Position description
This position is located in the Conventional Arms Branch (CAB) of the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (ODA). ODA provides substantive and organizational support for norm-setting in the area of disarmament through the work of the General Assembly and its First Committee, the Disarmament Commission, the Conference on Disarmament and other bodies. It also provides objective, impartial and up-to date information on multilateral disarmament issues and activities to Member States, States parties to multilateral agreements, intergovernmental organizations and institutions, departments and agencies of the United Nations system, research and educational institutions, civil society, especially non-governmental organizations, the media and the general public. The incumbent reports to the Chief of the Conventional Arms Branch (CAB). CAB is responsible for providing substantive support for the role of the United Nations in preventing the proliferation of conventional arms.
Responsibilities
Under the general supervision of the Chief of Branch, the incumbent of the post would be responsible for the following duties:
- Guide and supervise the practical implementation of all activities related to conventional arms under the mandate given to the Department, including the implementation of the Programme of Action on small arms and light weapons: (a) Coordinate the development and implementation of policy decisions on various aspects of practical disarmament measures. (b) Formulate recommendations for the Department’s responses to requests for assistance by Member States. (c) Advise and assist Member States in developing, implementing and monitoring practical disarmament measures. (d) Oversee and participate in the execution of practical disarmament measures, including fact-finding missions, weapons collection and destruction, stockpile security and other issues. (e) Supervise the preparation of reports of the Secretary-General to the Security Council and the General Assembly under the mandate given to the Department. (f) Supervise the drafting of sections of the Disarmament Yearbook and other relevant UN publications related to practical disarmament measures in the field of conventional arms. (g) Advise and assist in the harmonization of national legislation to monitor trans-boundary traffic of illicit arms and the pulling together of information about acts of criminality across national frontiers. (h) Promote public understanding of practical disarmament measures, i.e., the collection and dissemination of information about the direct and indirect consequence of excessive accumulation, proliferation and use of weapons, including light weapons.
- Identify emerging issues in the area of practical disarmament measures related to conventional arms: (a) Coordinate and supervise the monitoring and analysis of trends and developments in the area of conventional arms. (b) Advise the Department on the implications of emerging issues, as well as the latest trends and developments on conventional disarmament. (c) Prepare statements and speeches for delivery by high-level officials of the United Nations.
- Coordinate and supervise the Department’s activities related to disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of former combatants in post-conflict situations: (a) Advise and facilitate assistance on matters related to the retrieval, storage and safeguarding of weapons belonging to demobilized personnel and the destruction of arms and ammunition, as well as on other related aspects of the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration process. (b) Promote and facilitate the exchange of national and sub-regional experiences in the collection, control and disposal of arms, especially small arms and light weapons and the reintegration of former combatants into civil society.
- Guide and supervise the Department’s activities related to practical confidence-building measures in the field of conventional arms: (a) Supervise the maintenance and operation of the UN Register of Conventional Arms and the UN standardized instrument for reporting military expenditures. (b) Advise on strategies to facilitate the continued progress of the arms transparency reporting instruments. (c) Guide and coordinate the work of the Department on other practical confidence-building issues related to conventional arms.
- Supervise all activities related to the relationship between disarmament and development: (a) Contribute to efforts to advance disarmament within broader peacebuilding processes, such as the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and conflict prevention efforts, including through engaging in inter-agency and multi-stakeholder processes. (b) Coordinate support to Member States in tackling armed violence and illicit small arms and light weapons as part of a comprehensive approach to sustainable security and development, including through the Saving Lives Entity (SALIENT). (c) Coordinate the Department’s role as the focal point in the Secretary-General’s high-level steering group on disarmament and development. (d) Advise the Department on the relationship between disarmament and development related to conventional arms, and perform other related duties as required.
Competencies
- Professionalism: Knowledge of the work of intergovernmental bodies, the work of the United Nations and its related bodies concerned with political, economic, social and related matters. Ability to evaluate international political situations in area of assignment. Ability to manage and coordinate many different levels and participants in operations in both the field and UN common system. Shows pride in work and in achievements. Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter. Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results. Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns. Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations.
- Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively. Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately. Asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication. Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
- Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments. Delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards. Operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules. Supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments. Takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.
- Leadership: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow. Empowers others to translate vision into results. Is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives. Establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support. Anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions. Drives for change and improvement; does not accept the status quo. Shows the courage to take unpopular stands. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing.
- Judgement/Decision Making: Identifies the key issues in a complex situation and comes to the heart of the problem quickly. Gathers relevant information before making a decision. Considers positive and negative impacts of decisions prior to making them. Takes decisions with an eye to the impact on others and on the Organization. Proposes a course of action or makes a recommendation based on all available information. Checks assumptions against facts. Determines that the actions proposed will satisfy the expressed and underlying needs for the decision. Makes tough decisions when necessary.
Education
- An advanced university degree (Master’s or Doctorate degree, or equivalent) in political science, international relations, international economics, law, public administration, or related field is required. A first-level degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in the specified fields of studies with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Work Experience
- A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in political science, international relations, law, disarmament, security, development management, conflict resolution or related area is required. Experience in multilateral treatment of small arms/light weapons, ammunition, conventional arms transparency issues and basic knowledge of related technical matters is required. Experience in drafting policy advice, often with short deadlines, and meticulously editing written contributions by others, is required. Experience in implementation of conventional arms regulation and disarmament instruments is desirable.
Languages
- English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is desirable.
Application instructions
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