Org. Setting and Reporting

The position is in the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). The position is based in Juba and is located in the Electoral Affairs Division (EAD). The Electoral Officer (Communications) will report to the Principal Electoral Affairs Officer. The United Nations Security Council adopted resolution 2567 (2021) deciding that UNMISS’s mandate is designed to advance a three-year strategic vision to prevent a return to civil war in South Sudan, to build durable peace at the local and national levels, and to support inclusive and accountable governance and free, fair, and peaceful elections in accordance with the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R- ARCSS). Furthermore, Security Council Resolution 2677 (2023) called on the UNMISS to provide technical assistance, to include capacity-building, and logistical support for the electoral process, as appropriate, in coordination with the United Nations Country Team and regional and international partners as well as security support to facilitate the electoral cycle, consistent with the R-ARCSS.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Electoral Officer will be responsible for the following duties: • Implement, and often supervise the implementation of, electoral programs and processes in the areas of communication and public information. • Provide technical advice and support to national counterparts such as the National Election Commission (NEC) and the Political Party Council (PPC) in formulating and developing a communication strategy and plan, drafting and implementing a risk communications plan, creating targeted content and developing and distributing key messages and communication materials. • Provide technical advice and support to national counterparts communications department in content development, the design, preparation, and maintenance of the institution’s websites; work with counterparts to ensure transparency in the electoral process; assist counterparts in developing strategies to enhance media collaboration to strengthen public confidence in the national institutions and the electoral process. • Assist national counterparts in developing strategies to monitor and respond to electoral disinformation, including through social media and online platforms; and in collaboration with other sections of the national institutions, organise plan and implement media training programs and media workshops, seminars, to combat etc. • Prepare Integrated Elections Assistance Team (IEAT) reports (including IEAT weekly reports, Electoral Assistance Reports, special and flash reports) about significant mandated and associated developments for dissemination within the Mission and to Headquarters; • Coordinate with other electoral officers to ensure that important notes to file are drafted. • Research and draft special reports and prepare presentations, briefings, background notes related to operational issues, draft Code Cables addressing current operations. • Provide substantive support to the planning and design of external communication and outreach/advocacy strategies and plans. • Provide analysis for elaboration of communication strategies; ensure gender perspective. • Coordinate and contribute substantively to the development and dissemination of advocacy materials in the country. • Draft briefing materials, press releases and coordinate its dissemination through effective channels. Identify storylines for publications and articles. • Organize roundtable discussions, press conferences and briefing session for press, as required, draft talking points. • Facilitate knowledge building and sharing. Organize and conduct training and workshops on communication and advocacy, as appropriate. • Contribute, and often supervise the contribution to, capacity-building of national counterparts and strengthening of national institutions. • If required, supervise and manage the performance of national and international staff assigned to the area of responsibility. • Establish and maintain professional and productive partnerships with national counterparts and other key stakeholders in the electoral process. • Proactively keep all channels of communication and maintain close working relationships with, and advise, the South Sudanese electoral authorities throughout the planning and implementation of electoral activities in the area of information technology • Provide regular briefings and reports in the assigned area of responsibility. • Perform other related duties as required. Work implies frequent interaction with the following: The Electoral Officer will interact frequently with the United Nations Integrated Electoral Assistance Team (IEAT) members, especially with his/her supervisor, Officers in UNMISS, and other UN agencies (e.g. UNDP), staff of specialized agencies, representatives of the Government, TNLA and other relevant national interlocutors, National Election Commission, Political Parties Council. Results Expected: • The support of the United Nations in the area of responsibility contributes to credible and inclusive elections. • The United Nations mandated support in the area of responsibility is implemented effectively, using resources efficiently and minimizing risks to the organization. • The supervisor has access to accurate and timely information as well as advice on the electoral process and its implications.

Competencies

Professionalism: Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter, notably in-depth understanding of and ability to evaluate electoral processes, knowledge of electoral processes and their technical and political implications; takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing; shows pride in work and in achievements; 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. 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. Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals. Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others. Places team agenda before personal agenda. Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position. Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. 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.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in political science international economics, international relations, communications, law, public administration, or a related field. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Job – Specific Qualification

Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is desirable.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in elections and related areas in at least three (3) countries of which at least three (3) years of experience in supervising, implementing, supporting or advising on electoral processes in the area of communication/public outreach and public information management etc. is required. United Nations electoral experience in a peacekeeping operation, political mission and/or a UN agency or other relevant international electoral experience is required. Experience in developing countries is required. Experience in managing projects is desirable. Previous experience of managing teams of different backgrounds is desirable. Experience in bilateral or multilateral negotiations is desirable. Two (2) years or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable. Experience in post-conflict situations is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in English (both oral and written) is required.

Assessment

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

Special Notice

This position is temporarily available until 30 June 2024 with possibility of extension subject to availibility of funds. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment. • While this temporary assignment may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, the selection for this position is for a limited period and has no bearing on the future incumbency of the post. • Subject to the funding source of the position, the eligibility for this temporary job opening may be limited to candidates based at the duty station. • This temporary job opening may be limited to “internal candidates,” who have been recruited through a competitive examination administered according to staff rule 4.16 or staff selection process including the review of a central review body established according to staff rule 4.15. • Staff members of the United Nations common system organizations who will reach the mandatory age of separation or retirement within the duration of the current temporary need period are not eligible to apply.Submitting an application or selection for the current temporary job opening does not delay or increase the mandatory age of separation. • Retirees above the mandatory age of separation who wish to be considered for the current temporary job opening must indicate the reason for their last separation as “retirement.” Such retirees shall not be employed by the Organization, unless (a) the operational requirements of the Organization cannot be met by staff members who are qualified and available to perform the required functions; and (b) the proposed employment would not adversely affect the career development or redeployment opportunities of other staff members and represents both a cost-effective and operationally sound solution to meet the needs of the service. • Qualified women that meet the requirements of this job opening are particularly encouraged to apply and will be given full consideration in accordance with the United Nations efforts to increase women participation in its workforce.

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, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, 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. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. 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. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile 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.