Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the United Nations Global Service Centre, Brindisi (Italy) within the Office of the Chief of Central Service. The incumbent reports directly to the Chief Central Service.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Liaison Assistant is responsible for the following duties:
a.Analyses information on local perceptions of communities on needs, concerns and aspirations with regard to the creation of conditions for long-lasting partnerships.
b.Coordinate information sharing on local dynamics between the military component, local authorities and communities;
c.Coordinate the setting up of communication networks and forums to increase the mission communication and interactions with local people, including through the support to outreach actlv1t1es;
d.Assist in the organization of outreach activities to promote good relations between the Mission and the population and to ensure accurate information dissemination on Mission role and mandate.
e.Follow up on the implementation of proper mechanisms aimed at ensuring the smooth interaction with the host country military components on Base.
f.Provide advice on issues connected with Memorandum Of Understanding provisions, organization’s entitlements & UN Staff privileges and immunities. 
g.Liaise with military, local authorities and communities in order to implement constructive partnerships. 
h.Promote social cohesion in communities through sensitization sessions. 
1.Produce thematic briefing papers required by the Senior Management.
k.Document accurately local political, socio-economic related developments. Facilitate communication between mission staff and the local communities including by supporting accurate translation;
m. Performs other related duties as required

Competencies

Professionalism:
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. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

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.

Client Orientation:
Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients ” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; Identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; Monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; Keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; Meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent. Training in communication, community work, project preparation and monitoring, logistical, administrative issues is an asset. 
Skills/knowledge: Sensitivity to the political, social and cultural environment. Some experience in conflict management and support to state institutions. Awareness of population diversity and of its needs, including those in vulnerable situations. Some knowledge of fundamental human rights, local legal principles and institutional framework. Good understanding of mission mandate. Ability to gather, verify and evaluate information from a variety of sources. Commitment to gender equality.

Work Experience

Seven (7) years of related work experience in providing support work for protection of civilians, disarmament, conflict resolution or peace building and/or humanitarian related with NGOs, civil society organizations, etc. Experience in international organization is desirable. Experience in producing briefing papers for senior-level management is desirable.

Languages

English is the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in English (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of local language is required.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Special Notice

Recruitment for this position is done on a local basis; applicants in the General Service shall meet the relevant employment requirements (who are either EU nationals or possess the right to live and work in Italy). If you fullfill the work permit stipulations, please specify in your cover letter and attach a copy under “attachments” of your application in Inspira.

Passing the Global General Service Test (GGST) is a prerequisite for recruitment consideration in the General Service category in the United Nations Secretariat. Having passed the Administrative Assessment Support Test (ASAT) in English at Headquarters, ECA, ESCWA, UNOG, UNOV, ICTR, or ICTY may be 
recognized in place of the GGST, pending confirmation of validity. A staff member subject to local recruitment shall not be eligible for the allowances or benefits exclusively applicable to International Staff.

United Nations Considerations

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation or sexual abuse, or crimes other than minor traffic offences, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions.

Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places 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. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of the inspira account-holder homepage.

The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application.

Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.