Armed Groups expert

Result of Service

Submission of interim and final reports to the Security Council.

The expert will contribute to the drafting and finalizing of updates, ad hoc, midterm and final reports for the concerned Sanctions Committee.

Work Location

Home-based

Expected duration

12 months

Duties and Responsibilities

Responsibilities:

Within delegated authority, the armed groups expert will be responsible for (but not limited to) the following duties:

Substantive

• Contribute to the monitoring of sanctions measures and investigation of alleged sanctions violations or non-compliance as mandated by Security Council resolution 2374 (2017) related to Mali in his/her area of expertise;
• Contribute to reporting on any violations of the sanctions regime or non-compliance through updates and reports of the Panel to the Committee and the Security Council required under Security Council resolution 2374 (2017), as extended by resolution 2649 (2022), as well as any periodic briefing/reporting as requested by the Committee;
• Contribute to the preparation of recommendations by the Panel for improved implementation of Security Council resolution 2374 (2017) related to Mali, based on the Panel’s investigations, country visits and outreach activities;
• Contribute to the compilation of information in his/her area of expertise relevant to the potential designation of individuals and entities who may be engaging in actions and policies that threaten the peace, security or stability in Mali as described in paragraph 8 of resolution 2374 (2017), as extended by resolution 2649 (2022), including supporting and financing of individuals and entities engaging in hostilities in violation of the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation as well as involvement in attacks against institutions established by the Agreement, Malian armed forces, United Nations missions and personnel, and other forms of international security presence;
• Cooperate closely with INTERPOL and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC);
• Monitor media, including social media, on issues and cases relevant to the mandate of the Panel;
• Prepare and deliver briefings and presentations on the sanctions regime and the Panel’s activities;
• Assist in identifying areas where the capacities of States can be strengthened to enhance the implementation of the sanctions regime;
• Contribute to reports that adhere to a high standard of evidence and rigorous methodology;
• Provide due process to Member States, entities and individuals to respond to allegations and findings when conducting investigations; and
• Take on other duties as mandated by the Security Council and/or directed by the Committee.

Organizational

• Contribute to the preparation of a programme of work of the Panel, including a travel schedule, at the outset of the mandate, which will be updated regularly;
• 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;
• Draft and follow up on correspondence in his/her areas of responsibility;
• Collate and assess the information obtained, including by sharing written notes and briefs with other Panel members;
• Classify, categorize and archive the materials obtained in the course of the Panel’s investigation; and
• Submit to the UN Secretariat an End of Assignment Report at the end of the mandate.

Administrative

• Abide by the rules and regulations of the United Nations, as guided by the Secretary of the Committee and the Chief of the Subsidiary Organs Branch and the Director of the Security Council Affairs Division, among others.
• Abide by the applicable policies, guidelines and procedures on safety and security within the UN’s Security Management System (UNSMS).
• Pursuant to General Assembly resolution A/RES/67/254 (section VI, paragraph 8) on advance booking of air travel, plan official air travel to meet the United Nations target rate of 70 per cent compliance.

Competencies:

Professionalism

• Knowledge of sanctions-related issues and developments in Mali and the region.
• Substantive knowledge and field experience in the area of expertise, generally and specifically as related to Mali and the region.
• Proven knowledge of the relevant national, regional and international actors and organizations working in Mali and the region.
• 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.
• Demonstrated understanding of sanctions regimes in a United Nations, regional organization or Member State setting. 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.

Communications

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



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.
• Supports and acts in accordance with a final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect his/her own position.

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 organize, analyse and archive collected materials during investigations is desirable. Actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks.

Qualifications:

Education

• An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in military science, political science, international relations, law, finance, journalism 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 area is required.
• Significant field experience in post-conflict or other transitional situations is required.
• Strong field research or investigative experience in the area of expertise is required.
• Experience in writing high-quality reports is required.
• Proven interpersonal skills in complex, political and structured working environments is required.
• A demonstrated understanding of sanctions regimes in a United Nations, regional organization or Member State setting is highly desirable.
• Experience in working under the rules and regulations of the organization and the working culture and methods of the United Nations Secretariat is highly desirable.

Languages

• Fluency in English and French is required. Knowledge of Bambara is an advantage.

Qualifications/special skills

• A minimum of ten years (including a minimum of three years of field experience) of progressively responsible experience in the relevant area is required.
• Significant field experience in post-conflict or other transitional situations is required.
• Strong field research or investigative experience in the area of expertise is required.
• Experience in writing high-quality reports is required.
• Proven interpersonal skills in complex, political and structured working environments is required.
• A demonstrated understanding of sanctions regimes in a United Nations, regional organization or Member State setting is highly desirable.
• Experience in working under the rules and regulations of the organization and the working culture and methods of the United Nations Secretariat is highly desirable.

Languages

• Fluency in English and French is required. Knowledge of Bambara is an advantage.

Additional Information

All experts will 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 Consultants Roster 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 Consultant Roster 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.