Mission and objectives

The mandate of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) was established by the Security Council in its resolution 1244 (1999). The primary and overarching objectives of UNMIK are to ensure conditions for a peaceful and normal life for all inhabitants of Kosovo, strengthen and consolidate peace, security, and stability, and promote and protect human rights for all people.

Context

All references to Kosovo shall be understood to be in the context of Security Council Resolution 1244 (1999).

Task Description

Within the UNMIK Office of Community Support (OCS), under the overall guidance of the Senior OCS staff, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks: • Monitor and analyse activities that have a significance or have implications for the members of non-majority communities and keep the office informed; • Monitor non-majority protection and returns related activities as well as protection of cultural and religious heritage in OCS’ area of responsibility (AOR); • Closely monitor returns, reintegration, community stabilization and development initiatives and programmes in close cooperation with other international and local organizations; • Contribute to the collection and analysis of data as well as identification of trends or patterns; • Document background information used for data analysis. Assist in analysing and classifying data based on sensitivity; • Prepare timely, reliable, objective, concise and comprehensive reports on significant developments in the AOR, with special attention to areas inhabited by non-majority populations and mixed community populations; • Provide draft insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods, infographics and maps from relevant data sources, for analysis and reporting; • Provide inputs to the various reporting requirements of the Office of Community Support; • Assist in maintaining accessible databases on municipal activities, local communities, political personalities, political parties and movements, parallel political structures, as well as decentralization and cultural heritage issues in the AOR; • Teamwork and communication – work as part of a diverse team, cooperate actively with team members in exchanging, collecting and verifying information; • Assist the implementation of UNMIK’s trust and confidence building agenda within the AOR; • Perform other related duties as required.

Competencies and values

• Integrity and professionalism: demonstrated expertise in area of specialty and ability to apply good judgment; high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures in a politically sensitive environment, while exercising discretion, impartiality and neutrality; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented; • Accountability: mature and responsible; ability to operate in compliance with organizational rules and regulations; • Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment; • Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priori-ties and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities; • Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity and gender; • Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including local staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse back-grounds; ability to maintain composure and remain helpful towards the staff, but objective, without showing personal interest; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups; • Flexibility, adaptability, and ability and willingness to operate independently in austere, remote and potentially hazardous environments for protracted periods, involving physical hardship and little comfort, and including possible extensive travel within the area of operations; willingness to transfer to other duty stations within area of operations as may be necessary; • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity, and self-reliance; and commitment towards the UN core values.

Living conditions and remarks

Kosovo is a family duty station. Located in the Balkans mountain range of South Eastern Europe, the climate is continental, with warm summers and cold, snowy winters. Houses/Apartments are easily available and generally have electricity and running water, although this may not be 24hrs. Costs are reasonable, but vary according to location, i.e. city centre or outlying villages. Upon arrival, you will reside in a hotel or apartment until you get permanent housing. The UNV Support Office can assist in helping you identify suitable housing. There are not any specific health problems associated with Kosovo, and no vaccines are required prior to arrival. UNMIK provides a clinic for its staff, should anyone fall ill. Foods and dietary needs of all kinds are provided for in the many supermarkets. There are marketplaces that cater in fruits and vegetables, and bakeries offer some exquisite pastries and breads. Fresh fish and meats are also easily available. Several English-speaking schools are available in Kosovo. The UNV is requested to live within “commuting distance” of the duty station that allows the UNV to be able to come to and be physically present at the office during the required working hours when requested, including at short notice.