Vacancy announcement
Geneva, Switzerland
IC/2024/006

Individual contractor - Pre-deployment Training and Advisory Team

Vacancy type Consultant/Individual Contractor
Duration of the contract
3 months
Indicative contract starting date
01 May 2024
Deadline for submission of applications
14 April 2024
Organizational Unit
Peacekeeping Training Programme Unit (PTPU)
Number of job positions
2
Areas of Specialization/Thematic Areas:

Peacekeeping, pre-deployment training, security sector Women Peace and Security, Gender equality in peace operations.

Overview:

UNITAR is an autonomous body within the United Nations established in 1965 pursuant to a UN General Assembly resolution. UNITAR’s mission is to develop the individual, institutional, and organizational capacities of countries and other United Nations stakeholders through high-quality learning solutions and related knowledge products and services to enhance decision-making and support country-level action to overcome global challenges.

UNITAR Division for Peace groups together all programming in the fields of conflict prevention, peacemaking, peacekeeping, and peacebuilding to provide the most comprehensive support to the promotion of peace, justice, and strong institutions worldwide, thereby essentially advancing the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 16. In the view of promoting democratic governance and human rights, the Division focuses on offering innovative capacity-building and knowledge-management solutions for a broad range of personnel (including uniformed personnel, representatives of regional and international organizations, United Nations staff, women peacemakers, minority and indigenous peoples’ representatives) working towards sustaining peace, while ensuring that these activities meet the specific needs of conflict-affected and post-conflict countries.

Responsibilities/Description of Professional Services:

Project Support Responsibilities

  1. Support the implementation and evaluation of PDTA-planned project activities such as pre-deployment training, training for uniformed medical personnel deploying to UN Peace operations, training on intercultural competencies in peace operations, prevention of SEA and CRSV, support to the Women Peace and Security Agenda, and other projects.
  2. Support with the edition and translation of training material for training activities.
  3. Contribute to integrating a gender dimension, a conflict-sensitive approach, and feminist principles pedagogies into training approaches and capacity development initiatives addressing uniformed personnel.
  4. Support the conduct of gender-sensitive analyses to identify and address specific challenges.
  5. Support with the management of online courses (responding to participants’ questions and any other email inquiries).
  6. Support the development and administration of a Community of Practices for Military Gender Advisors.

Research and Analysis Responsibilities

  1. Conduct in-depth research and desk studies in peacekeeping, the security sector, gender equality, and inclusivity in United Nations Peacekeeping, education, and similar areas.
  2. Research emerging trends, best practices, and innovations in peacekeeping, security, and related fields.

Communication and Documentation Responsibilities

  1. Support with drafting reports and documents.
  2. Support with the communication around the Military pillar activities (preparation of communication and promotional materials, social media posts, etc.)
  3. Support with drafting, editing and proofreading documents.

Logistical and Administrative Responsibilities

  1. Support the administration, logistics and delivery of online and face-to-face training.
  2. Support with EMS management.
  3. Assist in the day-to-day operational requirements.
  4. Perform any other duty as requested by the supervisor.
Measurable outputs/deliverables/indicative schedule of deliverables:

Project Support Responsibilities

  1. Support is provided in the design, implementation, and evaluation of PDTA-planned project activities;
  2. The training materials are edited and translated as needed and in a timely manner;
  3. Contribution to the integration of a gender dimension, a conflict-sensitive approach, and feminist principles pedagogies into training approaches and capacity development initiatives addressing uniformed personnel are made;
  4. Efforts are made to integrate a gender dimension and conduct gender-sensitive analyses;
  5. Support with the management of online courses (responding to participants’ questions and any other email inquiries) is provided.
  6. Support for managing and developing Communities of Practices for Military Gender Advisors is provided.

Research and Analysis Responsibilities

  1. In-depth research, reports, and desk studies on peacekeeping, security, gender equality, and education are conducted and submitted promptly;
  2. Research on emerging trends, best practices, and innovations in peacekeeping, security, and related fields is conducted;

Communication and Documentation Responsibilities

  1. Support with the communication around the Military Pillar activities (preparation of communication and promotional materials, social media posts, etc.) is provided;
  2. Support with drafting reports and documents is provided;
  3. Support with drafting, editing, and proofreading of documents and training materials is provided.

Logistical and Administrative Responsibilities

  • Logistical and administrative support for online and face-to-face training sessions, workshops, and awareness-raising events is provided on time;
  • EMS is maintained and up-to-date.
  • Efficient day-to-day operational support is provided;
  • Any other duties requested by the supervisor are provided.
Performance Indicators for Evaluation of Results:
  • Timely and quality submission of the deliverables.
  • Activities implemented with a high degree of effectiveness and efficiency.
  • A high degree of professionalism of the individual contractor.
  • Smooth communications within the Military Pillar and PDTA Team and with relevant stakeholders.
  • Knowledge and good expertise on subject matter relevant to the assigned responsibilities.
  • Contribution to an increase in the professional image of the Institute.
Competencies:

Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of the UN system. Shows pride in work and achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter. Conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines, and achieving results. Motivated by professional rather than personal concerns. Shows persistence when faced with complex problems or challenges. Remains calm in stressful situations. Demonstrate self-awareness and willingness to learn from others. Is receptive to constructive feedback.

Planning & Organizing: Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work, and manage conflicting priorities. Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines, and achieving results; persistent when faced with complex problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Based on the supervision received, develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments with minimal supervision; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary in a coordinated manner; uses time efficiently.

Commitment to continuous learning: Keeps abreast of new developments in own occupation/profession; actively seeks to develop oneself professionally and personally; contributes to the learning of colleagues and subordinates; shows willingness to learn from others; seeks feedback to learn and improve.

Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; excellent interpersonal skills and a demonstrated capacity to deal with colleagues and counterparts from different backgrounds, and proven ability to function in a multi-cultural and multi-ethnical environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Communication: Excellent communication skills (spoken, written and presentation), including the ability to draft/edit a variety of written documents, such as reports, research, and other communication materials, articulating ideas in a clear and concise style; ability to prepare and deliver targeted and results-oriented presentations; 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 audience and partners; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed; strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Technological Awareness: Seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks; shows willingness to learn new technology.

Minimum requirements

Education and certification

  • Master's degree or equivalent in international relations, political sciences, gender studies, social sciences, inclusion and diversity, education, or related fields;
  • A first-level university degree, combined with two additional years of qualifying experience, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience

  • At least two years of progressively responsible relevant experience in peacekeeping, support to the security sector, gender equality in peace operations, implementation of the WPS agenda and related topics, adult learning, and training is required;
  • Experience working on gender equality and women’s empowerment is required;
  • Experience working in the United Nations, African Union, European Institutions, International organizations, NGOs, or governmental bodies is required;
  • The ideal candidate can demonstrate a strong interest in peacekeeping, learning, training, inclusivity, gender equality, gender mainstreaming, women empowerment strategies, research, and drafting.

Functional competencies

The applicant demonstrates:

  • Strong organizational skills, initiative, and dedication, and demonstrates independence at work;
  • Good analytical and research skills, with the ability to provide evidence-based recommendations;
  • Excellent research & analysis skills with experience synthesizing and summarizing;
  • Strong knowledge of gender equality and women's rights issues;
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including working effectively and professionally with diverse stakeholders;
  • Demonstrate commitment to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion;
  • The candidate is a self-starter, out-of-the-box thinker, and solution-oriented;
  • Good communication skills (both written and oral) are essential for working with various stakeholders from different cultural and professional backgrounds;
  • Motivation for continuous learning, including learning about peacekeeping and gender equality in the security sector, is essential;
  • Strong multi-tasking skills;
  • Strong analytical and interpersonal skills;
  • Participates effectively in team-based, information-sharing environment, collaborating and cooperating with others;
  • Knowledge of using social media and other applications is necessary.

Languages: Fluency in spoken and written English and French is required. Working knowledge of another official UN language is an asset (Spanish, Arabic, French, Russian, Chinese).

Other: Excellent writing, editing, and presentation skills are required. Excellent computer skills (Microsoft Office Suite) are also needed.

​​​​​​​Special notice:

The individual contractor will be based in Geneva. Working remotely can be considered upon agreement with the supervisor.

UNITAR shall place no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8).  Priority will be given to the applicants from the under-represented regions at UNITAR.

 

How to apply

Please submit your application along with a motive letter as soon as possible after the vacancy has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the vacancy announcement.

Due to high number of expected applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.