Civil Affairs Officer

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Position Title: Civil Affairs Officer
Location: Aweil
Country: South Sudan
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) was established to support the peace process in South Sudan following its independence in 201

• The mission aims to protect civilians, facilitate humanitarian assistance, and support the implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement. UNMISS operates under a mandate from the United Nations security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security Council and is committed to promoting peace, security, and human rights in the region. The mission is composed of various divisions, including Civil Affairs, which plays a crucial role in engaging with local communities and authorities to foster peace and stability. UNMISS is a large operation with thousands of personnel deployed to various locations across South Sudan, working collaboratively with local and international partners to achieve its objectives.

Job Overview:
The Civil Affairs Officer position is integral to the Civil Affairs Division of UNMISS, focusing on conflict management and peacebuilding efforts in South Sudan. The officer will be stationed in Aweil, a designated hardship and non-family duty station. The role involves maintaining relationships with local authorities and community leaders, analyzing conflict dynamics, and supporting local peace processes. The officer will be responsible for providing timely reports on conflict management and peace activities, facilitating dialogues, and collaborating with various stakeholders, including UN agencies and NGOs. The position requires a proactive approach to identifying conflict trends and fostering cooperation among conflicting parties, ultimately contributing to the mission's mandate of protecting civilians and promoting peace.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Civil Affairs Officer will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including:

• Maintaining contact with local government authorities, political leaders, traditional leaders, and civil society to provide briefings on UNMISS activities.
• Analyzing conflict management issues, including prevention, mitigation, and resolution strategies.
• Identifying conflict trends and opportunities for resolution within the area of responsibility.
• Supporting local peace processes and fostering confidence-building dialogues among conflicting parties.
• Providing regular reports on conflict management and peace activities.
• Conducting VIP briefings and facilitating visits to the area.
• Collaborating with UN agencies and NGOs to coordinate activities related to the mission's mandate.
• Participating in assessment missions to local communities and implementing programmatic activities.
• Establishing early warning and response systems through information gathering and relationship building. 1
• Implementing workshops and peace activities in collaboration with other UNMISS sections. 1
• Building partnerships with local leaders to localize the implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement. 1
• Completing mandatory UNMISS trainings and undertaking additional assignments as directed by the Team Leader or Director.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Civil Affairs Officer position must possess strong analytical and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders. They should demonstrate adaptability and flexibility in challenging environments, as well as a commitment to the principles of accountability and professionalism. The role requires sound judgment and decision-making abilities, along with effective planning and organizational skills. A strong understanding of conflict dynamics and peacebuilding processes is essential, as is the ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.

Educational Background:
A relevant educational background is required for the Civil Affairs Officer position, typically including a degree in social sciences, international relations, political science, or a related field. Advanced degrees may be preferred, particularly for candidates seeking to demonstrate a deeper understanding of conflict resolution and peacebuilding frameworks. Continuous professional development and training in areas related to civil affairs, conflict management, and humanitarian assistance are also beneficial.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of several years of relevant experience in conflict resolution, peacebuilding, or civil affairs, preferably within a UN or international organization context. Experience working in challenging environments, particularly in conflict-affected regions, is highly desirable. Familiarity with the political and social landscape of South Sudan or similar contexts will be an advantage, as will experience in engaging with local communities and authorities.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for the Civil Affairs Officer position, as it is the working language of UNMISS. Knowledge of local languages spoken in South Sudan, such as Arabic or Dinka, is considered an asset and may enhance communication and engagement with local communities.

Additional Notes:
The position is classified as a non-family duty station, meaning that candidates should be prepared to live and work in austere conditions with shared accommodations. The living conditions may include limited access to basic amenities, and candidates should be aware of the potential for water shortages and power outages. The role requires the ability to adapt to a tropical climate with a rainy season from April to October. The security situation in South Sudan can be volatile, and candidates must be prepared to operate in a high-risk environment. The position may involve travel to various locations within the country, and candidates should be committed to the mission's objectives of promoting peace and security.