Senior Mediation Adviser

Organizational Context

The UNOPS Development and Special Initiatives Portfolio supports UN partners and Member States in achieving the 2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals. It implements global programs in political affairs, climate, counterterrorism, and peacebuilding. The portfolio manages operational support for the Standby Team of Senior Mediation Advisers (SBT) mechanism, providing project management and implementation services.

Job Purpose

The Senior Mediation Adviser provides specialized technical and process expertise to support mediation and peace processes. Reporting substantively to the Mediation Support Unit (MSU) of DPPA and administratively to UNOPS, the role is crucial for engagements carried out for the Standby Team of Senior Mediation Advisers (SBT) mechanism. The incumbent offers expert advice to UN officials, key stakeholders, conflict parties, and other relevant actors involved in conflict prevention and mediation efforts, contributing to the design and implementation of peace processes.

Responsibilities

The Senior Mediation Adviser will provide technical expertise and advice on mediation, facilitation, and dialogue processes, including design, planning, and management of negotiation frameworks. This includes expertise in areas such as security arrangements (ceasefires, DDR, SSR), constitutional issues, power-sharing, gender and inclusion, climate change and natural resources, transitional justice, and digital technology in mediation. Responsibilities involve advising clients and conflict parties, participating in mediation talks, contributing to peace agreement drafting, conceiving and managing capacity-building seminars, preparing reports and briefings, and ensuring gender mainstreaming and youth sensitivity in all activities. The role requires adaptability for remote support, research, and policy development.

Work Experience

A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in leading, designing, or supporting mediation, negotiation, facilitation, or dialogue processes in conflict, post-conflict, or prevention settings is required. Significant experience should be in one or more thematic areas such as security arrangements, constitutional issues, power-sharing, gender and inclusion, climate change, transitional justice, or digital technology. Field experience in transitional situations and experience in mediation capacity-building are desirable.

Skills

Mediation, Negotiation, Facilitation, Dialogue Processes, Security Arrangements, Constitutional Issues, Power-sharing, Gender and Inclusion, Climate Change, Environment and Natural Resources, Transitional Justice and Reconciliation, Digital Technology, Communication, Analytical Capacity, Conflict Analysis, Political Analysis, Gender Mainstreaming, Youth Sensitivity.

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