1. Background:

As political negotiations on the status of Kosovo and planning and preparations for a post-status era are well underway, the United Nations Kosovo Team (UNKT - equivalent to a UNCT) is looking into shaping its strategic role in the context of future arrangements in a post status environment. The UNKT, in partnership with a wide web of international and local interlocutors, is in the process of developing a comprehensive program, which will continue to contribute to Kosovo's long-term sustainable development in a post status environment and support the Government in this transition.

2. Job Summary:

The Transition/Political/Liaison Officer provides high quality advice and support to the UN Development Coordinator (DC) in strengthening the coordination and planning of an integrated UNKT response to the needs emerging from the transition to a post status environment.

S/he will work under the direct supervision of the DC and in collaboration with the UNKT and other relevant stakeholders.

3. Specific duties include:

* Provide strategic guidance and technical support to the DC in the assessment and analytical processes for the consolidated UNKT response to transition as well as on strategies to enhance the position of the UNKT post status.
* Represent the UNKT in selected Working Groups, Sub-Working Groups, formal and informal meetings on transition and identify emerging gaps as they relate to shaping the enhanced role of UNKT in a potential post-UNMIK environment.
* Coordinate the inputs to all working groups on transition from the respective units and UN agencies and facilitate coherent UNKT responses.
* Act as a liaison between the UNKT, UNMIK, EU institutions, the PISG and other stakeholders involved in planning for the post UNMIK arrangements in Kosovo and provide up to date information to the DC on issues relating to the transition planning of UNMIK, the Provisional Institutions for Self Government and the European Union.
* Facilitate, at the request of the DC and UNKT, consultations with UNMIK, the Government, donors or other stakeholders, and provide technical support on the external environment for policy and programme development and related strategic initiatives.
* Synthesize information flow on relevant security, humanitarian and political developments relevant to UNKT, as well as partner agencies in Serbia proper and regional countries in their role to respond to possible emergency scenarios.
* At the request of the DC, represent the UNKT in various national, regional and/or international meetings.
* Perform other related duties, as required.


4. Competencies

Communication: excellent English language skills (oral and written). Ability to generate professional high-quality documents and other policy and advocacy products under tight time constraints, and to defend and negotiate difficult issues and positions to senior staff and officials.

Teamwork: excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work as part of a multi-cultural team.

Planning and Organising: able to manage conflicting deadlines and prioritize the team's work accordingly; able to coordinate various activities such as missions, special events, etc.

Accountability: Must take full accountability for activities of the team as well as self, ensuring that the mission's goals are met in a transparent and inclusive manner.

Creativity: must be able to find creative solutions to daily issues, working within a changing work environment.

Client Orientation: This position serves the UNKT, donors, the institutions and people of Kosovo. The incumbent must be attuned to the particular needs of these institutions and Kosovo's civil society and respond accordingly.

Commitment to Continuous Learning: Must be willing to keep abreast of innovations in relevant technical fields, and communicate and integrate them into the work environment.

Technological Awareness: advanced computer and internet skills, including proficiency in word processing, spreadsheets, presentation software and other commercial software packages.

Leadership, Vision, Empowering Others, Building Trust, Managing Performance, Judgement/Decision-Making: ability to lead a diverse multi-cultural team to achieve the mission's goals while also creating a positive environment conducive to staff development, personal growth and satisfaction

5. Required Skills and Experience:

* Seven years or more of progressively responsible relevant work experience in humanitarian and development operations. At least four years of experience in the field, ideally in a post-conflict setting.
* Advanced degree in international development, law, political science, economics, management, social sciences, or other relevant field.
* Proven strategic vision and strong technical and analytical capabilities. Political judgement skills.
* Ability to network and negotiate at senior decision-making level.
* Ability to handle effectively multiple tasks without compromising quality, team spirit and positive working relationships.
* Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
* Conceptual understanding of challenges of transition and peace consolidation in a post-conflict transition setting.
* Knowledge of UN system (including of its specialised agencies) is required, direct working experience from UN is considered an asset.
* Experience from Kosovo, including intimate knowledge of PISG and international institutions is required.
* Fluency in oral and written English is essential; knowledge of local languages (Albanian & Serbian) an advantage.

Vacancies Contact
E-mail: vacancies.ks@undp.org
Subject: VA.KS.231
Reference Code: RW_79JGBW-17