Liaison and Partnership Advisor, Nairobi

 Closing Date: Monday, 24 December 2012
UNOPS Building
00621 Nairobi
Kenya
Tel: +254 207 621 120
UNOPS mission is to expand the capacity of the UN system and its partners to implement peacebuilding, humanitarian and development operations that matter for people in need. Working in some of the world's most challenging environments, UNOPS vision is to always satisfy partners with management services that meet world-class standards of quality, speed and cost effectiveness. By assisting UN organizations, international financial institutions, governments and other development partners, UNOPS makes significant, tangible contributions to results on the ground. UNOPS employs more than 6000 personnel and on behalf of its partners creates thousands more work opportunities in local communities. With its headquarters in Copenhagen, Denmark, a network of five regional offices and a further 20 operations and project centres, UNOPS oversees activities in more than 80 countries. UNOPS is committed to achieving a truly diverse workforce.

Background Information - Job-specific

As an integral member of the Programme Manager's Office, the LiaisonOfficer will undertake activities based on the strategic direction of the UNMASProgramme Director, and report administratively to the Head of ProgrammeManagement.

The United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) Explosive ManagementProgramme in Somaliais executed by UNOPS. The Programme comprises four main components:

    Explosive Management Supportfor AMISOM (EMSA), which provides explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) andcounter-improvised explosive device (C-IED) training, mentorship and support tothe African Union Mission (AMISOM) in Somalia;
    Explosive Management Supportfor the Somali Security Sector, an initiative launched in 2010 to assist theSomali Security Sector institutions with establishing the necessary EOD, C-IEDand demining policies, legislation and capability;
    UN Somalia Mine Action programmeprovides a humanitarian response to the mine and Explosive Remnants of War(ERW) threat throughout Somalia,in both emergency and development contexts; and
    Support to the Department of PeacekeepingOperations Office of Rule of Law and Security Institutions (OROLSI) inestablishing a presence in Somalia,and facilitating project delivery.

The programme has been conducting operations in South CentralSomalia since 2007, and expanded with the launch of EMSA as a component of theUN Support Office for AMISOM's (UNSOA) logistical support package in March2009, while activities in Somaliland andPuntland were adopted from UNDP in 2010.

Regional Offices in Mogadishu,Baidoa, Hargeisa and Garowe direct operations in Somalia,with the support of a management, coordination and administrative hub in Nairobi, Kenya.

This post will engage in liaison to facilitate activities andcoordination for all four project areas, while focusing on activities funded bythe EC's Instrument for Stability.

The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies,administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security ManagementSystem and that of UNOPS.
Functional Responsibilities

    Develop a strong network within the three thematic communities thatimpact mine action and explosive management activities: humanitarian, security sector and thepeacekeeping mission, ensuring that the role and activities of UNMAS in Somaliaare widely understood and appreciated.
    Engage with members of the international community to ensure astrong understanding of the key political actors and issues, strategicpriorities of the various players, and a full snapshot of relevant initiativesof projects ongoing, or in development stages.
    Represent UNMAS at coordination and stakeholder meetings with therelevant technical staff when required.
    Backstop the Mogadishu Liaison Officer in engagement with thepolitical leadership of the Somali Government as required.
    Ensure strong communication lines between the UNMAS management teamand key partners, including the European Union, the United Kingdom, the United States,and Japan,among others.
    Support the development and review of the National Security andStabilization Plan, the UN Somalia Assistance Strategy, and other key strategicprocesses.
    In cooperation with the Strategic Communications Officer andProgramme team, ensure that updates, publications or other outreach materialson UNMAS activities and achievements are circulated to the relevant partners,members of the international community, and UN agencies, funds and programmes. Ensure feedback is circulated to the team.
    Brief the Programme Manager on emerging issues, trends, opportunitiesand potential funding on a weekly basis.
    Provide assistance in operational/field liaison with relevantnational/international and other partners.
    Perform other related duties as required.

Competencies

    Creativity and Innovation: Promotes and persuades others to consider new ideas. Is not afraid to explore new or non-traditional ideas and approaches.
    Change orientation: Initiates change instead of waiting for external factors to bring in change.
    Initiative: Finds ways to deliver targets/goals without constant support in the form of technology, processes or manpower.
    Strategic Orientation: Is able to provide a customer focused sense of direction.
    Networking Skills: Naturally and easily builds rapport with others.
    Teamwork Skills: Keeps group up to date on all processes and shares relevant information at all times.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

    Advanced university degree in political science,international relations, international law or related field and 11 years or relevant experience; or a first level university degree, in combination with an additional 2 years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree;
    11 years of relevant professional experience in liaison, external relations or similar post;
    Minimum of 2 years of which should be in a relevant security, political or conflict environment;
    4 years of experience dealing with bilateral and multilateral funding sources required;
    2 years of experience in post-conflict related work required;
    Experience in partnership building and political acumen required;
    Experience in business development, representational and senior level advisory desirable;
    Fluency in spoken and written English required;
    Fluency in other UN languages, especially French, an asset.

Contract type, level and durationContract type: International Individual Contractor Agreement (I-ICA) Contract level: IICA-3 Contract duration: Initially until 31 July 2013, with possibility of extension to end 2013,subject to funding and performance For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link: http://www.unops.org/ENGLISH/WHOWENEED/CONTRACT-TYPES/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements-ICAs.aspx

Additional Considerations

    Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time (CET)
    Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
    Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
    Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
    For staff positions UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
    The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.