Chief of Service, Political Affairs, D-1

UNODA - United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs

New York, United States

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Conventional Arms Branch of the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (CAB/UNODA). The Conventional Arms Branch provides substantive support for the role of the United Nations in preventing the proliferation of conventional arms, through the support for UN meetings, bodies and expert groups; promoting implementation of relevant agreements and treaties; and operating and maintaining relevant transparency instruments. The Chief of the Conventional Arms Branch reports to the Director. The Chief provides political advice to the Under-Secretary-General on all aspects of conventional arms including new issues in disarmament; coordinates practical disarmament measures including weapons collection programmes; and provides guidance and supervision for research and political analysis on technical subjects and study groups on issues related to small arms, light weapons and practical disarmament.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Chief of the Conventional Arms Branch formulates and implements the substantive work programme of the Branch under their supervision. Oversees the management of activities undertaken by the Branch, ensures that programmed activities are carried out in a timely fashion and co-ordinates work in the different areas both within the Branch and Office, and with other entities of the United Nations, regional organizations and Member States as appropriate. The Chief advises and assists the USG in the formulation of strategies, follow-up implementation, overall direction, and supervision of all programmes of the Department emerging from new political initiatives by Member States by:

Monitoring, identifying, and bringing to the attention of the USG emerging disarmament issues resulting from new initiatives;
Consulting with delegations on specific issues affecting them;
Consulting, negotiating, and coordinating with other departments to ensure the lead role of the Department in new areas of responsibility in the field of disarmament.
Acting as the link between the USG and specialized agencies to promote cooperation and avoid overlap;
Coordinating, reviewing, and finalizing analyses and background papers on the latest developments affecting the implementation of new mandates;
Supervising the preparation of the USG's statements and briefs and representing them, as required, at high-level meetings and conferences organized by governments;
Liaising with interested Member States in the organization of events and management of voluntary financial contributions;
Preparing policy and option papers for the USG's participation in the Senior Management Group. As coordinator of practical disarmament measures, the Chief is responsible for a new and growing area of disarmament activities financed largely from voluntary contributions by Member States and implemented in close cooperation with them through:
- Preparing and overseeing the implementation of specific project proposals pertaining to weapons collection programmes; reintegration of former combatants into civil society; exchange of national subregional experiences in disarmament; demobilization and demilitarization.
Managing and administering voluntary trust funds earmarked for specific activities; negotiating mutually acceptable arrangements for development and implementation of projects. The Chief oversees and administers all aspects of the regular functioning of the Conventional Arms Branch by:
- Leading, supervising and carrying out the work programme of the Branch under their responsibility;
- Ensures that the outputs produced by the Branch maintain high-quality standards; that reports are clear, objective and based on comprehensive data and meet required standards to ensure they comply with the relevant mandates;
- Directing and supervising the implementation of programmes, planning, and organizing activities and guiding the preparation of reports to the General Assembly and other UN organs as appropriate;
- Coordinating all actions required for the implementation of the mandates given by the General Assembly in the areas of small arms and light weapons, illicit arms trade, and practical disarmament measures;
- Holding regular consultations with delegations, senior officials of interested governments and regional and sub-regional bodies regarding programmes and activities of special relevance to them;
- Supervising the maintenance and updating of a highly specialized information database on the latest trends and developments in the fast-growing field of public concern and governmental actions regarding small arms and light weapons;
- Recruits staff, taking due account of geographical balance.
Represents the Division at international, regional or national meetings. The Chief supervises and directs research and policy analysis on new and highly specialized issues by recommending the composition, supervising the establishment, and overseeing the servicing of panels of governmental experts established by the Secretary-General to assist them in the preparation of reports on these issues pertaining to:
- Scientific and technological developments and their impact on disarmament and international security;
- Disarmament and development;
- Standardized instrument of reporting of national military expenditures to the UN;
- Technical study of ammunitions and explosives;
- Follow-up on Secretary-General's Report on Small Arms;
- Illicit trade in armaments and linkages with drugs, criminality, and traffic in contraband goods;
- Conversion of military industry for civilian purposes.

Competencies

Professionalism: Knowledge of the substantive field of work in general and of specific areas being supervised. Ability to produce reports and papers on technical issues and to review and edit the work of others. Ability to apply UN rules, regulations, policies and guidelines in work situations. 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;
Planning and Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies. Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required. Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work. Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning. Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary. Uses time efficiently;
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;
Managing Performance: Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority. Makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member. Accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills. Monitors progress against milestones and deadlines. Regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff. Encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative. Actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff. Appraises performance fairly.

Education

An advanced university degree (Master’s or Doctorate degree or equivalent) in international affairs, law, political science, social sciences or related area is required. A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in the specialized fields of study in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

A minimum of fifteen years of progressively responsible experience in international relations, disarmament, international security, development, conflict resolution or related area is required, at least five of which are at the international level. A minimum of eight years' experience with conventional arms issues of which at least five years should be at an international level is required. Extensive experience in facilitation and conducting of intergovernmental negotiating processes as well as experience in multilateral negotiations is required. Experience in planning and executing a work programme and managing a team is required. Experience in the UN system or a comparable international organization 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.

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