Natural Resources Expert

Position description

The Panel of Experts established pursuant to Security Council resolution 2206 (2015) (“the Panel”) consists of five experts with demonstrated substantive knowledge, experience and skills in areas relevant to the implementation of the sanctions regime. The Panel’s mandate is established and can be renewed or terminated by the Security Council. The Panel acts under the direction of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 2206 (2015) concerning South Sudan.

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

Duties and Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the natural resources 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 as mandated by Security Council resolutions related to South Sudan, in his/her area of expertise;
• Undertake investigations into engagement by armed groups or criminal networks in activities that destabilize South Sudan through the illicit exploitation or trade of natural resources;
• Undertake investigations into the misappropriation and diversion of public resources which pose a risk to the peace, security and stability of South Sudan;
• Participate in investigations of alleged violations of the sanctions regime and contribute to reporting thereon through investigative reports, interim and final reports of the Panel to the Security Council (of 8,500 and 18,000 words length respectively), as well as any periodic briefing/reporting as requested by the Security Council and/or the Committee;
• Contribute to the preparation of recommendations by the Panel for improved implementation of the Security Council resolution related to South Sudan, based on the Panel’s investigations, country visits and outreach activities;
• Compile information on individuals and entities that may engage in sanctions violations;
• Prepare and deliver briefings and presentations on the sanctions regime and the Panel’s activities;
• Monitor media, including social media, on issues and cases relevant to the mandate of the Panel;
• 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, 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, abide by the provisions on advance booking of air travel.

Qualifications/special skills

An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in finance, economics, business, accountancy, political science, international relations, law, 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.

• A minimum of ten years (including a minimum of three years of field experience) of progressively responsible experience in the relevant area is required, including three years of field experience;
• 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.

Competencies

Professionalism

• Knowledge of sanctions-related issues and developments in South Sudan and the region;
• Substantive knowledge and field experience in the area of expertise;
• Strong analytical capacity and research skills;
• Ability to develop a sound investigative case study featuring corroborated information from credible sources, and ability to synthesize this information into an easily-readable case study which can be incorporated into a Panel report;
• Ability to treat sensitive or confidential information appropriately;
• Ability to work independently and resist political pressures;
• Ability to work under pressure and in dynamic situations; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results;
• 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.

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.

Communications

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

Technological awareness

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

Languages

• Fluency in English is required;
• Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

Application instructions

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