - Job-specific

Established in 2008, the SBT mechanism is a service of the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) situated in the Mediation Support Unit (MSU) of the Policy and Mediation Division (PMD). It is a specialized resource that can be rapidly deployed into the field on a temporary basis to provide technical advice to UN officials and other key stakeholders engaged in conflict prevention or mediation efforts. The services of the SBT mechanism are available to United Nations envoys, political and peacekeeping missions and country teams, as well as to regional organizations and partners with whom the United Nations works closely in conflict mediation and good offices world-wide.

Further information on MSU and the SBT mechanism is available on the Peacemaker website. Full-time members of the SBT mechanism must be permanently available for deployment on short notice and are not allowed to undertake any outside employment while serving on the SBT. The opportunity to serve on a When-Actually-Employed / Part-time contract in support of the Standby Team mechanism is also available to candidates recommended following the interview process.

If selected, full-time members of the SBT mechanism should know that the mediation expertise of the SBT is revised on a yearly basis. As such, any full-time contract may be terminated after a single SBT term (ca. 12 months) should the expertise provided not be required and / or if the project is not renewed. 

Responsibilities

For the full description of responsibilities, see the original posting.

Female Candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Candidates with no United Nations or UNOPS experience are strongly encouraged to apply.

Education

  • Advanced university degree. A BA or first level degree with two additional years of experience is accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree. A technical degree or military degree with four additional years of experience is accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Required Experience

  • A minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in fields related to promoting peace and conflict resolution - mediation, facilitation, dialogue (design) issues, academia (research and/or teaching), and/or related fields. 

Desirable Experience

(the following experience is optional, candidates who do not have it are welcome to apply.)

  • Significant and prolonged field experience in conflict, post-conflict or other transitional situations. 
  • A significant part of the ten years of professional experience overall should be in one or more of the thematic areas.
  • Direct experience in mediation, negotiations, facilitation, and dialogue situations, and/or experience in mediation advice to chief mediators, senior envoys, and/or conflict parties is an asset.
  • Experience in delivering mediation capacity-building or training activities is an asset.
  • Significant experience in engaging with civil society in peace processes is an asset.

Language

  • Working knowledge of oral and written English is required. Application materials must be submitted in English. The cover letter may be submitted in French, accompanied by a translation in English.
  • Working knowledge of at least one other official UN language is highly desirable, in particular Arabic and French. 

Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement.

Please note that UNOPS will at no stage of the recruitment process request candidates to make payments of any kind.

For full description of Competencies, Contract Details and Additional Information, visit the original posting.