Other weapons of mass destruction and conventional arms expert

Result of Service

Submission of midterm and final reports to the 1718 Committee and the Security Council.

Work Location

New York

Expected duration

The position is expected to become available on 1 May 2023 until 30 April 2024, subject to the renewal of the mandate and availability of funds.

Duties and Responsibilities

Organizational setting and reporting:

The Panel of Experts established pursuant to Security Council resolution 1874 (2009) (“the Panel”) consists of eight experts with demonstrated substantive knowledge, experience and skills in areas relevant to the implementation of the sanctions regime. The Panel’s mandate is established and can be renewed or terminated by the Security Council. The Panel acts under the direction of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1718 (2006) (“1718 Committee”).

The Expert will serve with the Panel reporting to the Sanctions Committee and the Security Council. The Expert comes under the overall guidance and management of the Security Council Subsidiary Organs Branch of the Security Council Affairs Division of the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, specifically, of the Secretary of the concerned Security Council Committee, the Chief of the Branch and the Director of the Security Council Affairs Division. The work of the Panel is facilitated by a Coordinator who is also an expert on the Panel.

For more information about the Panel, including its reports and other relevant materials, please see:
https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/sanctions/1718/panel_experts/work_mandate

Responsibilities:

With delegated authority, the other weapons of mass destruction and conventional arms expert will be responsible for (but not limited to) the following duties:

Substantive

• To contribute to the monitoring of sanctions measures and investigation of alleged sanctions violations as mandated by Security Council resolutions related to the DPRK in his/her area of expertise;
• To participate in investigations of alleged violations of the sanctions regime and contribute to reporting thereon through investigative reports, interim and final reports of the Panel to the Security Council, as well as any periodic briefing/reporting as requested by the Committee;
• To contribute to the preparation of recommendations by the Panel for improved implementation of the Security Council resolutions related to the DPRK, based on the Panel’s investigations, country visits and outreach activities;
• To contribute to the compilation of information on individuals and entities that may engage in sanctions violations;
• To prepare and deliver briefings and presentations on the sanctions regime and the Panel’s activities;
• To provide updated information and compile new information on sanctions violations, including any information relevant to the designation of individuals for a travel ban and individuals and entities for an assets freeze, if applicable;
• To provide the Panel with an analysis of national, regional and international political developments and dynamics relevant to the mandate of the Panel, and include the latter in reports, as well as other updates, as necessary;
• To assist in identifying areas where the capacities of States can be strengthened to enhance the implementation of the sanctions regime;
• To contribute to reports that adhere to a high standard of evidence and rigorous methodology;
• To provide due process to Member States, entities and individuals to respond to allegations and findings when conducting investigations; and
• To assume other duties as mandated by the Security Council and/or directed by the Committee.

Organizational

• To contribute to the preparation of a programme of work of the Panel of Experts, including a travel schedule, which will be updated regularly;
• To participate in investigative missions and bilateral consultations to gather information from government authorities, private individuals and entities, civil society, regional and sub-regional organizations and United Nations field presences;
• To draft and follow up on correspondence in his/her areas of responsibility;
• To collate and assess the information obtained, including by sharing written notes and briefs with other Panel members;
• To classify, categorize and archive the materials obtained in the course of the Panel of Experts’ investigation; and
• To submit to the UN Secretariat an End of Assignment Report at the end of the mandate.

Administrative

• To abide by the rules and regulations of the United Nations, as guided by the Secretary of the Committee, the Chief of the Security Council Subsidiary Organs Branch and the Director of the Security Council Affairs Division, among others.

Competencies:

The expert will be responsible for analysing the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s programmes related to other weapons of mass destruction (such as chemical and biological weapons), as well as monitoring its alleged assistance to other States in the development of such programmes. In addition, the expert will be responsible for analysing the DPRK’s current trade in conventional arms, domestic arms production capabilities, and any repair and refurbishment services relating to arms it may offer. The expert will be responsible for investigating alleged cases of non-compliance involving other weapons of mass destruction and conventional arms, among others, as well as determining proliferation networks and techniques used by the DPRK to conduct its illicit arms transfers.

The expert should be able to evaluate and assess implementation of the arms embargo and other WMD related sanctions provisions. The expert should also be able provide advice related to maintaining and updating the relevant control lists as established by the 1718 Committee.

To be selected, the expert must demonstrate substantive knowledge and experience in the areas of other weapons of mass destruction, conventional arms, related technologies and dual-use items. The expert should possess substantive knowledge and hands-on field experience in the arms industry, arms trade, tracking and tracing of arms and ammunition as well as demonstrated knowledge of United Nations arms embargos. First-hand experience in conducting investigations is highly desirable. Experience in working with relevant international organisations or arrangements is desirable. The ability to conduct geospatial analysis is an asset.

In addition to the specific qualifications, the expert will have to demonstrate the following competencies.

Professionalism

• Knowledge of sanctions-related issues and developments in the DPRK;
• Substantive knowledge and field experience in the area of expertise;
• Strong analytical capacity and research skills;
• Ability to develop a sound investigative case study featuring corroborated information from credible sources, and ability to synthesize this information into an easily-readable case study which can be incorporated into a Panel report;
• Ability to treat sensitive or confidential information appropriately;
• Ability to work independently and resist political pressures;
• Ability to work under pressure and in dynamic situations; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results;
• Knowledge of the United Nations’ institutional structure, mandates, policies and rules, as well as its relationships with regional organizations, Member States and other international partners;
• Willingness to travel extensively, including in difficult environments;
• Incorporate gender perspectives in the substantive area of responsibility, in all relevant areas.

Planning and organising

• Proven capacity to plan and execute a work plan, and adapt, as required, to fluid priorities and demands;
• Ability to work independently in a systematic and productive manner;
• Ability to foresee risks and allow for contingencies when planning.

Teamwork

• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships in a multicultural, multi-ethnic and political work environment.
• Ability to develop consensus among people with varying points of view;
• Ability to support and act in accordance with a final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect his/her own position.

Communications

• Strong oral communication and drafting skills;
• Ability to interact positively with high-level government officials and the diplomatic community.

Technological awareness

• Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office applications including Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel. Ability to use other relevant software (such as photograph management tools and mapping tools), as well as database software to archive and organize collected materials during investigations is desirable. Actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks.

Qualifications/special skills

Education:

• An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in military/strategic studies, political science, international relations, relevant technical field or other relevant area is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:

• A minimum of ten years (including a minimum of three years of field experience) of progressively responsible experience in the relevant field is required;
• Strong field research or investigative experience in the area of expertise is required;
• Experience in writing high-quality reports is required;
• Experience working in a complex political environment within a national, regional or international setting is required;
• A demonstrated understanding of sanctions regimes in a United Nations, regional organization or Member State setting is desirable;
• Experience in working under the rules and regulations of the organization and the working culture and methods of the United Nations Secretariat is desirable.

Languages

• Fluency and demonstrated drafting and speaking ability in English is required;
• Knowledge of another United Nations official language is an advantage;
• Knowledge of languages relevant to the Northeast Asia region is an advantage.

Additional Information

All experts will have to engage in frequent regional and international travel. All travel will be in Economy Class as per United Nations administrative instruction ST/AI/2013/3.

Join Inspira consultant roster and register your application. Experts who are registered in the Talent Pool are available for consideration whenever relevant opportunities arise. Shortlisted candidates are contacted directly by the relevant team using the email address provided in their PHP saved in Inspira. Experts who have joined the Talent Pool are also invited to actively apply to consultancy job openings posted in Inspira and on this website.

Geographical diversity is a strong consideration. Female candidates are particularly encouraged to apply.

We suggest that you include all your professional experiences in your application. Once your application is submitted, an updated application will not be accepted for this job opening.

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.