Chief of Section, Demobilisation, Disarmament and Reintegration

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Demobilisation, Disarmament and Reintegration Section of the Office of Rule of Law and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security Institutions, which is part of the Department of Peacekeeping Operations of the United Nations. The UN was established in 1945 and has a mission to promote peace, security, and cooperation among nations. The organization operates globally, with a presence in numerous countries, and employs thousands of staff members dedicated to various humanitarian and peacekeeping efforts.

Job Overview:
The Chief of Section will play a pivotal role in establishing and implementing strategic policies related to Demobilisation, Disarmament, and Reintegration (DDR). This includes the development of Integrated DDR Standards and ensuring their consistent application across various peacekeeping missions. The incumbent will lead interactions with member states and international organizations on DDR issues, manage operational support for field DDR work, and provide technical support for the implementation of Second Generation DDR practices, including Community Violence Reduction (CVR). The role requires a deep understanding of peacekeeping dynamics and the ability to negotiate and manage cooperative mechanisms with various DDR partners.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Chief of Section will be responsible for the following duties:

• Establishing and implementing DDR strategic policies and ensuring their application across peacekeeping missions.
• Leading the department's engagement with member states and international organizations on DDR issues.
• Managing the Headquarters unit to provide operational support for field DDR work, including assessment, planning, management, and evaluation phases.
• Advising field missions on designing and implementing Second Generation DDR practices.
• Acting as the principal DDR advisor to the Under-Secretary-General and representing the department in UN legislative and technical bodies.
• Liaising with internal legislative and financial bodies on DDR issues.
• Ensuring gender equality in all aspects of peace operations and promoting the equal participation of women and men.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong background in disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR), with a minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in related fields such as political affairs or international relations. They should have experience in coordinating field-based DDR programs and implementing Second Generation DDR programming. Knowledge of UN policies and procedures related to DDR is essential, along with demonstrated ability in DDR planning and management.

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

Experience:
The position requires at least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR), political affairs, or international relations. Experience in coordinating field-based DDR programs and supporting or implementing Second Generation DDR programming is essential. Familiarity with demobilization and disarmament in field missions is desirable.

Languages:
English is required for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level III in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is considered desirable, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level II in all language skills.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available until 31 December 202

• If the selected candidate is a current staff member of the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment. The position may be limited to internal candidates based at the duty station, and candidates must meet specific eligibility criteria. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and is dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment.