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 Final Peace Agreement in Colombia. It assists the country in ending conflict and building peace, verifying specific points of the agreement, and compliance with sanctions imposed by the Special Jurisdiction for Peace. The Mission's mandate has been extended and expanded to cover broader aspects of the peace process.
Job Purpose
The National Field Officer will support the UNVMC's regional, subregional, and local teams in implementing activities related to the Mission's mandate. This involves frequent field visits to understand local dynamics, gather concerns, and identify challenges faced by parties and communities. The role requires building strong relationships with local actors and communities, monitoring and verifying aspects of the peace agreement, analyzing incidents, and preparing reports. The officer will also assist in monitoring reintegration projects, supporting communication efforts for peace proposals, and serving as a liaison between UN counterparts and other stakeholders.
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 coordinating with Public Information Officers and Regional Office heads. The role involves supporting regional teams in implementing mission mandate activities, including engagement, monitoring, verification, database maintenance, and report preparation. This includes observing and gathering information on alleged violations of the Final Agreement, recommending actions, and analyzing threats. The officer will assist in building relationships with authorities involved in security guarantees, monitor institutional commitments in reincorporation, and support the monitoring of economic reintegration projects. Additionally, the role involves creating communication materials for peace proposals, 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, political analysis, or media monitoring. Strong analytical and reporting skills in Spanish and English are essential. Experience in post-conflict situations, volunteer work, or the UN system is desirable, as is a valid driver's license.
Skills
Key competencies include professionalism, integrity, teamwork, respect for diversity, commitment to continuous learning, planning and organization, and strong communication skills. The role requires political sensitivity, diplomacy, good judgment, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively. Adaptability to challenging field conditions, a genuine commitment to volunteerism principles, and proficiency in Microsoft Office applications are also necessary. Experience in community development, project management, and program development is beneficial.