Mission Planning Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), which is a peacekeeping mission established to support the country in its transition towards peace and stability. UNMISS operates in a challenging environment, focusing on consolidating peace and supporting the government and people of South Sudan. The mission is characterized by its commitment to the principles of the United Nations, including the promotion of human rights and the provision of humanitarian assistance. UNMISS is a significant presence in South Sudan, working collaboratively with various stakeholders to address the complex issues facing the nation.

Job Overview:
The Mission Planning Officer plays a crucial role in the strategic planning and implementation of the UN's response in South Sudan. This position involves conducting research, drafting documents, and providing advice to program managers on planning guidance and tools. The officer will contribute to the development of strategies and planning documents aimed at maximizing the impact of UNMISS and its partners in achieving peace consolidation. The role requires collaboration with various mission components and stakeholders to ensure coherence and alignment with the overall strategic direction of the mission. The officer will also be involved in monitoring and evaluating the progress of implemented strategies, ensuring that the mission's objectives are met effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Mission Planning Officer will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including: conducting research and drafting initial document segments; advising program managers on planning guidance and tools; providing secretariat support to mission coordination structures; contributing to the development of an Integrated Strategic Framework for peace consolidation; assisting in the preparation of a Mission Plan; compiling and analyzing data for budget frameworks and performance reports; facilitating the implementation of the Comprehensive Performance Assessment System (CPAS); contributing to Enterprise Risk Management; collaborating with planning focal points across mission components; and performing other duties as required. This role demands a proactive approach to fostering a culture of planning and coordination within the mission and with external partners.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of the institutional mandates and policies of the UN system, particularly in peacekeeping. Familiarity with the UNMISS mandate and the strategic environment in South Sudan is essential. The officer should have knowledge of strategy design, management, and monitoring, particularly regarding integrated assessment and planning processes. Experience in coordinating multi-stakeholder processes is crucial, along with a commitment to gender perspectives and equal participation in all areas of work. Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, are necessary, as well as the ability to work collaboratively in a team setting.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Political Science, International Relations, Management, Development, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Professional training in planning, monitoring, evaluation, facilitation, or coordination is desirable and will enhance a candidate's qualifications for this position.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in political affairs, humanitarian affairs, development, program management, or a related field is required. Candidates should have experience facilitating multi-stakeholder processes in a peace consolidation context and working directly on UN field operation strategic planning processes. Knowledge of relevant UN policies and operations is essential, and experience in monitoring programs or planning in a transitional context is desirable. At least one year of experience in a UN common system field operation or similar international organization in a conflict or post-conflict setting is also desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is required for this position, as English is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Proficiency in French is also beneficial and may enhance a candidate's competitiveness for the role.

Additional Notes:
The position is classified as a non-family duty station, and the appointment is subject to the extension of the mandate and availability of funds. Staff members are expected to adhere to the authority of the Secretary-General and may be assigned to various functions throughout their careers. The United Nations encourages qualified women to apply and emphasizes the importance of diversity in its workforce. The organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and maintains a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities upon request.