Liaison Officer

This position is located in the Verification of Political, Social and Economic Reincorporation Office of the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia (UNVMC) in Bogota.

The Liaison Officer (P3) will report to the Principal Liaison Officer of the Verification of Political, Social and Economic Reincorporation Office.

Responsibilities:

• Participates fully in assigned operational activities related to the work of the Reintegration Unit, i.e., engaging with stakeholders and multilateral organizations working on Rural Reform, crisis management, conflict prevention and mediation.
• Prepares briefing notes and talking points for the senior staff and mission leadership related to the Mission's mandate. As requested, monitors and provides information on assigned issues regarding the Colombia Peace Process and Final Peace Agreement, including the implementation of the comprehensive rural reform provisions, with especial attention to the gender and ethnic focus.
• Cooperates and collaborates with counterparts to develop strategies to address peace challenges as per the mission's mandate objectives.
• Develops and maintains relations with UNCT colleagues, academic and research institutions for discussions to reach consensus and make decisions; prepares trend analysis monthly and sitrep as requested; supports main stakeholders programming and institutional liaison.
• Participates as a team member on a team which could deal with a variety of political issues in Colombia.
• Attends meetings to identify challenges to the implementation of the Comprehensive Rural Reform, works with counterparts on methodologies, and participates in developing guidelines, terms of reference and operational plans and time frames for this mandated task.
• Assists in planning, coordinating and supporting programmes, projects and activities requiring Mission and/or interagency involvement and participation, including management of extrabudgetary funds. As required, represents the team at round tables, seminars and conferences.
• Supports his/her supervisor in the coordination of inputs for reports to the Secretary-General and other sensitive and confidential communications. Provides assistance, guidance and support to other substantive sections of the mission to have a consensual approach to the mission environment, mandate and operations among Mission actors, and relevant national and international stakeholders.
• Performs other duties as required.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM:
Ability to identify and analyze political, ethnic, racial, social and economic problems that cause civil unrest in a country or geographic area; Ability to deliver in a fast-moving environment;

• Shows pride in work and in achievements;
• Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results;
• Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns;
• 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.

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 twoway communication.
• Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience.
• Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

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.

TEAMWORK:

• Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals;
• Solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise;
• Is willing to learn from others;
• Places team agenda before personal agenda;
• Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position;
• Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in social sciences, political science, international relations, or a related field is required.

A first-level university degree in combination with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in political science, political affairs, international relations, law, mediation, conflict resolution, or related area is required.

Experience in Latin American issues is required.

A minimum of two (2) years wor

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