Org. Setting and Reporting This position is located in the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA) in Libreville, Gabon. Libreville is classified as a "A" hardship duty station and a family duty station. The incumbent reports to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNOCA.
UNOCA covers the countries of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), namely: Angola, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Rwanda and Sao Tome and Principe. Read about the mandate on https://unoca.unmissions.org/The Chief of Staff (COS) is responsible for ensuring the integrated and coherent functioning of the mission across all areas, components and locations.
To that effect the Chief of Staff oversees the core mechanisms and processes that enable the integrated delivery of UNOCA's mandate in particular strategic and operational planning, policy and coordination, senior-level decision - making and information management. The Chief of Staff may be requested to perform other relevant duties, as required.
Responsibilities Within delegated authority, the Chief of Staff will be responsible for the following duties: Management : Ensures the effective direction and integrated management of all the mission's activities in line with the strategic vision and guidance of the SRSG. Oversees the internal management of the mission on behalf of the SRSG, including the development of advice on and promotion of policies on management issues, including risk management.
Facilitates the translation of policy intent and highlevel direction of mission leadership into viable tasks and works with components to ensure their effective implementation. Directs and oversees core integrated processes and mechanisms that enable the integrated delivery of the mission's mandate, including programme management, information management and crisis management. Holds the overall management responsibility for and oversees the work of the staff working in the office of the SRSG, as appropriate.
Serves as the focal point in the Office of the SRSG for all sensitive personnel and management issues, as well as for contacts with the Office of Internal Oversight Services and the Resident Auditor. Serves as interface between the Office of SRSG and the Mission Support component on all personnel matters and oversees the recruitment of senior mission management appointments. Planning and budgeting.
Oversees Mission-wide planning processes, ensuring coherence is maintained between mandated tasks, component plans/concepts of operations as required by policies, guidelines and best practices on planning. Ensures the proper conduct of processes critical to the delivery of mandate implementation, particularly strategic planning, policy coordination and senior level decision making.
The Chief of Staff also ensures a clear understanding between substantive priorities and support capacities; and liaises with all components to advise and ensure the use of the best methods for achieving the objectives and priorities of the mission. Facilitates the translation of policy intent and high-level direction by the SRSG into viable work plans, and works with components to ensure the implementation of those work plans.
In coordination with the Chief Mission Support, ensures an integrated approach to the results-based budget process, including alignment with strategic and operational plans and adequate provisions to meet resource requirements, and oversees the process as it relates to substantive mission components. Periodically reviews, with the mission leadership team, the delivery of component work plans, identifying necessary adjustments to mission plans and/or revised assumptions, as appropriate. Policy.
Provides guidance on United Nations policies and procedures. Coordinates the development and implementation of cross-cutting and management policies among the various components of the Mission. Ensures that advice and information on crosscutting issues is coordinated with all relevant components of the Mission prior to submission to the SRSG. Reporting, communications and information management.
Ensures effective functioning of coherent communications structures and systems and serves as the focal point for communication with United Nations Headquarters in New York.. Oversees mission-wide, integrated procedures and systems for information analysis and management, including intra-mission information sharing, reporting requirements, security classification, records management and publication of Intranet content.
Oversees the implementation of knowledge management approaches throughout the mission, such as handover notes, after-action reviews and end-of-assignment reports. Protocol. In close consultation with the SRSG and Chief Mission Support, facilitates discussions between the mission and national government on issues related to UNOCA's functions Advises the SRSG on protocol matters and supervises and provides guidance on the preparation and coordination of official visits. Performs other duties as required.
Competencies Professionalism: Demonstrated in-depth knowledge of the strategic direction of a peacekeeping mission and its operations, and understanding of the political, social and economic environment and their impact on the implementation of a mission's mandate. Expert knowledge of conduct and discipline issues in general and in the specific areas being supervised, and their relationship and linkages to the broader post-conflict recovery framework and initiatives.
Demonstrated in-depth understanding of peacekeeping operations generally and issues affecting personnel, human rights and legal issues more specifically. Substantial and diverse experience in all facets of the job. Ability to communicate CDT's goals in the context of the mission's strategic direction and to partner with civil society and relevant officials in the host country. Ability to transform mandate objectives into a results oriented work programme and manage the same.
Demonstrated capacity for intellectual leadership; conceptual and strategic analytical capacity; and ability to thoroughly analyze and evaluate critical matters pertaining to a broad spectrum of conduct and discipline issues/problems. Demonstrated capacity for original and creative thinking, independent judgment and discretion in advising on and handling major policy, project and other sensitive and confidential issues/problems.
Strong negotiating skills and ability to influence others to reach agreement on difficult issues. Ability to produce reports and papers on technical issues and to review and edit the work of others. Ability to work under extreme pressure, on occasion in a highly stressful environment. Knowledge of institutional mandates, policies and guidelines related to conduct and discipline and seasoned knowledge of the institutions of the UN system.
Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations.
Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
Judgement/Decision-making: Identifies the key issues in a complex situation, and comes to the heart of the problem quickly; gathers relevant information before making a decision; considers positive and negative impacts of decisions prior to making them; takes decisions with an eye to the impact on others and on the Organization; proposes a course of action or makes a recommendation based on all available information; checks assumptions against facts; determines that the actions proposed will satisfy the expressed and underlying needs for the decision; makes tough decisions when necessary.
Leadership Serves as a role model that other people want to follow; empowers others to translate vision into results; is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support; anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions; drives for change and improvements; does not accept the status quo; shows the courage to take unpopular stands.
Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing.
Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
Planning and Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.
Education Advance university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in one of the following disciplines: international relations, political science, business administration, public administration, management, law, or military studies. A first university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advance university degree.
Job Specific Qualifications Work Experience A minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible experience in such areas as: political, social, civil, military or legal affairs; public or business administration; or management is required. A proven track record of leadership and management in multicultural settings, including coordination of interdisciplinary teams is required.
Experience serving in a senior advisory or managerial capacity at the United Nations Headquarters or a United Nations field operation is desirable. A minimum of 2 years of progressively responsible experience in UN or comparable international organization with volatile security environment is desirable. Experience in UN or comparable international organization budgetary processes including the preparation of budget related responses to legislative bodies is desirable.
Languages English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat; For the position(s) advertised, fluency in both English and French is required. Assessment Previously rostered candidates are not subject to any further assessment and as such, will not be invited for such an assessment. Special Notice This "Recruit from Roster" job opening is only open to roster applicants who are already placed on pre-approved rosters, following a review by a United Nations Central Review Body.
Only roster applicants who were placed on rosters with similar functions at the same level are considered to be eligible candidates. Eligible applicants receive an email inviting them to apply. Rostered applicants are encouraged to apply only if they are interested and available to take up the position at the duty station/s specified in the Job Opening. Applying to this job opening carries an expectation to accept the offer, if selected.
United Nations Considerations According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.
Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts.
The term "sexual exploitation" means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term "sexual abuse" means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions.
The term "sexual harassment" means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator's working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment.
Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process.
By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary- General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c).
Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions.
Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on "Manuals" in the "Help" tile of the inspira account-holder homepage.
The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines.
Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application.
Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date. 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 Competencies Professionalism: Demonstrated in-depth knowledge of the strategic direction of a peacekeeping /political mission and its operations, and understanding of the political, social and economic environment and their impact on the implementation of a mission's mandate.
Expert knowledge of governance, political analysis, in general and in the specific areas being supervised, and their relationship and linkages to the broader post-conflict recovery framework and initiatives. Professionalism: Demonstrated in-depth knowledge of the strategic direction of a peacekeeping mission and its operations, and understanding of the political, social and economic environment and their impact on the implementation of a mission's mandate.
Expert knowledge of conduct and discipline issues in general and in the specific areas being supervised, and their relationship and linkages to the broader post-conflict recovery framework and initiatives. Demonstrated in-depth understanding of peacekeeping operations generally and issues affecting personnel, human rights and legal issues more specifically. Substantial and diverse experience in all facets of the job.
Ability to communicate CDT's goals in the context of the mission's strategic direction and to partner with civil society and relevant officials in the host country. Ability to transform mandate objectives into a results oriented work programme and manage the same. Demonstrated capacity for intellectual leadership; conceptual and strategic analytical capacity; and ability to thoroughly analyze and evaluate critical matters pertaining to a broad spectrum of conduct and discipline issues/problems.
Demonstrated capacity for original and creative thinking, independent judgment and discretion in advising on and handling major policy, project and other sensitive and confidential issues/problems. Strong negotiating skills and ability to influence others to reach agreement on difficult issues. Ability to produce reports and papers on technical issues and to review and edit the work of others. Ability to work under extreme pressure, on occasion in a highly stressful environment.
Knowledge of institutional mandates, policies and guidelines related to conduct and discipline and seasoned knowledge of the institutions of the UN system.
Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations.
Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
Judgement/Decision-making: Identifies the key issues in a complex situation, and comes to the heart of the problem quickly; gathers relevant information before making a decision; considers positive and negative impacts of decisions prior to making them; takes decisions with an eye to the impact on others and on the Organization; proposes a course of action or makes a recommendation based on all available information; checks assumptions against facts; determines that the actions proposed will satisfy the expressed and underlying needs for the decision; makes tough decisions when necessary.
Leadership Serves as a role model that other people want to follow; empowers others to translate vision into results; is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support; anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions; drives for change and improvements; does not accept the status quo; shows the courage to take unpopular stands.
Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing.
Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
Planning and Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.Demonstrated in-depth understanding of peacesupport operations generally and issues affecting personnel, human rights and legal issues more specifically.
Substantial and diverse experience in all facets of the job. Ability to communicate goals in the context of the mission's strategic direction and to partner with civil society and relevant officials in the host country. Ability to transform mandate objectives into a results oriented work programme and manage the same. Demonstrated capacity for intellectual leadership; conceptual and strategic analytical capacity; and ability to thoroughly analyze and evaluate critical matters pertaining to the missions mandae.
Demonstrated capacity for original and creative thinking, independent judgment and discretion in advising on and handling major policy, project and other sensitive and confidential issues/problems. Strong negotiating skills and ability to influence others to reach agreement on difficult issues. Ability to produce reports and papers on technical issues and to review and edit the work of others. Ability to work under extreme pressure, on occasion in a highly stressful environment.
Knowledge of institutional mandates, policies and guidelines. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations.
Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
Judgement/Decision-making: Identifies the key issues in a complex situation, and comes to the heart of the problem quickly; gathers relevant information before making a decision; considers positive and negative impacts of decisions prior to making them; takes decisions with an eye to the impact on others and on the Organization; proposes a course of action or makes a recommendation based on all available information; checks assumptions against facts; determines that the actions proposed will satisfy the expressed and underlying needs for the decision; makes tough decisions when necessary.
Leadership Serves as a role model that other people want to follow; empowers others to translate vision into results; is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support; anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions; drives for change and improvements; does not accept the status quo; shows the courage to take unpopular stands.
Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing.
Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
Planning and Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.
Education Advance university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in one of the following disciplines: international relations, political science, business administration, public administration, management, governance, law, or military studies. A first university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advance university degree. Job - Specific Qualification Not available.
Work Experience A minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible experience in such areas as: political, social, civil, military or legal affairs; public or business administration; or management is required A proven track record of leadership and management in multicultural settings, including coordination of interdisciplinary teams is required. Experience serving in a senior advisory or managerial capacity at the United Nations Headquarters or a United Nations field operation is desirable.
Experience in UN or comparable international organization budgetary processes including the preparation of budget related responses to legislative bodies is desirable. A minimum of 2 years of progressively responsible experience in UN or comparable international organization with volatile security environment is desirable. Languages English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English and French are required.
The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details). .headtable { font-family: arial, sans-serif; border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; border: 1px solid gray; border-radius: 10px; overflow: hidden; } .headTitle { font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; /*color: rgb(65, 98, 145);*/ color:black; } .headtable tr td, .headtable tr th { text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; padding: 6px; } .headtable th{ background-color: #F4F4F4; color: #002d62; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; padding: 12px; border-right: 1px solid #ccc; } .headtable td { text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; background-color: white; border-top: 1px solid #ccc; border-right: 1px solid #ccc; } .headtable th:last-child, .headtable td:last-child { border-right: none; } .headtable tr:last-child td { border-bottom: none; } .rounded-table-wrapper { border-radius: 12px; border: 1px solid #ccc; overflow: hidden; } Required Languages Language Reading Writing Listening Speaking English UN Level II UN Level II UN Level II UN Level II French UN Level I UN Level I UN Level I UN Level I Assessment Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.
Special Notice • This position is temporarily available until 31 July 2027. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment. • While this temporary assignment may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, the selection for this position is for a limited period and has no bearing on the future incumbency of the post.
• Subject to the funding source of the position, the eligibility for this temporary job opening may be limited to candidates based at the duty station. • Staff members of the United Nations common system organizations who will reach the mandatory age of separation or retirement within the duration of the current temporary need period are not eligible to apply. Submitting an application or selection for the current temporary job opening does not delay or increase the mandatory age of separation.
• Retirees above the mandatory age of separation who wish to be considered for the current temporary job opening must indicate the reason for their last separation as "retirement."
Such retirees shall not be employed by the Organization, unless (a) the operational requirements of the Organization cannot be met by staff members who are qualified and available to perform the required functions; and (b) the proposed employment would not adversely affect the career development or redeployment opportunities of other staff members and represents both a cost-effective and operationally sound solution to meet the needs of the service.
Please note that pursuant to the Staff selection system policy (ST/AI/2025/2): (1) Applicants for positions in the Field Service category cannot be of the nationality of the country where the position is located, and (2) Applicants for positions in the Professional and higher categories in a mission, field operation, or resident coordinator’s office cannot be of the nationality of the country where the position is located.
For currently serving staff of a United Nations Common System organization, only the UN-recognized nationality will be considered for the purposes of these restrictions. United Nations Considerations According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.
Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts.
The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions.
The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment.
Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process.
By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c).
Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions.
Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile of the inspira account-holder homepage.
The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines.
Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application.
All external candidates recruited in accordance with section 2.2 (a) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment without limitation and all external candidates recruited in accordance with section 2.2. (c) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment limited to the entity are subject to an initial probationary period of one year under a fixed-term appointment. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.
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.
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Org. Setting and Reporting This position is located in the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA) in Libreville, Gabon. Libreville is classified as a "A" hardship duty station and a family duty station. The incumbent reports to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNOCA. UNOCA covers the countries of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), namely: Angola, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Rwanda and Sao Tome and Principe. Read about the mandate on https://unoca.unmissions.org/ The Chief of Staff (COS) is responsible for ensuring the integrated and coherent functioning of the mission across all areas, components and locations. To that effect the Chief of Staff oversees the core mechanisms and processes that enable the integrated delivery of UNOCA's mandate in particular strategic and operational planning, policy and coordination, senior-level decision - making and information management. The Chief of Staff may be requested to perform other relevant duties, as required. Responsibilities Within delegated authority, the Chief of Staff will be responsible for the following duties: Management : Ensures the effective direction and integrated management of all the mission's activities in line with the strategic vision and guidance of the SRSG. Oversees the internal management of the mission on behalf of the SRSG, including the development of advice on and promotion of policies on management issues, including risk management. Facilitates the translation of policy intent and highlevel direction of mission leadership into viable tasks and works with components to ensure their effective implementation. Directs and oversees core integrated processes and mechanisms that enable the integrated delivery of the mission's mandate, including programme management, information management and crisis management. Holds the overall management responsibility for and oversees the work of the staff working in the office of the SRSG, as appropriate. Serves as the focal point in the Office of the SRSG for all sensitive personnel and management issues, as well as for contacts with the Office of Internal Oversight Services and the Resident Auditor. Serves as interface between the Office of SRSG and the Mission Support component on all personnel matters and oversees the recruitment of senior mission management appointments. Planning and budgeting. Oversees Mission-wide planning processes, ensuring coherence is maintained between mandated tasks, component plans/concepts of operations as required by policies, guidelines and best practices on planning. Ensures the proper conduct of processes critical to the delivery of mandate implementation, particularly strategic planning, policy coordination and senior level decision making. The Chief of Staff also ensures a clear understanding between substantive priorities and support capacities; and liaises with all components to advise and ensure the use of the best methods for achieving the objectives and priorities of the mission. Facilitates the translation of policy intent and high-level direction by the SRSG into viable work plans, and works with components to ensure the implementation of those work plans. In coordination with the Chief Mission Support, ensures an integrated approach to the results-based budget process, including alignment with strategic and operational plans and adequate provisions to meet resource requirements, and oversees the process as it relates to substantive mission components. Periodically reviews, with the mission leadership team, the delivery of component work plans, identifying necessary adjustments to mission plans and/or revised assumptions, as appropriate. Policy. Provides guidance on United Nations policies and procedures. Coordinates the development and implementation of cross-cutting and management policies among the various components of the Mission. Ensures that advice and information on crosscutting issues is coordinated with all relevant components of the Mission prior to submission to the SRSG. Reporting, communications and information management. Ensures effective functioning of coherent communications structures and systems and serves as the focal point for communication with United Nations Headquarters in New York.. Oversees mission-wide, integrated procedures and systems for information analysis and management, including intra-mission information sharing, reporting requirements, security classification, records management and publication of Intranet content. Oversees the implementation of knowledge management approaches throughout the mission, such as handover notes, after-action reviews and end-of-assignment reports. Protocol. In close consultation with the SRSG and Chief Mission Support, facilitates discussions between the mission and national government on issues related to UNOCA's functions Advises the SRSG on protocol matters and supervises and provides guidance on the preparation and coordination of official visits. Performs other duties as required. Competencies Professionalism: Demonstrated in-depth knowledge of the strategic direction of a peacekeeping mission and its operations, and understanding of the political, social and economic environment and their impact on the implementation of a mission's mandate. Expert knowledge of conduct and discipline issues in general and in the specific areas being supervised, and their relationship and linkages to the broader post-conflict recovery framework and initiatives. Demonstrated in-depth understanding of peacekeeping operations generally and issues affecting personnel, human rights and legal issues more specifically. Substantial and diverse experience in all facets of the job. Ability to communicate CDT's goals in the context of the mission's strategic direction and to partner with civil society and relevant officials in the host country. Ability to transform mandate objectives into a results oriented work programme and manage the same. Demonstrated capacity for intellectual leadership; conceptual and strategic analytical capacity; and ability to thoroughly analyze and evaluate critical matters pertaining to a broad spectrum of conduct and discipline issues/problems. Demonstrated capacity for original and creative thinking, independent judgment and discretion in advising on and handling major policy, project and other sensitive and confidential issues/problems. Strong negotiating skills and ability to influence others to reach agreement on difficult issues. Ability to produce reports and papers on technical issues and to review and edit the work of others. Ability to work under extreme pressure, on occasion in a highly stressful environment. Knowledge of institutional mandates, policies and guidelines related to conduct and discipline and seasoned knowledge of the institutions of the UN system. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Judgement/Decision-making: Identifies the key issues in a complex situation, and comes to the heart of the problem quickly; gathers relevant information before making a decision; considers positive and negative impacts of decisions prior to making them; takes decisions with an eye to the impact on others and on the Organization; proposes a course of action or makes a recommendation based on all available information; checks assumptions against facts; determines that the actions proposed will satisfy the expressed and underlying needs for the decision; makes tough decisions when necessary. Leadership Serves as a role model that other people want to follow; empowers others to translate vision into results; is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support; anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions; drives for change and improvements; does not accept the status quo; shows the courage to take unpopular stands. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing. Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. Planning and Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently. Education Advance university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in one of the following disciplines: international relations, political science, business administration, public administration, management, law, or military studies. A first university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advance university degree. Job Specific Qualifications Work Experience A minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible experience in such areas as: political, social, civil, military or legal affairs; public or business administration; or management is required. A proven track record of leadership and management in multicultural settings, including coordination of interdisciplinary teams is required. Experience serving in a senior advisory or managerial capacity at the United Nations Headquarters or a United Nations field operation is desirable. A minimum of 2 years of progressively responsible experience in UN or comparable international organization with volatile security environment is desirable. Experience in UN or comparable international organization budgetary processes including the preparation of budget related responses to legislative bodies is desirable. Languages English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat; For the position(s) advertised, fluency in both English and French is required. Assessment Previously rostered candidates are not subject to any further assessment and as such, will not be invited for such an assessment. Special Notice This "Recruit from Roster" job opening is only open to roster applicants who are already placed on pre-approved rosters, following a review by a United Nations Central Review Body. Only roster applicants who were placed on rosters with similar functions at the same level are considered to be eligible candidates. Eligible applicants receive an email inviting them to apply. Rostered applicants are encouraged to apply only if they are interested and available to take up the position at the duty station/s specified in the Job Opening. Applying to this job opening carries an expectation to accept the offer, if selected. United Nations Considerations According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term "sexual exploitation" means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term "sexual abuse" means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term "sexual harassment" means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator's working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary- General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on "Manuals" in the "Help" tile of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date. 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 Competencies Professionalism: Demonstrated in-depth knowledge of the strategic direction of a peacekeeping /political mission and its operations, and understanding of the political, social and economic environment and their impact on the implementation of a mission's mandate. Expert knowledge of governance, political analysis, in general and in the specific areas being supervised, and their relationship and linkages to the broader post-conflict recovery framework and initiatives. Professionalism: Demonstrated in-depth knowledge of the strategic direction of a peacekeeping mission and its operations, and understanding of the political, social and economic environment and their impact on the implementation of a mission's mandate. Expert knowledge of conduct and discipline issues in general and in the specific areas being supervised, and their relationship and linkages to the broader post-conflict recovery framework and initiatives. Demonstrated in-depth understanding of peacekeeping operations generally and issues affecting personnel, human rights and legal issues more specifically. Substantial and diverse experience in all facets of the job. Ability to communicate CDT's goals in the context of the mission's strategic direction and to partner with civil society and relevant officials in the host country. Ability to transform mandate objectives into a results oriented work programme and manage the same. Demonstrated capacity for intellectual leadership; conceptual and strategic analytical capacity; and ability to thoroughly analyze and evaluate critical matters pertaining to a broad spectrum of conduct and discipline issues/problems. Demonstrated capacity for original and creative thinking, independent judgment and discretion in advising on and handling major policy, project and other sensitive and confidential issues/problems. Strong negotiating skills and ability to influence others to reach agreement on difficult issues. Ability to produce reports and papers on technical issues and to review and edit the work of others. Ability to work under extreme pressure, on occasion in a highly stressful environment. Knowledge of institutional mandates, policies and guidelines related to conduct and discipline and seasoned knowledge of the institutions of the UN system. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Judgement/Decision-making: Identifies the key issues in a complex situation, and comes to the heart of the problem quickly; gathers relevant information before making a decision; considers positive and negative impacts of decisions prior to making them; takes decisions with an eye to the impact on others and on the Organization; proposes a course of action or makes a recommendation based on all available information; checks assumptions against facts; determines that the actions proposed will satisfy the expressed and underlying needs for the decision; makes tough decisions when necessary. Leadership Serves as a role model that other people want to follow; empowers others to translate vision into results; is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support; anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions; drives for change and improvements; does not accept the status quo; shows the courage to take unpopular stands. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing. Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. Planning and Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.Demonstrated in-depth understanding of peacesupport operations generally and issues affecting personnel, human rights and legal issues more specifically. Substantial and diverse experience in all facets of the job. Ability to communicate goals in the context of the mission's strategic direction and to partner with civil society and relevant officials in the host country. Ability to transform mandate objectives into a results oriented work programme and manage the same. Demonstrated capacity for intellectual leadership; conceptual and strategic analytical capacity; and ability to thoroughly analyze and evaluate critical matters pertaining to the missions mandae. Demonstrated capacity for original and creative thinking, independent judgment and discretion in advising on and handling major policy, project and other sensitive and confidential issues/problems. Strong negotiating skills and ability to influence others to reach agreement on difficult issues. Ability to produce reports and papers on technical issues and to review and edit the work of others. Ability to work under extreme pressure, on occasion in a highly stressful environment. Knowledge of institutional mandates, policies and guidelines. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Judgement/Decision-making: Identifies the key issues in a complex situation, and comes to the heart of the problem quickly; gathers relevant information before making a decision; considers positive and negative impacts of decisions prior to making them; takes decisions with an eye to the impact on others and on the Organization; proposes a course of action or makes a recommendation based on all available information; checks assumptions against facts; determines that the actions proposed will satisfy the expressed and underlying needs for the decision; makes tough decisions when necessary. Leadership Serves as a role model that other people want to follow; empowers others to translate vision into results; is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support; anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions; drives for change and improvements; does not accept the status quo; shows the courage to take unpopular stands. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing. Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. Planning and Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently. Education Advance university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in one of the following disciplines: international relations, political science, business administration, public administration, management, governance, law, or military studies. A first university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advance university degree. Job - Specific Qualification Not available. Work Experience A minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible experience in such areas as: political, social, civil, military or legal affairs; public or business administration; or management is required A proven track record of leadership and management in multicultural settings, including coordination of interdisciplinary teams is required. Experience serving in a senior advisory or managerial capacity at the United Nations Headquarters or a United Nations field operation is desirable. Experience in UN or comparable international organization budgetary processes including the preparation of budget related responses to legislative bodies is desirable. A minimum of 2 years of progressively responsible experience in UN or comparable international organization with volatile security environment is desirable. Languages English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English and French are required. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details). .headtable { font-family: arial, sans-serif; border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; border: 1px solid gray; border-radius: 10px; overflow: hidden; } .headTitle { font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; /*color: rgb(65, 98, 145);*/ color:black; } .headtable tr td, .headtable tr th { text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; padding: 6px; } .headtable th{ background-color: #F4F4F4; color: #002d62; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; padding: 12px; border-right: 1px solid #ccc; } .headtable td { text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; background-color: white; border-top: 1px solid #ccc; border-right: 1px solid #ccc; } .headtable th:last-child, .headtable td:last-child { border-right: none; } .headtable tr:last-child td { border-bottom: none; } .rounded-table-wrapper { border-radius: 12px; border: 1px solid #ccc; overflow: hidden; } Required Languages Language Reading Writing Listening Speaking English UN Level II UN Level II UN Level II UN Level II French UN Level I UN Level I UN Level I UN Level I Assessment Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview. Special Notice • This position is temporarily available until 31 July 2027. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment. • While this temporary assignment may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, the selection for this position is for a limited period and has no bearing on the future incumbency of the post. • Subject to the funding source of the position, the eligibility for this temporary job opening may be limited to candidates based at the duty station. • Staff members of the United Nations common system organizations who will reach the mandatory age of separation or retirement within the duration of the current temporary need period are not eligible to apply. Submitting an application or selection for the current temporary job opening does not delay or increase the mandatory age of separation. • Retirees above the mandatory age of separation who wish to be considered for the current temporary job opening must indicate the reason for their last separation as "retirement." Such retirees shall not be employed by the Organization, unless (a) the operational requirements of the Organization cannot be met by staff members who are qualified and available to perform the required functions; and (b) the proposed employment would not adversely affect the career development or redeployment opportunities of other staff members and represents both a cost-effective and operationally sound solution to meet the needs of the service. Please note that pursuant to the Staff selection system policy (ST/AI/2025/2): (1) Applicants for positions in the Field Service category cannot be of the nationality of the country where the position is located, and (2) Applicants for positions in the Professional and higher categories in a mission, field operation, or resident coordinator’s office cannot be of the nationality of the country where the position is located. For currently serving staff of a United Nations Common System organization, only the UN-recognized nationality will be considered for the purposes of these restrictions. United Nations Considerations According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. All external candidates recruited in accordance with section 2.2 (a) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment without limitation and all external candidates recruited in accordance with section 2.2. (c) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment limited to the entity are subject to an initial probationary period of one year under a fixed-term appointment. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date. 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.