Humanitarian Expert

Position description

Result of Service

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 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 and 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. The Panel of Experts established pursuant to Security Council resolution 2713 (2023) (“the Panel”) consists of six experts with demonstrated substantive knowledge, experience and skills in areas relevant to the implementation of the sanctions regime. The Panel acts under the direction of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 2713 (2023) concerning Al-Shabaab. The Panel’s mandate is established and can be renewed or terminated by the Security Council.

Duties and Responsibilities

Substantive

• Contribute to the monitoring of sanctions measures and investigation of alleged sanctions violations as mandated by Security Council resolutions related to peace and security in Africa in his/her area of expertise;
• Investigate potential violations of the sanctions regime as they relate to the recruitment and use of children in armed conflict, the targeting of civilians, including women and children, in armed conflict, including killing and maiming, sexual and gender-based violence, attacks on schools and hospitals as well as abduction and forced displacement, and obstructing the delivery of humanitarian assistance to Somalia, or access to, or distribution of, humanitarian assistance in Somalia;
• Contribute to reporting on any violations of the sanctions regime through reports of the Panel of Experts to the Al-Shabaab Sanctions Committee and the Security Council required under relevant Security Council resolutions, as well as any periodic briefing/reporting as requested by the Al-Shabaab Sanctions Committee;
• Contribute to the preparation of recommendations by the Panel of Experts for improved implementation of the Security Council resolutions related to peace and security in Africa, based on the Panel’s investigations, country visits and outreach activities;
• Compile information on individuals and entities that may engage in violations of the sanctions regime, especially in relation to humanitarian and human rights issues;
• Prepare and deliver briefings and presentations on the sanctions regime and the Panel’s activities;
• 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 Al-Shabaab Sanctions Committee.

Organisational

• Contribute to the preparation of a programme of work of the Panel of Experts at the outset of the mandate, which will be updated regularly and which delineates individual overall investigative priorities and case-studies, Panel’s decision-making procedures and working methods, as well as its travel schedule;
• Participate in investigative missions and bilateral consultations to gather information from government authorities, private individuals and entities, civil society, regional and sub-regional organisations and United Nations field presences;
• Participate in the Committee’s consultations and meetings, as requested;
• 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 of Experts’ 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 Senior Secretary of the Committee, the Chief of the Subsidiary Organs Branch and the Director of the Division, among others; and
• Draft and follow up on correspondence in his/her areas of responsibility.

Qualifications/special skills

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in 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 of progressively responsible experience in the relevant field is required, including a minimum of 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; and
• 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.

Languages

• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of Arabic is an advantage; and Knowledge of Somali and/or local Somali dialects is an advantage.

Application instructions

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