Liaison Officer

These positions are based in the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia (UNVMC), in Medellin (Antioquia department) and Valledupar (Cesar department). The Liaison Officer will report to the Head of the Regional Office. The Liaison Officer will work alongside civilian colleagues and international observers, interacting with Government officials, former members of the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia - Ejército del Pueblo (FARC), victims of the conflict and representatives of the local communities to support the Regional Office in the implementation of verification, reporting, and liaison activities.

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

- Participates fully in assigned operational activities related to the work of the office or mission, i.e., engaging with host country stakeholders and multilateral organizations on peacekeeping, crisis management, conflict prevention and mediation.
- Prepares briefing notes and talking points for the senior staff and mission leadership related to mission's mandate. As requested, provides information on assigned issues regarding the Colombia Peace process and Final Peace Agreement, cooperates and collaborates with counterparts to develop strategies to address peace challenges as per mission's mandate objectives. Develops and maintains relations with UN Country Team colleagues, Government Representatives, Regional Intergovernmental Organizations, Non-Governmental Organizations, law enforcement actors, 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 a region and or country or major conflict. Attends meetings to identify the scope of the project, considers methodologies, and participates in developing guidelines, terms of reference and operational plans and time frames for new team. Assists in planning, coordinating and supporting programmes, projects and activities requiring mission and/or interagency involvement and participation. As required, represents the team at round tables, seminars and conferences;
- Supports his/her supervisor in the coordination of mission-wide inputs for reports to the Secretary-General and other sensitive and confidential communications to UNHQ. Provides assistance 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 related duties as required.

Competencies

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.

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.

Education
An advanced university degree (Master’s or Doctorate degree, or equivalent) in Social Sciences, Political Science, International Relations, or related fields is required. A first-level degree in the specified fields of studies with (2) two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Job - Specific Qualification
Professional training in the areas of planning, monitoring and evaluation, facilitation and/or coordination is desirable.

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.

A minimum of one (01) year's work experience in managing staff as direct supervisor is desirable.

A minimum of one (01) year's working experience in a special political or peacekeeping mission, or any other related international organization, in a conflict/post-conflict context or complex setting is desirable.

A minimum of one (01) year's working experience drafting analytical reports and documents on sensitive and high-profile matters and providing reporting and analysis to a variety of audiences is desirable.

Experience in Latin America issues is desirable.

Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Na