National Field Officer
Organizational Context
The United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia (UNVMC) is a Special Political Mission established by the UN Security Council to verify the implementation of the 2016 Final Peace Agreement. Its mandate includes verifying comprehensive rural reform, reintegration of former combatants, and security guarantees. The mission's tasks have been expanded to include verifying sanctions imposed by the Special Jurisdiction for Peace and the implementation of specific points of the Final Agreement.
Job Purpose
The National Field Officer will support regional, subregional, and local teams in implementing the Mission's mandate. This involves frequent visits to operational areas to understand ground dynamics, gather concerns, and identify challenges faced by parties and communities. The role requires building strong relationships with local actors and communities, monitoring incidents, alleged violations of the Final Agreement, and recommending actions. The officer will also analyze threats, support reporting, assist in building relationships with authorities for security guarantees, and monitor institutional commitments in reincorporation and economic projects.
Responsibilities
The UN Volunteer will conduct frequent field visits to understand local dynamics, gather concerns, and identify challenges faced by signatory parties and affected communities. Responsibilities include building strong relationships with parties, local actors, and communities, and supporting regional teams in their activities. This involves engagement, monitoring, verification, maintaining databases, and preparing reports. The role requires observing and gathering information on incidents and alleged violations of the Final Agreement, recommending preventive and corrective actions, and analyzing threats based on regional dynamics. The officer will support reporting, build relationships with authorities for security guarantees, and monitor institutional commitments in reincorporation, including economic projects and activities of the COMUNES party. Additionally, the role involves creating communication materials, supporting participation in institutional spaces, and serving as a liaison between UN counterparts and other actors.
Work Experience
A minimum of 3 years of relevant experience is required in areas such as community engagement, civil society, international relations, political affairs, program monitoring and evaluation, project design and implementation, report writing, and political analysis. Proficiency in Spanish and English is essential for reporting and analysis. Adaptability to field conditions, strong interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and computer proficiency are also necessary.
Skills
Key competencies include professionalism, integrity, teamwork, respect for diversity, commitment to continuous learning, planning and organization, and strong communication skills. The role requires discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy, and the ability to work inclusively and collaboratively. Adaptability to adverse and remote conditions is crucial. A genuine commitment to the principles of volunteering and the UN's core values is essential. Experience in community development, project management, and program development is also valuable.