Deputy Head of Mission and Director of Political and Civil Affairs

This position is located in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) at the Mission headquarters in Naqoura. The Deputy Head of Mission and Director of Political and Civil Affairs (DHoM/DPCA) will report to the Head of Mission/Force Commander (HoM/FC).
		Responsibilities
	The DHoM/DPCA (1) provides support to mandate implementation and Mission management and coordination, (2) supports the integrity and effectiveness of UNIFIL’s liaison and coordination role with the parties to the conflict, (3) and provides substantive political and operational advice to the HoM in the areas of political analysis, civil affairs, outreach, public information and gender.  Within delegated authority and with a view to establishing an integrated, comprehensive approach to the implementation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006), the provision of political direction for mission operations, and  contributing strategic collaboration between the political and military leadership of UNIFIL, the DHoM/DPCA will be responsible for the following functions: • Advise the HoM on all substantive matters relating to the implementation of the Mission’s mandated tasks, ensuring consistency with UN policies, practices and procedures; • Support the HoM in ensuring liaison and effective political coordination with Lebanese and Israeli authorities, representatives of troop-contributing countries and Security Council Member States, as well as other partners, including civil society representatives; • Advance a comprehensive approach to the implementation of resolution 1701 (2006) through effective integration between UNIFIL, UNSCOL and the UN Country Team; • As chair of the Senior Planning Group, develop overarching, integrated strategies and provide political and strategic guidance for UNIFIL’s operations, including by contributing political aspects to strategic military planning documents, to further the Mission’s overall objectives; • Assist the HOM in the coordinated management of the Mission’s activities and cross-cutting issues, with a view to ensuring internal coherence related to the implementation of the mandate ; • Support the HoM in fulfilling the reporting obligations of the Mission to UNHQ, including political and analytical reports on developments and inputs for the Secretary-General’s Reports; • Support the HoM in reviewing and finalizing reports of investigations conducted by the Technical Investigations Cell for submission to UNHQ and the parties; • Serve as Director of Political and Civil Affairs, with direct oversight of his/her immediate Office, the Tripartite Coordination Unit, the Civil Affairs Office, the Public Information Section, the Gender Unit, and the Beirut Office; • Supervise the Integrated Outreach Operations Cell (IOOC) and Military Community Outreach Unit (MCOU); • Exercise oversight and direct supervisory responsibility for the Joint Mission Analysis Cell (JMAC); • Serve as Head of Mission ad interim Mission and Designated Official (DO) ad interim in the absence of the HoM and DO; • Provide secretariat support for regular Tripartite meetings and conduct all preparatory and follow-up work; • Monitor social, political and economic developments and attitudes towards UNIFIL within local communities; • Assume lead implementation of the Mission’s Quick Impact Projects through the Project Review Committee; • Further efforts towards local level confidence-building, early warning and conflict prevention, management and resolution; • Oversee UNIFIL’s media relations through the Mission’s official spokesperson, including maintaining relations with media representatives, providing briefings to correspondents, ensuring coordination of public information activities across UNIFIL Contingents/Sectors, and advising the HoM on relations with the media; • Conduct regular public information campaigns and outreach activities bolstered by the Mission’s multimedia productions and effective use of available channels for dissemination of messages to the public including through social media platforms; • Advise the HoM and the senior management of the Mission on gender-related issues through the Mission’s Gender Adviser with a view to ensuring the implementation of UNIFIL’s mandate in a gender sensitive manner.
		Competencies
	Professionalism – In-depth understanding of the substantive political work of a United Nations field operation in a conflict or post-conflict setting; substantial and diverse experience in all facets of the job, including political affairs, diplomacy, public information and management; demonstrated strong analytical and evaluative skills combined with sound political judgment; ability to identify and analyze key strategic policy and political issues; in-depth understanding of and an ability to evaluate international political situations; shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter of this position; 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; takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.  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 audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. 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; Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. Judgement/decision-making - Identifies key issues in complex situations, and comes to the heart of problems quickly; gathers relevant information before making a decision; considers positive and negative impacts of decisions prior to making them; 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. 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 improvements; does not accept the status quo; shows the courage to take unpopular stands.
		Education
	Advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in Political Science, International Relations, Social Science, Law or a related field.  A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
		Work Experience
	A minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible experience in political affairs, diplomacy, civil affairs, conflict prevention, conflict resolution, or related substantive field.  At least three years of experience working in political affairs, civil affairs or related substantive area in a UN peacekeeping operation, special political mission or other UN field operation in a conflict or post-conflict situation is required.  A proven track record of leadership and management in multicultural settings, including coordination of interdisciplinary teams is required. Professional knowledge and experience of working on or in the Middle East in a substantive capacity is required. Experience in media relations or public information is desirable.
		Languages
	English and French are the working languages of the United Nations. For this post, fluency in written and spoken English is required. Working knowledge of French is desirable. Working knowledge of Arabic is desirable.

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