Head of Office, Political Affairs

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Head of Office, Political Affairs
Location: Goma
Country: Democratic Republic of Congo
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO). MONUSCO was established to support the Congolese government in stabilizing the country and ensuring peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security. The mission operates in various regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo, with a focus on protecting civilians and supporting the political process. MONUSCO employs a diverse workforce and collaborates with multiple stakeholders, including local authorities, civil society, and international partners, to achieve its objectives. The mission is committed to gender balance and diversity within its staff, encouraging applications from women and underrepresented groups.

Job Overview:
The Head of Office (HoO) is the most senior United Nations representative in the designated Area of Responsibility (AoR) and plays a crucial role in implementing the Mission's mandate. The HoO is responsible for developing strategies to achieve the mission's goals using available political, institutional, and financial resources. This position requires strong leadership and coordination skills, as the HoO oversees the protection of civilians and stabilization efforts in the AoR. The incumbent will work closely with various stakeholders, including local authorities, the diplomatic community, and other partners, to ensure effective collaboration and alignment with the mission's objectives. The role also involves managing the Goma Field Office's operations and ensuring that activities are in line with the mission's strategic guidance and priorities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Head of Office, Political Affairs will have a wide range of responsibilities, including: leading and coordinating the personnel and activities of all Mission Political components in the AoR; ensuring the operational functioning of the Goma Field Office; directing local substantive teams in thematic areas such as political affairs, civil affairs, human rights, and stabilization; engaging with provincial and local authorities; liaising with the diplomatic community and other partners; formulating a comprehensive programme of work for the Goma Field Office; monitoring and reporting on performance against targets; acting as Area Security Coordinator; supervising and mentoring staff; identifying and analyzing local developments; ensuring high-quality reporting to Mission leadership; developing outreach strategies; and overseeing the implementation of quick impact projects.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of fifteen (15) years of progressively responsible experience in political, civil or humanitarian affairs, human rights, programme management, or a related field. Experience in outreach, facilitation, analysis, advice, management of personnel, budget preparation, planning, gender mainstreaming, and reporting is required. Additionally, at least five (5) years of experience in management and coordination of multi-disciplinary teams and direct advice to senior leadership is essential. Experience working in coordination with national or international military forces is desirable, as is a proven track record of leadership in multi-cultural settings. Candidates should also have experience working in a United Nations common system field operation or similar international organization in a conflict or post-conflict setting.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Political Science, International Relations, Social Science, Law, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of fifteen (15) years of progressively responsible experience in relevant fields, including political, civil, or humanitarian affairs. Candidates should have substantial experience in management and coordination, particularly in multi-disciplinary teams, and direct advisory roles to senior leadership. Experience in a United Nations common system field operation or similar international organization in a conflict or post-conflict setting is highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in both English and French (both oral and written) is required for this position, as these are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in both languages to effectively communicate and fulfill the responsibilities of the role.

Additional Notes:
This job opening is advertised to fill a temporarily vacant position during the absence of the regular incumbent for a period of 364 days, subject to availability of funds. The regular incumbent is entitled to return to this position at the expiry of the temporary vacancy period. The selection process will include a compliance review and may involve reference checks. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The position is classified as a non-family duty station and is categorized as "D" hardship. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.