UNDP Liberia

UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT NO. UNDP/SSA/2007/02

Date of Issue: 5 January 2007
Closing Date: 15 January 2007

Post Title Security Sector Assistant
Post Level : Special Service Agreement (SSA) -
(Equivalent of SC6 with Minimum Remuneration)
Duty Station : Ministry of Planning and National Economic Affairs
Monrovia/Liberia
Duration of contract initially six months
Starting Date Immediately

This vacancy is open to applicants of either sex. Preference will be given to equally qualified women candidates.

Background

Decades of civil conflict have had a negative impact on national and individual human security in Liberia. The security institutions suffer from severe capacity deficits and are operating under laws and regulations that require urgent reform. The institutional and operational gaps in the Security Sector are further compounded by a lack of confidence amongst the populace in the government’s ability to provide national and human security. As Liberia embarks on the recovery and reconstruction of the Security Sector, a multitude of interrelated problems will impede progress and present obstacles unless urgently tackled.

Under the Liberia Reconstruction and Development Committee (LRDC), the government has established a framework for addressing the pressing challenges in the priority pillars of Security, Governance and Rule of Law, Economic Revitalization, and Infrastructure and Basic Social Services. These are the pillars upon which the newly developed Interim Poverty Reduction Paper (iPRSP) is built. The iPRSP is expected to provide the roadmap towards long-term MDGs-based planning.

As the government makes progress in advancing the reconstruction agenda, there will be need for immediate and medium-term interventions which address weaknesses in the security sector. Specific attention will need to be made to strengthen security institutions (police, NSA, AFL, and Ministry of Defense), while at the same time raising awareness and providing security services through a community-based, civil society, supportive approach. Such services include training the military, the national police, rehabilitating prisons, awareness raising, training, establishment of mechanisms and networks for strengthening the security sector and ensuring human security for the population, while complying with international and regional standards of human rights.

Job Summary

• The Security Sector Officer (SSO) will work under the overall guidance of the Chair of the LRDC Security Pillar and under the direct supervision of the MPEA designated Pillar Focal Point.

Specific Duties

The objective of the SSO will be to provide administrative and programmatic support to the Security Pillar by performing the following duties:

• Collect and process data on activities specified in iPRS from members of the Security Pillar on a regular basis
• Assist the focal point in preparing monthly reports of the Pillar for submission to the LRDC Secretariat to form agenda items for LRDC meetings
• For the purpose of follow-up, prepare a list of actionable items along with responsible party and circulate to all members of the Pillar
• Assemble and circulate background documents relevant to on-going Pillar agenda items
• Record and circulate the minutes of each Pillar meeting and under the direction of the Focal Point, assist in developing and circulating the agenda for LRDC Pillar meeting
• Organize meetings, document deliberations, disseminate information therefrom, and ensure follow-up arising from such meetings or other mandated Pillar agenda matters.
• Link the SSO work plan with other LRDC Pillars and related initiatives, e.g., the iPRSP, and with key institutions eg GRC, MoD, BIN, NSA, LNP, AFL, the Legislature, the Executive Mansion, etc.
• Liaise with government counterparts, UN agencies, national and international NGOs, civil society, etc on issues relevant to the Pillar
• Establish and maintain a register (including organization name, designated contact, telephone and an e-mail-group) of key partners including Government, UN agencies, NGOs and civil society organizations
• Coordinating and supporting communication advocacy and outreach activities of the Pillar, using electronic and print media
• Representing the Pillar Focal Point and/or Chair in relevant forums, training initiatives, seminars and workshops relevant to the work of the Pillar
• Participate in any working groups, committees or task forces established in furtherance of the work of the pillar
• Provide high quality reporting on the activities of the Pillar through briefing notes, assessment reports, and documenting the Pillar’s input into national processes and frameworks
• Perform any other tasks as requested by the Pillar Focal point and/or Chair in furtherance of the Pillar’s mandate

Educational Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in the social sciences with emphasis on Political Science, Criminal Justice/Criminology, law or any related field
• At least 10 years’ professional, relevant, experience, including experience in a managerial/supervisory and/or coordination role
• Proven experience and expertise in the security sector and/or law in post-conflict situations will be preferred
• Excellent report-writing skills; excellent command of MS Office applications
• Fluency in the English language. Working knowledge of a second UN language an added advantage.

Competencies

• Mature personality, capable of handling sensitive situations, and good contacts within government and amongst partners in Liberia’s political context
• Dedication to the principles of ensuring national and individual human security while complying with human rights principles and ability to work within diverse and multicultural teams
• Proven experience in project management and organization skills
• Excellent communication skills; team player and self-starter
• Ability to work under pressure and to meet strict deadlines

Email application to this vacancy should be sent to vacancies.lr@undp.org. Please insert Vacancy Announcement Number in the Subject of the email or written application. Applications without the Vacancy Announcement Number or with the incorrect Vacancy Announcement Number will not be accepted. Attach photocopies of qualifications (i.e. technical certificates and academicals) and a one-page cover letter indicating your interest and suitability for the position.

Please note that applications received after the closing date will not be considered. Only short-listed applicants will be contacted for an interview.

Please forward all written applications to:

Deputy Resident Representative (Operations)
Attention: HR Unit
United Nations Development Programme
Simpson Apartment, Mamba Point
Monrovia, Liberia

cc: All UN Agencies and UNDP Programmes/Projects and All Counties

 

 

 

 

Note: All applications/queries must be addressed to: vacancies.lr@undp.org
Also you can download the P11 Form here