Senior Mission Planning Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The position is within the Office of the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General (DSRSG) - Resident Coordinator/Humanitarian Coordinator (RC/HC) of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO). MONUSCO was established to support the stabilization of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, focusing on peacekeeping, humanitarian assistance, and the promotion of human rights. The organization operates in various regions of the DRC, employing a diverse workforce dedicated to achieving peace and stability in the country. The mission aims to facilitate the transition towards sustainable peace and development, working closely with local and international partners to address the complex challenges faced by the DRC. MONUSCO is committed to upholding the principles of the United Nations and ensuring the protection of civilians in conflict-affected areas.

Job Overview:
The Senior Mission Planning Officer plays a crucial role in facilitating joint and integrated planning among various mission components, heads of regional offices, UN Country Team (UNCT) members, and other relevant partners. This position requires a deep understanding of strategic planning issues, particularly in the context of mission transition and withdrawal. The officer will engage with UN partners and external actors to ensure effective integrated planning and assessment processes. The role involves coordinating the development of planning documents and operational plans at both national and provincial levels, conducting in-depth conflict analysis, and identifying priorities and responsibilities for the UN. The Senior Mission Planning Officer will lead the coordination of mission transition and withdrawal plans, ensuring that they align with the vision of the Special Representative and translate mandated tasks into coherent objectives, timelines, and expected outcomes. This position also requires providing authoritative advice and technical support to UN senior management, enabling them to develop and implement strategies that maximize the impact of the UN's response in the DRC, focusing on peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Mission Planning Officer will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including: facilitating joint and integrated planning between mission components and partners; acting as a senior advisor on strategic planning issues; coordinating the development of relevant planning documents and operational plans; leading the coordination of mission transition and withdrawal plans; liaising with government representatives and partners; supporting the establishment of provincial planning mechanisms; advising mission components on developing component-level plans; coordinating resource management and performance reporting; contributing to monitoring budget implementation; providing authoritative advice on strategic and operational planning policy; ensuring the establishment of integrated field coordination structures; coordinating mission-level engagement with headquarters; and performing other duties as required. The officer will also be responsible for ensuring that cross-cutting issues are integrated into mission concepts and strategic documents, and for monitoring and evaluating the progress of mission objectives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a comprehensive understanding of the issues and challenges in volatile conflict or post-conflict environments, along with a thorough knowledge of relevant UN policies and procedures. Proven ability to facilitate and produce integrated strategic plans is essential, as is experience with monitoring and evaluation in complex organizational settings. Strong interpersonal skills are required to manage multi-stakeholder processes and build consensus among colleagues and contacts. Candidates should demonstrate professional competence, efficiency in meeting commitments, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. A commitment to incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring equal participation of women and men in all areas of work is also necessary.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in social sciences, political science, international relations, economics, finance, management, development studies, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with an additional two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible relevant professional experience is required, including in planning, program management, political affairs, or policy development at a strategic level. Candidates should have experience facilitating and coordinating multi-stakeholder processes in emergency, conflict, or post-conflict settings. Experience in developing and supporting mission transition planning processes is desirable, as is practical experience in developing and implementing monitoring and evaluation systems. Candidates should also have experience with relevant UN Secretariat policies and operations, including Integrated Assessment and Planning, country or conflict analysis, results-based budgeting, and risk management.

Languages:
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, proficiency in both languages is required, with a minimum level of proficiency specified according to the UN Language Framework. Candidates must demonstrate their ability to read, write, listen, and speak effectively in both languages.

Additional Notes:
The appointment or assignment against this position is for an initial period of one year, subject to the availability of the post or funds, budgetary approval, or extension of the mandate. The entire assessment process for this position takes an average of six months, and all applicants will be notified in writing of the outcome of their application within 14 days of the conclusion of the process. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance in its staff and encourages female candidates to apply. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and may be assigned to various functions in accordance with established rules and procedures. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality.