Principal Programme Management Officer, D1

Overview

Serve as the focal point on overall peace support operations (PSOs) planning and strategic advice, as well as technical support to the African Union (AU). Coordinate and supervise the activities of the Institutional and Operational Partnerships Service in the delivery of expert advice and technical support to the AU.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the focal point on overall peace support operations (PSOs) planning and strategic advice, as well as technical support to the African Union (AU).
• Coordinate and supervise the activities of the Institutional and Operational Partnerships Service in the delivery of expert advice and technical support to the AU in military and police operations, mine action, security-related matters, mission support planning, training, security sector reform (SSR) and disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR).
• Ensure that operational outputs are translated into inputs for strategic decision-making in the planning, deployment, management, and liquidation of ongoing AU peace support operations (PSOs) within the framework of the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA), particularly the African Standby Force (ASF).
• Provide overall guidance in operationalizing the necessary financing mechanisms and support processes for AU PSOs and their corollary oversight mechanisms.
• Manage day-to-day interaction with the AU on peacekeeping-related matters and maintain coordination with Member States, the European Union, United Nations partners, regional and sub-regional organizations, donors, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Provide strategic leadership/ management necessary for a clear vision and oversight to ensure that all operational activities are underpinned by political imperative.
• Contribute to strategic level political and operational engagement with the African Union, RECs/RMs and its partners on peace and security issues in Africa, and ensure adequate reporting to and coordination with UN Headquarters and other United Nations system entities.
• Assist in strengthening the strategic and operational coordination between the AU, partners, and the UN system on issues related to the development of the ASF, within the framework of the African Peace and Security Architecture. And ongoing AU PSOs.
• Provide policy guidance to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, through the Deputy Head of Office/Director, Political Affairs on development and implementation of strategies, by monitoring and analysing developments in the AU PSOs, SSR and DDR, identifying significant trends and their impact on the AU-UN partnership in peace and security, as well as through coordination with relevant components of UNOAU; and the provision of timely and accurate analyses, reports, background papers, briefing notes, talking points and other required documents.
• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with relevant UN PKOs and SPMs in Africa, with relevant Departments at UNHQ, including the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA), Peace Operations (DPO) and Operational Support (DOS), as well as other UN entities and partners, with a view to harmonized approaches between the AU and UN on issues of common interest and coordinated and consistent United Nations support to AU PSOs.
• Coordinate the preparation of inputs and reporting for results-based budgeting and evaluation of staff performance for the Service, as well as participating in recruitment and selection of new staff.
• Oversee the development and implementation of partnership strategies and work plans with the AU and other partners.
• Provide programmatic and substantive reviews of drafts, contributing to the reporting to intergovernmental bodies on budget/programme performance or on programmatic/substantive issues, as appropriate.

Required Experience

At least fifteen (15) years of progressively responsible experience in political affairs, military, police, public or business administration is required. Experience in planning and providing strategic advice is required. Operational experience with a peacekeeping or peace enforcement or peace support mission is required. A proven track record of leadership and management in multicultural settings, including coordination of interdisciplinary teams is required. Relevant experience within the United Nations system and/or in another organization on peace and security matters, is desirable.

Qualifications

Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in management studies, social sciences, public administration, military studies or related area. A first-level university degree in combination with four additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

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