GBLCAREERS

STANDARD PRE-SELECTION TEST SCHEDULED for 1-3 April 2017.
Screened-in applicants will be invited by email to take the Standard Pre-selection Test (SPT); please ensure that your primary email address in Inspira is correct as this will be used for the invitation. No communications will be sent to your secondary email address.
Information on the SPT will also be available on your “My Upcoming Test Schedule” page in Inspira. The SPT will take place between 10:00 a.m. on 1st April to 9:59 a.m. on 3rd April 2017 (EST, New York time). Applicants must complete the test during this 48-hour testing window in order to remain under consideration.
All applicants should regularly check the United Nations HR Portal at https://hr.un.org/page/assessment or their “My Upcoming Test Schedule” page in Inspira for any updates/changes after the closing of this job opening, particularly during the week before the scheduled testing dates.
Please note that applicants who apply as rostered candidates are not subject to any further assessment and accordingly, will not be invited to participate in the SPT or any other assessments (including any written exam, interview, etc.) throughout the selection process. For more information about the assessment process, please visit the United Nations HR Portal.

Self-Assessment Questionnaire

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Special Notice

Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.
Extension of the appointment is subject to extension of the mandate and/or the availability of the funds.

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Planning Unit of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Central African Republic (MINUSCA) in Bangui. Bangui is classified as a “D” hardship duty station and a non-family duty station. The Mission Planning Officer reports to the Senior Mission Planning Officer.
The Planning Unit works within the wider Office of the Chief of Staff. In direct support of the Chief of Staff, the Planning Unit provides strategic planning support to senior leaders, operational planning support to substantive sections and provides planning and performance coordination across the Mission. The Planning Unit has a broad sphere of activity leading and supporting on the development, management and measurement of the Mission’s planning tools, Integrated Strategic Framework, Mission Concept, SRSG’s Compact and the Mission Results-Based Budget (RBB) in close consultation with all sections of the Mission.
Mandate
On 10 April 2014 the Security Council established the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) by its resolution 2149 (2104). While the protection of civilians is its utmost priority other mandates of the mission include the support for the transition process, facilitating humanitarian assistance, promotion and protection of human rights, support for justice and the rule of law; and disarmament, demobilization, reintegration and repatriation processes. For more information visit http://www.un.org/en/peacekeeping/missions/minusca/.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, and under the guidance of the Senior Mission Planning Officer, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:
• As directed, contributes to the development and implementation of an UN Integrated Strategic Framework (ISF) for peace consolidation in the country, including a system for monitoring and evaluation of progress;
• By drafting inputs for review and approval by the Senior Mission Planning Officer, assists in the preparation of a Mission Concept, which, building on the vision of the SRSG, translates the mission mandated tasks into a form that fuses objectives, timelines and expected outcomes into a coherent whole, serving as an authoritative guide for the development and implementation of Mission component plans;
• By compiling and analyzing data, contributes to preparation of the Mission Results-Based Budget (RBB) framework and performance reports, and of inputs as required for audits, budget monitoring and performance reporting;
• Provides background information and drafts documents for review approval by the Senior Mission Planning Officer in order to support Mission components in development of component-level plans, including to ensure coherence with the Mission’s overall strategic direction and planning tools, and to support joint and integrated planning between Mission components, UNCT members and other relevant partners in accordance with the IMPP guidelines and senior management guidance;
• Provides secretariat support and technical assistance to integrated field coordination structures, such as the Strategic Policy Group, the Integrated Strategy and Planning Team and the Integrated Mission Planning Team, as required; supports Mission participation in meetings of the Headquarters-based Integrated Mission Task Force or equivalent body;
• Provides advice to programme managers on planning guidance and tools, especially the Integrated and Assessment Planning processes; provides recommendations on design of specific planning tools and mechanisms, in line with policy and best practice, to meet the needs of the Mission and partners;
• By writing initial drafts of document segments, contributes to development and implementation and monitoring of strategies to maximise the individual and collective impact of the UN’s response in the country of deployment, concentrating on mandated tasks and activities required to consolidate peace, through a strategic partnership between the Mission and the UN Country Team;
• Performs other duties as required including representing the Senior Planning Officer as necessary;

Competencies

Professionalism: Takes initiative and consistently drives for high quality performance for self and team. Strong inter-personal skills, including the ability to manage challenging multi-stakeholder processes. Values diversity and works effectively with colleagues and contacts in the immediate and wider teams in pursuit of objectives. Facilitates others to solve problems. Anticipates and manages risk. Has knowledge of relevant UN policies, procedures and operations. 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. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
Integrity: Demonstrates the values of the United Nations in daily activities and behaviours; acts without consideration of personal gain; resists undue political pressure in decision-making; does not abuse power or authority; stands by decisions that are in the Organization’s interest, even if they are unpopular; takes prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour.
Respect for Diversity: Works effectively with people from all backgrounds; treats all people with dignity and respect; treats men and women equally; shows respect for and understanding of diverse points of view and demonstrates this understanding in daily work and decision-making; examines own biases and behaviours to avoid stereotypical responses; does not discriminate against any individual or group.
Planning & 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.
Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience; Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in political science, management or development, or a related field. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Professional training in the areas of planning, monitoring and evaluation, facilitation and/or coordination is desirable.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of relevant progressively responsible professional experience in programme management and/or strategic planning processes is required. Field experience in a conflict or post-conflict setting is desirable. Experience with Results Based Budget process is desirable. Experience in the use of monitoring and evaluation tools is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French is desirable. Knowledge of another UN language is an advantage.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview. Core values and competencies will be assessed throughout the evaluation process.