Senior Mediation Adviser, Multiple positions

1. Design and Conduct of Mediation, Facilitation and Dialogue Processes;
2. Security Arrangements (emphasis on ceasefires);
3. Constitution-making;
4. Power-sharing;
5. Gender and Inclusion;
6. Climate Change, Environment and Natural Resources;
7. Transitional Justice and Reconciliation;
8. Digital Technology, Mediation, and Inclusion.

1. Adviser on Design and Conduct of Mediation, Facilitation and Dialogue Processes

6. Adviser on Climate Change, Environment and Natural Resources

When deployed:

• Provide technical expertise and advice to clients of the MSU, as well as to conflict parties or other key stakeholders, as appropriate, including but not limited to: the current and projected effects of climate change, environmental or natural resource-related issues on the conflict context and stability, including the impact, risks and/or opportunities of current or projected climate stressors on the environment, communities, infrastructure, economies, and governance; analysis of environmental factors in the conflict context, including as potential entry points; conflict sensitive adaptation and mitigation measures; natural resources management and wealth-sharing, and climate sensitive conflict analysis;
• Provide process expertise for the design, planning and management of pre-negotiation, negotiation and implementation frameworks, including national dialogue processes and post-agreement follow-up mechanisms to address the adverse effects of climate change or environmental factors on conflict or disputes, including over natural resources. This expertise should include methods and mechanisms for promoting women’s meaningful participation at all phases and levels and modalities for multi-track engagement with youth, civil society, private sector and other Track II actors;
• As necessary and appropriate, participate in the mediation, facilitation and dialogue process on the climate change, environmental and natural resources-related factors in conflict and peacemaking, disputes over natural resources, and wealth-sharing, and contribute to the drafting of the relevant sections of peace agreements, taking into consideration relevant gender dimensions, and potential challenges and opportunities related to the integration of climate and environmental considerations;
• As necessary, conceive, plan and manage capacity-building seminars for the mediation team, parties or other key stakeholders on the effects of climate change and climate-related security risks, including relevant adaptation and mitigation measures, natural resource management, and wealth-sharing;
• Prepare periodic reports and relevant thematic briefings for the mediation team;
• Prepare update reports as requested;
• Ensure that all activities and written products are gender mainstreamed and youth-sensitive;
• Any other related tasks requested by the MSU and UNOPS.

When not deployed:

• Provide, via telephone, online engagements, and written materials, technical expertise and advice on environmental factors including the current and projected effects of climate change on conflict dynamics, natural resources and wealth-sharing to mediation teams in the field, as well as to the parties or other key stakeholders as appropriate;
• Research and coordinate lessons learned reviews of best practices in the area of expertise;
• Research thematic and comparative briefings to support ongoing or planned mediation efforts;
• Produce operational guidance notes and related training materials in the area of expertise;
• Prepare and plan training sessions on area of expertise for United Nations staff;
• Prepare reports on field deployments;
• Contribute to MSU’s network of experts in the area of expertise;
• Ensure that all activities and written products are gender mainstreamed and youth-sensitive;
• Any other related tasks requested by the MSU and UNOPS.

7. Adviser on Transitional Justice and Reconciliation

When deployed:

• Provide technical expertise and advice on issues of transitional justice, accountability for past crimes, and reconciliation to clients of the MSU and UNOPS, as well as to conflict parties or other key stakeholders as appropriate;
• Provide process expertise for the design, planning and management of pre-negotiation, negotiation and implementation frameworks, including national dialogue processes and post-agreement follow-up mechanisms. This should include advice on how to promote accountability and victims’ rights, and/or on context-specific approaches for a society to move towards reconciliation, with a focus on the strategy, design and participation modalities of peace talks in relation to these issues. It should take into account methods and mechanisms for promoting women’s meaningful participation at all phases and levels, and modalities for multi-track engagement with youth, civil society, victims and Track II actors;
• As necessary and appropriate, participate in the mediation talks on issues of transitional justice and reconciliation, and contribute to the drafting of the relevant sections of peace agreements, including from a gender perspective and with a youth lens;
• As necessary, conceive, plan and manage capacity-building seminars for the mediation team, parties or other key stakeholders on transitional justice and reconciliation issues;
• Prepare periodic reports and relevant thematic briefings for the mediation team;
• Prepare update reports, as requested;
• Ensure that all activities and written products are gender mainstreamed and youth-sensitive;
• Any other related tasks requested by the MSU and UNOPS.

When not deployed:

• Provide, via telephone, online engagements and written materials, technical expertise and advice in this domain, to mediation teams in the field, as well as to the parties or other key stakeholders as appropriate;
• Research and coordinate lessons learned reviews of best practices in this domain;
• Research thematic and comparative briefings to support ongoing or planned mediation efforts;
• Produce operational guidance notes and related training materials;
• Prepare and plan training sessions on area of expertise for United Nations staff;
• Prepare reports on field deployments;
• Contribute to MSU’s network of experts in the area of expertise;
• Ensure that all activities and written products are gender mainstreamed and youth-sensitive;
• Any other related tasks requested by the MSU and UNOPS.

8. Adviser on Digital Technology, Mediation, and Inclusion

When deployed:

• Provide technical expertise and advice to clients of the MSU, conflict parties, and other key stakeholders on the strategic use of digital technologies to support mediation processes, including but not limited to: the opportunities, risks, and challenges of digital technologies in mediation and peace processes; cybersecurity considerations and online harassment risks (particularly for women and marginalized groups); digital inclusion strategies to enhance the meaningful participation of different groups and constituencies in mediation processes; advanced techniques for digital process design, online facilitation of negotiations and dialogue meetings, virtual consultations, and multi-track engagement; best practices for leveraging digital tools and platforms (e.g., secure messaging, virtual negotiation tools, crowdsourcing, and data analysis) to enhance transparency, inclusivity, and efficiency in peace processes; and conflict-sensitive approaches to digital engagement, including mitigating the impact of misinformation, hate speech, and algorithmic biases;
• Provide process expertise for the design, planning and management of digital issues within pre-negotiation, negotiation and implementation frameworks, including national dialogue processes and post-agreement follow-up mechanisms and monitoring. This expertise should include methods for promoting women’s meaningful digital participation at all phases and addressing the impacts of the malicious use of digital technologies, including on civilians and civilian infrastructure;
• Support mediation teams in mediation, facilitation and dialogue processes by providing real-time technical support for digital components of negotiations, contributing to the drafting of relevant sections of peace agreements that address digital considerations such as limiting the malicious use of digital technologies, or advising on digital implementation and monitoring mechanisms;
• Conduct capacity-building for mediation teams, parties, and stakeholders on: digital process design, facilitation, and risk mitigation; malicious uses of digital technologies by conflict parties and possible options within mediation processes to restrict their use; and digital tools and platforms to promote gender sensitive and youth inclusive processes;
• Prepare periodic reports and relevant thematic briefings for the mediation team on the effectiveness of digital interventions and emerging technological trends relevant to peace processes as needed;
• Ensure that all activities and written products are gender-responsive, conflict-sensitive, and accessible to stakeholders with varying levels of digital literacy;
• Any other related tasks requested by the MSU and UNOPS.

When not deployed:

• Provide remote technical advice (via calls, written inputs, or online engagements) to field teams on digital process design, tool selection, and risk assessment and the malicious use of digital technologies by conflict parties;
• Research and document emerging technologies, tools, and platforms that may enhance mediation processes, including evaluation of their applicability in various conflict contexts;
• Contribute to operational guidance, training materials, and policy frameworks on digital technologies and mediation, addressing both technical considerations and process design implications;
• Contribute to MSU’s network of experts in digital technologies and mediation, fostering partnerships with relevant technology providers, academic institutions, and civil society organizations;
• Contribute to training sessions for UN staff and partners on digital facilitation, use of digital technologies by conflict parties, and digital monitoring and implementation mechanisms;
• Ensure all outputs are gender- and youth-sensitive;
• Any other related tasks requested by the MSU and UNOPS.
   Education/Experience/Language requirements
  
  Female Candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
  Candidates with no United Nations or UNOPS experience are strongly encouraged to apply.Education

  • Advanced university degree. A Bachelor`s degree or first level degree with two additional years of experience is accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree. A technical degree or military degree with four additional years of experience is accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

  Required Experience

  • A minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in fields related to promoting peace and conflict resolution – mediation, facilitation, dialogue (design) issues, academia (research and/or teaching), and/or related fields.
    Desirable experience (the following experience is optional, candidates who do not have it are welcome to apply.)
    
    • Significant and prolonged field experience in conflict, post-conflict or other transitional situations.
    • A significant part of the ten years of professional experience overall should be in one or more of the thematic areas.
    • Direct experience in mediation, negotiations, facilitation, and dialogue situations, and/or experience in mediation advice to chief mediators, senior envoys, and/or conflict parties is an asset.
    • Experience in delivering mediation capacity-building or training activities is an asset.
    • Significant experience in engaging with civil society in peace processes is an asset.

    Language

    • Working knowledge of oral and written English is required. Application materials must be submitted in English. The cover letter may be submitted in French, accompanied by a translation in English.
    • Working knowledge of at least one other official UN language is highly desirable, in particular Arabic and French.
   Competencies
  
  

  Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.

  Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

  Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.

  Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).

  Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.

  Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.

  Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.

  Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

   Competencies

  
  In addition, qualified candidates should possess: a strong analytical capacity, substantive knowledge, and direct experience in mediation, facilitation and dialogue, in peace processes and other contexts, and at multiple levels, including processes at the national, subnational and local level; substantial and demonstrated understanding of conflict mediation dynamics and processes, and direct experience in negotiation, mediation, facilitation and dialogue situations; ability to work in dynamic and high-pressure situations, and to meet short deadlines. All applicants are expected to demonstrate competence in mainstreaming gender into their work.
  

  Also, depending on the area of specialization:

  • Security Arrangements: Strong analytical capacity, substantive knowledge and direct field experience in security arrangements in peace processes or other transitional contexts, particularly on ceasefire and cessation of hostilities issues, as well as disarmament, demobilization and reintegration matters and/or security sector reform;
  • Constitutions: Strong analytical capacity and substantive knowledge of constitutional issues in peace processes or other transitional contexts;
  • Power-sharing: Strong analytical capacity and substantive knowledge of power-sharing, regional autonomy, and federalism arrangements in peace processes or other transitional contexts;
  • Gender and Inclusion: Strong analytical capacity and substantive knowledge of gender, Women, Peace & Security, and broader inclusion issues in conflict and post-conflict settings, including knowledge of Youth, Peace & Security;
  • Transitional Justice and Reconciliation: Strong analytical capacity and substantive knowledge of human rights, international legal frameworks, and context-sensitive and victim-centered approaches to transitional justice in peace processes or other transitional contexts;
  • Climate Change, Environment and Natural Resources: Strong analytical capacity and substantive knowledge of the effects of climate change, specifically on conflict dynamics and natural resources (including on land, water, minerals, timber, oil, etc.) management, wealth-sharing, as well as natural-resource and climate change related mediation initiatives at the local, national and interstate levels;
  • Digital Technology, Mediation, and Inclusion: Strong analytical capacity and substantive knowledge of digital technologies and their applicability in peace and conflict scenarios (including cybersecurity considerations and online harassment risks; digital inclusion tools and strategies; digital process design and online facilitation techniques; and conflict-sensitive approaches to digital engagement).
  Competencies

  
  In addition, qualified candidates should possess: a strong analytical capacity, substantive knowledge, and direct experience in mediation, facilitation and dialogue, in peace processes and other contexts, and at multiple levels, including processes at the national, subnational and local level; substantial and demonstrated understanding of conflict mediation dynamics and processes, and direct experience in negotiation, mediation, facilitation and dialogue situations; ability to work in dynamic and high-pressure situations, and to meet short deadlines. All applicants are expected to demonstrate competence in mainstreaming gender into their work.
  

  Also, depending on the area of specialization:

  • Security Arrangements: Strong analytical capacity, substantive knowledge and direct field experience in security arrangements in peace processes or other transitional contexts, particularly on ceasefire and cessation of hostilities issues, as well as disarmament, demobilization and reintegration matters and/or security sector reform;
  • Constitutions: Strong analytical capacity and substantive knowledge of constitutional issues in peace processes or other transitional contexts;
  • Power-sharing: Strong analytical capacity and substantive knowledge of power-sharing, regional autonomy, and federalism arrangements in peace processes or other transitional contexts;
  • Gender and Inclusion: Strong analytical capacity and substantive knowledge of gender, Women, Peace & Security, and broader inclusion issues in conflict and post-conflict settings, including knowledge of Youth, Peace & Security;
  • Transitional Justice and Reconciliation: Strong analytical capacity and substantive knowledge of human rights, international legal frameworks, and context-sensitive and victim-centered approaches to transitional justice in peace processes or other transitional contexts;
  • Climate Change, Environment and Natural Resources: Strong analytical capacity and substantive knowledge of the effects of climate change, specifically on conflict dynamics and natural resources (including on land, water, minerals, timber, oil, etc.) management, wealth-sharing, as well as natural-resource and climate change related mediation initiatives at the local, national and interstate levels;
  • Digital Technology, Mediation, and Inclusion: Strong analytical capacity and substantive knowledge of digital technologies and their applicability in peace and conflict scenarios (including cybersecurity considerations and online harassment risks; digital inclusion tools and strategies; digital process design and online facilitation techniques; and conflict-sensitive approaches to digital engagement).
  
  Functional CompetenciesUN knowledge: Good knowledge of the United Nations’ institutional structure, mandates, policies and roles, and as well as its relationships with Regional Organizations and other international partners. Demonstrated understanding and commitment to the values enshrined in the United Nations Charter, as well as to humanitarian and human rights standards and other applicable norms, including Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security and successor resolutions and Security Council Resolution 2250 on Youth, Peace & Security and successor resolutions.Contract type, level and duration

  Contract type: International ICA
  Contract level: IICA-4/ICS-12
  Contract duration: Open-ended subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and/or satisfactory performance*
  
  *Even though the duration indicated in this vacancy announcement is “open-ended” depending on the business needs, consideration may be given to offering a retainer contract.  A retainer contract is issued for a period of time during which the services of the individual contractor are required intermittently. The individual contractor agreement on retainer basis will specify a “unit price” per day worked. For budgetary purposes, a monetary cap will be determined when the contract is awarded and issued. Please note that the retainer contract will not provide for a minimum, and payment will be made only after completion of work.

   

  Additional Information

  
  

  • Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
  • Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
  • Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.*
  • UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
  • Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
  • We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process.  If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.APPLY NOW! and Click here!