Mission and objectives

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) was established on 3 June 2013 by UN Security Council Resolution 2102, following a comprehensive assessment of the United Nations in support of the establishment of the Federal Government of Somalia. The mandate of UNSOM was subsequently renewed by Security Council resolutions.

Unanimously adopting resolution 2102 (2013), the Council decided that the mandate of UNSOM would include the provision of policy advice to the Federal Government and the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) on peacebuilding and state-building in the areas of governance, security sector reform and rule of law (including the disengagement of combatants), development of a federal system (including state formation), constitutional review, democratisation (including preparations for the 2016 political transition) and coordination of international donor support.

Among its other mandated functions, UNSOM is helping build the Federal Government’s capacity to promote respect for human rights and women’s empowerment, promote child protection, prevent conflict-related sexual and gender-based violence, and strengthen justice institutions. Further, it is monitoring, helping investigate and reporting to the Council on any abuses or violations of human rights or of international humanitarian law committed in Somalia, or any abuses committed against children or women. The Mission is also supporting the implementation of the National Security Architecture that was endorsed by the Federal Government and Federal Member States in April 2017 and the Comprehensive Approach to Security framework.

Context

Special Notice:

This position is funded under the approved budget for the United Nations Transition Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS). Applicants are advised that UNTMIS is undergoing a phased drawdown, with operations scheduled to conclude by October 2026. As a result, this position is limited in duration and will not be extended beyond the mission’s closure. Selected candidates should be aware that any appointment or extension of contract will be subject to the availability of funds and the evolving operational requirements of the mission.

Task description

Under the direct supervision of Chief Joint Operations Center (JoC/IIH), the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

1. Monitoring and reporting:

Seek and maintain a high degree of situational awareness and understanding of events, developments and trends in the mission area, including through effective cooperation, coordination and information sharing, using both formal and informal means with UN entities (mission and UNCT and in particular UNTMIS’s field offices), with AUSSOM and with other international organizations and NGOs. Monitor major developments (political, governance, humanitarian, human rights, military, security and economic development), following the actions of relevant actors (including intergovernmental organizations, governments, non-governmental organizations, civil society, political institutions, armed actors (formal armies and informal rebel groups, militias, etc.) etc.; Prepare and collate integrated reports (including daily and weekly reports) about significant developments in the situation in the country and region for review and eventual dissemination within the mission and to headquarters. Maintain and train mission staff on the use of appropriate databases, including the SAGE system, of submitted reports for ready access by appropriate Mission components. Maintain and introduce the mission staff to the use of Power Bi applications and related dashboards; produce related visuals for reporting and briefing. As necessary, research and draft special reports related to operational issues, draft Code Cables addressing current operations, and official e-mails;

2. Crisis management support:

Under the supervision of IIH leadership and the Chief of Staff, support crisis management secretariat activities which include reporting, information management, and simulation exercises – in particular with field offices.

3. Coordination of operations:

Support the organization of operational coordination meetings, as required, liaising with mission sections and the UNCT; Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor.

Eligibility criteria

Age

18 - 80

Required experience

3 years

Nationality

Candidate must be a national of a country other than the country of assignment.

Assignment requirements

Relevant experience

3 years

Languages

English, Level: Fluent, Required

Required education level

Master degree or equivalent in University degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in international relations, political science, law, communications, information systems or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Skills and experience

A minimum of 3 years of progressively responsible experience undertaking operational and analytical work in the field of international affairs, international security, humanitarian affairs, development or journalism. Experience in a UN field mission or equivalent experience is desirable. Working experience in the Horn of Africa is desirable. Experience working in a Situation Centre or Joint Operations Centre, or a similar operational environment is desirable. Experience in using SAGE, Power BI, Microsoft Office and high IT awareness desirable.

Area(s) of expertise

Communication, Information technology

Driving license

Competencies and values

Accountability Adaptability and Flexibility Commitment to Continuous Learning Communication Knowledge Sharing Planning and Organizing Professionalism Respect for Diversity Working in Teams Integrity
Other information

Living conditions and remarks

General: Staff will be based in the UNTMIS Headquarters in Mogadishu and UNTMIS Field Offices. All the UNTMIS field locations remain under the security and protection of the United Nations. All staff (including UN volunteers) are required to reside within the protected area of the United Nations. The locations of Mogadishu, Kismayo, Baidoa, Jowhar, Garowe, and Dhusamareb are subject to the UN security and protection. Movement to and from these locations will be subject to clearance by the UN security. Staff are required to travel using UN flights

Accommodation: Due to the security situation in the UNTMIS mission area and coupled with the fact that there is no living accommodation on the private market that meets minimum UN security and safety standards for UN personnel, expatriate personnel deployed to UNTMIS are provided secured accommodation in a camp style environment. Some of the accommodation (hard wall and prefabs) are paid for by the UN personnel on a monthly basis. However, containerized accommodation is provided free by the UN. The UN-provided accommodation is essentially equipped with minimum room furniture.

The accommodation could be single or shared rooms with shared bath and toilet facilities. Power and water are provided by the UN inside the camp to its occupants. Food and Diet: There is no access to local markets in Mogadishu. There is a UN Contractor-managed dining facility inside the UNSOS Camps where food is provided at a cost by the contractor ESKO. Personnel may cook their own meals at common kitchen buildings situated at convenient locations within the camps.

Health: Exposure exists to a number of tropical diseases. All medical formalities specified in the Offer or Travel Advisory should be completed before traveling. Yellow Fever vaccination is compulsory before coming to the mission area, while vaccinations for Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Tetanus/Diphtheria, Polio and Meningitis are recommended. Vaccination Card (yellow card) must be brought. Malaria prophylaxis is highly recommended. Due to large number of various types of insects in the mission area, it is also recommended to use insecticide-impregnated nets and insect repellants. UN personnel have access during working hours to a Civilian Clinic inside the UNSOS Camps.

Rest and Recuperation: International personnel, including UN Volunteers, working in the UNSOS mission area are entitled to a 4-week Rest and Recuperation (R & R) cycle. This means that after every 4 weeks of being in the mission area, a break is taken to travel to either Nairobi (UNSOS designated R & R location) or any other destination outside the mission area. The R & R entitlement consists of 5 calendar days R & R, with 2 travel days added, every 4 weeks. UN flights from Mogadishu or any other deployed site in the mission to Nairobi and back to the duty station can be used at no expense. However, accommodation, food, and other expenses while on R & R are borne by the individual. Approval of R & R is balanced against operational requirements.

Inclusivity statement

United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme that welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, care protected characteristics. As part of their adherence to the values of UNV, all UN Volunteers commit themselves to combat any form of discrimination, and to promoting respect for human rights and individual dignity, without distinction of a person’s race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

Note on Covid-19 vaccination requirements

Selected candidates for certain occupational groups may be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) in line with the applicable host entity policy

Scam warning

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How to apply

https://app.unv.org/opportunities/1780831348319488