Liaison Officer

This position is located in the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia (UNVMC) to serve in the city of Mocoa, in the department of Putumayo. The P-4 Liaison Officer will directly support and report to the Head of Regional Office in Florencia, or in his/her absence, to the Chief of Staff in Bogota, D.C.

The P-4 Liaison Officer will work alongside civilian colleagues and international observers, supporting the Head of Regional Offices or leading local teams to implement the UNVMC mandate.

**Responsibilities**:
Within the limits of delegated authority, the Liaison Officer is responsible for performing the following:

- Provides information and analysis to Mission leadership and prepares draft reports for the UN Secretariat and the Security Council on issues related to the Mission's mandate, the Colombia Peace process and the Final Peace Agreement;
- Assesses implications and makes recommendations to senior management on possible policies, strategies and other measures to address issues of concern and to advance mandated objectives;
- Consults and cooperates with partners to develop strategies and plans of action to address peace related challenges, in pursuit of shared objectives;
- Supports preparations for official meetings, events and visits, including through the provision of secretariat services, drafting talking points and speeches for the SRSG and other senior Mission officials;
- Provides support to the work of the substantive sections of the mission and contributes to a shared understanding of the Mission environment, mandate and operations amongst Mission actors, and relevant national and international stakeholders;
- Fosters effective working relations with the UN Country Team colleagues and counterparts, Government representatives, civil society actors, military and law enforcement actors, academic and research institutions, and other national and international partners on information-sharing, policy and coordination matters;
- Interacts closely with mission staff at national and regional Headquarters in preparing summary and analytical documents, including situation reports, background notes, talking points, option's papers, and code cables;
- Coordinates mission-wide inputs for reports of the Secretary-General and other sensitive and confidential official communications to UNHQ;
- Participates in fact-finding and other missions;
- Supervises and monitors the work of officers under his/her responsibility in undertaking the full range of their duties;
- Carries out other duties as assigned.

Competencies

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 the audience. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

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.

Judgement/decision making: Identifies the key issues in a complex situation, and comes to the heart of the problem quickly. Gathers relevant information before making a decision. Considers positive and negative impacts of decisions prior to making them. Takes decisions with an eye to the impact on others and on the Organization. Proposes a course of action or makes a recommendation based on all available information. Checks assumptions against facts. Determines that the actions proposed will satisfy the expressed and underlying needs for the decision. Makes tough decisions when necessary.

Education
An advanced university degree (Master's or Doctorate degree, or equivalent) in social sciences, political science, international relations, public administration, anthropology, law, economics or related fields 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.

Job - Specific Qualification
A valid driver's license is required.

Work Experience
A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in political affairs, diplomacy, conflict resolution, mediation or related field is required.

A minimum of two (2) years' experience in political outreach, facilitation, analysis, advising or reporting is required.

Experience in multilateral diplomacy and peace processes is required.

Experience working in Latin America is required.

Specific knowledge of the Colombia peace process is desirable.

Experience leading teams in multi-cultural settings, including manageme