Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) at the Nigerian Defence Headquarters - United Nations Field Mission

The Nigerian Defence Headquarters wishes to inform all interested qualified retired senior military officers to apply for the position below:

Job Title: Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG)

Location: Nigeria

The Mission
The United Nations Secretary-General launched the Global Call campaign on 19 July, 2019 to run until 30 September, 2019 for the nominations of Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) in the United Nations Field Mission. The generic positions are located in the United Nations field mission, which include Peacekeeping Operations, Special Political Mission and Support Mission.

Information Related To The Position And Functions

• The missions is overseen by the Department of Peace Operations (DPO), Political and Peace Building Affairs (DPPA) and Operation Support (DOS). Further information on the mandate of United Nations Peace Operations can be found at https://peacekeeping.un.org/en and https://dppa.un.org/en/dppa-around-world
• The missions are headed by senior representatives of the Secretary-General, usually at the level of Under-Secretary-General (USG) or Assistant Secretary-General (ASG).
• The positions are residential and mostly based in non-family hardship duty stations.
• SRSG are appointed by the Secretary-General. They report to the Secretary-General through the USG of the Department overseeing the respective field mission.

Job Description

• Develop a shared vision for fulfilling the mandate of the Security Council and set the strategic direction to achieve goals and objectives, including establishing the Mission’s transition and exit strategy.
• Provide good office on behalf of the Secretary-General through political support for the efforts to resolve conflict, facilitating negotiations, fostering peace and building confidence among parties.
• Provide overall leadership to the comprehensive United Nations engagement in the host country, in accordance with the principles of integration and promote ajoint vision of the United Nations’ strategic objectives.
• Ensure the United Nations engagement and actions within the country are guided by international human rights standards; and meet the United Nations responsibilities as set by the Secretary-General’s Human Rights Up Front initiative.
• Provide leadership, political guidance and high-level operational direction in the execution of mission activities.
• Pursuant to the Secretary-Generals delegation of authority, is responsible for the management of the Mission’s financial, physical
• Report to the Secretary-General, senior United Nations officials, the Security Council, oher United Nations bodies and Member States on developments in the host country and all matters relating to the implementation of the Mission’s mandate.
• As Designated Official (DO), ensure the safety and security of staff (and dependents, if appropriate) of the United Nations and United Nations, funds and programmes in the mission area.
• Engage routinely with both local and international media based on a coherent media strategy for the Mission; speaking on behalf of the United Nations in the host country.
• Promote and monitor the implementation of Security Council resolutions on Women Peace and Security and drive the integration of gender perspectives throughout operational activities, including support to increasing recruitment of women in all areas to facilitate enhanced operational impact.
• Build a mission culture of accountability, integrity and respect, and which promotes the highest standard among all members of the mission.

Requirements

• A minimum of 20 years of relevant professional experience, including at least 5 years at senior and representational level, in conflict, post-conflict, peacekeeping, peace building and/or development settings, as experience in governance, mediation, facilitation and/or negotiations at the national and/or negotiations at the national and/or international level.
• Demonstrated extensive knowledge in reconciliation, conflict resolution, humanitarian, peacekeeping, development, human rights, rule of law and/or governance issues.
• Demonstrated leadership experience with strategic vision and proven skills in leading complex organizations, such as intergovernmental, international non-governmental or multinational private sector entities.
• A high degree of emotional intelligence, political acumen and diplomatic skills.
• Excellent communication and advocacy skills.
• Proven ability to inspire, build trust, confidence and consensus amongst stakeholders and foster partnerships at the local, national or regional level to create opportunities and promote processes to advance peace and security.
• High commitment to the values and guiding principles of the United Nations, including impeccable personal integrity, respect for and commitment to human rights and demonstrated culture and gender sensitivity.
• Demonstrate ability to work in multi-cultural team and establish harmonious and effective working relationships both within and outside the organization.
• Familiarity with the United Nations system, including peacekeeping, humanitarian and developments settings, as well as knowledge of the Sustained Development Goals.
• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Therefore, fluency in English language is required. Knowledge of another United Nations official language, particularly Arabic, French or Spanish is an added advantage.

Application Closing Date
15th September, 2019.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should submit their Applications to:
The Department of the Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO),
Defence Headquarters,
Abuja.

Note: Shortlisted candidates will  be invited for an interview at the Department of Peacekeeping Operations Defence Headquarters, Abuja. Based on the Secretary-General’s commitment to achieving gender parity at senior leadership levels by 2021, nomination of women candidates is strongly encouraged.