Military Advisor

Position description

This position is located in the Peace Missions Support Section (PMSS), Field Operations and Technical Cooperation Division (FOTCD), of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, (OHCHR), based in New York. The incumbent works under the overall guidance of the Chief of PMSS and direct supervision of the Team Leader for Regional Partnerships on Peace and Security (RPPS). 

Responsibilities 

Within delegated authority, the Military Adviser will be responsible for the following duties: 
 

• Collects and analyses information to assist RPPS and advise the Chief of PMSS on security sector and military-related matters;
• Produces mapping and analysis of state military structures, including para-military units, and the structure of armed groups; order of battles; de facto and de jure command responsibility, troop movements; relationship between security institutions and militias, and other State institutions; this includes assessments of operating environments; 
• Advises OHCHR/PMSS on military aspects of mechanisms and measures established by UN and non-UN peace operations to ensure compliance with international human rights and humanitarian law and prevent and address human rights/IHL violations by peacekeepers; maintains up-to-date knowledge of the existing mechanisms for compliance, such as the Civilian Casualty Tracking Analysis and Response Cell (CCTARC), Civilian Casualties Identification, Tracking and Analysis Cell (CITAC) and other mechanisms and provides technical advice on comprehensive ways to strengthen these mechanisms; 
• Advises OHCHR/PMSS on the identification of effective, feasible and adequate mitigatory measures to be established for specific military operations, in the context of the UN Human Rights Due Diligence Policy (HRDDP); 
• Provides timely and sound military advice to the Chief of PMSS or other OHCHR officials, as needed, on operational and human rights issues associated with planning for potential and current UN peace operations as well as those of regional organizations and other UN partners;
• Develops operational concepts to integrate OHCHR strategies into military, police and security planning processes (Strategic and Operational Estimates, Concepts of Operations, Operational Plans and Contingency Plans) and represents OHCHR-PMSS in various ad-hoc inter-departmental committees, working groups and task forces. Supports OHCHR-PMSS to integrate human rights / IHL in technical military documents or policies and regulations;

- Establishes appropriate liaison with the military officers of Troop- and Police-Contributing Countries (T/PCCs) and other Permanent Missions to the UN, as well as the relevant offices within the UN, including the Office of Military Affairs and the Office of Rule of Law and Security Institutions/Department of Peace Operations; 

• Works proactively to identify and build networks with security structures; provides advice to security forces on gathering information on alleged perpetrators of human rights and international humanitarian law violations;
• Participates in the development of RPPS and PMSS strategies and plans; participates in relevant missions to the field; 
• Ensures that a gender perspective is integrated at all areas of responsibility;
• Performs other duties as required. 

Competencies 

PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of military structures, both State and non-state, security sector reform and international humanitarian law. Ability to apply military expertise to human rights and international humanitarian law. Strong analytical skills and ability to conduct comprehensive military research on complex issues. Good understanding of contemporary international relations and of the UN system, organization and interrelationships. 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. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

TEAMWORK: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals. Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others. Places team agenda before personal agenda. Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position. Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

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 

Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent degree) in military law, security management, security studies, military studies or related disciplines. Additional studies in human rights and humanitarian law is desirable. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. A graduate degree from a National Command and Staff College or National War/Defense College in combination with two additional years of qualifying work experience may also be considered in lieu of the first/advance level university degree. 

 

Work Experience 

A minimum of (7) years of progressively responsible experience in the military, police or related area, with a national or international security force, is required.

Experience in applying human rights law and international humanitarian law, in the context of security operations, is required.

Military Operational experience is desirable.

Command experience is desirable.

Experience in security sector reform and/or analysis is desirable.

Experience with the United Nations common system or similar international or regional organization is desirable.

Experience working in a peacekeeping operation in a conflict zone context, is desirable 

Languages 

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency, in English, (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage. 

Assessment 

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which will be followed by competency-based interview. 

Special Notice 

Extension of the appointment is subject to extension of the mandate and/or availability of funds.

Application instructions

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