Senior Joint Operations Officer
Organizational Context
This position is within the Joint Operations Center of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) in Kinshasa. Kinshasa is a family duty station classified at "C" hardship level. The incumbent reports directly to the Special Representative of the Secretary General (SRSG) through the Mission Chief of Staff.
Job Purpose
The Senior Joint Operations Officer is responsible for enhancing situational awareness, crisis management, and operational coordination within MONUSCO. This role involves advising leadership on joint coordination structures, ensuring the accuracy and quality of operational information products, and directing the Joint Operations Centre's activities. The officer will manage crisis response, lead analysis of peace and security developments, and support strategic communications. Key contributions include informing senior leadership decisions, developing strategies for conflict prevention and peacebuilding, and ensuring the integration of rights-based, gender, and environmental perspectives into operational recommendations. The position also oversees programmatic activities and provides backstopping support for UN peace operations.
Responsibilities
Key responsibilities include advising leadership on joint coordination and integrated situational awareness, and ensuring the accuracy and quality of information products like situation reports. The role involves directing and supervising the Joint Operations Centre, including its work plan and staff. Coordination with Troop and Police Contributing Countries on mission planning and logistics is essential. The officer will manage crisis response, serve as secretariat for crisis management mechanisms, and support preparedness activities. Leading the unit's monitoring, research, and analysis of peace and security developments is crucial for informing policy and strategy. The position entails preparing analytical and strategic documents, developing strategies for early warning and peacebuilding, and supporting strategic communications. Responsibilities also include monitoring peace agreement violations, integrating rights-based and gender perspectives, and coordinating programmatic activities. Overseeing budgeting, project implementation, reporting, administrative processes, and recruitment for the Section is required. The role includes providing backstopping support for peace operations, establishing stakeholder relationships, representing the UN, promoting organizational learning, and managing team activities and resources.
Work Experience
A minimum of ten years of progressive experience in political science, international relations, law, disarmament, security, development management, conflict resolution, or related fields is required. Prior experience with Joint Operations Centres (JOC) and Joint Mission Analysis Centres (JMAC) in a peacekeeping setting, and specifically in the Great Lakes region of Africa, is mandatory. Extensive experience advising senior leadership and managing crises is desirable.
Skills
Professionalism, strong analytical and evaluative skills, excellent drafting and presentation skills, communication (clear and effective speaking/writing), planning and organizing, leadership, judgment and decision-making, and the ability to integrate gender perspectives.