Liaison Officer

This position is based in the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia (UNVMC), in Santander de Quilichao (Cauca). The Liaison Officer will report to the Head of the Regional Office in Popayán. 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 delegated authority, the Liaison Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

- Participates fully in assigned operational activities related to the work of the office i.e., engaging with municipal and departmental authorities, non-governmental organizations, civil society organizations, community groups, ethnic communities and religious organizations, in the context of the Mission´s verification mandate.
- Prepares briefing notes and talking points for Head of the Regional Office in Popayan related to the 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 challenges to the consolidation of peace challenges as per Mission's mandate objectives.
- Develops and maintains relations with the 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.
- Attends meetings, considers methodologies, and participates in developing guidelines, terms of reference and operational plans and time frames for the regional office. Assists in planning, coordinating and supporting programmes, projects and activities requiring mission and/or interagency involvement and participation. As required, represents the Head of Office at round tables, seminars, and conferences.
- Supports his/her supervisor in the coordination of inputs for reports and other sensitive and confidential communications to the Mission's headquarters. 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.
- Ensures compliance with policies related to conduct and discipline and an enabling working environment for non-discrimination and gender parity across all functions.
- Performs management and coordination functions of a team made up of UNVs and international observers. Complies with the required evaluation responsibilities that come with the management of a team.
- Performs other related duties as required.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM:

- 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.

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;

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 with a combination of two (02) additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Job - Specific Qualification
A valid driving license is desirable

Relevant training in the areas of planning, monitoring and evaluation, facilitation, or coordination is desirable.

Work Experience
A minimum of five (05) years of progressively responsible experience in polit