This position is located in the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) in Juba/Yei. The incumbent will report to the Head of Field Office, Central Equatoria State, Juba or to the designated official.

Within delegated authority, the Liaison Assistant at G4 level is responsible for the following duties: •Coordinate the gathering of information on local perceptions of communities on needs, concerns and aspirations with regards to the creation of conditions for sustainable peace; •Coordinate information sharing on local conflict dynamics between the military component, local authorities and communities; •Coordinate the setting up of communication networks and forums to increase the mission communication and interactions with local people, including through the support to outreach activities; •Follow up on the implementation of early warning mechanisms and ensuring the smooth functioning of these with a view to facilitating the mission response to protection alerts; •Provide advice and early warning on protection threats and trends; including, with regard to sexual violence and child recruitment; •Liaise with military, humanitarian local authorities and communities in order to update and implement contingency protection plans; •Contribute towards the promotion of social cohesion in communities through sensitization sessions, and the empowerment of local community initiatives that result in cohesion and peace within communities; •Report emerging humanitarian needs to the coordinators as appropriate; •Document accurately local political, socio-economic conflict-related developments as well as more specifically protection threats, trends and activities to update the protection database of the mission; •Facilitate communication between mission staff and the local communities and translate official documents from one language to another with clarity and precision; •Assist Civilian and Military Personnel in their field activities, including patrols, capacity-building efforts and interaction settings with local authorities and communities. •Performs other related duties as required.

Professionalism: Knowledge of internal policies, processes and procedures related to protection of civilians, disarmament, conflict resolution or peace building and/or humanitarian related fields. 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. Client Orientation: Providing support, advice or guidance to internal or external clients; Liaising with internal or external clients to identify their needs, building partnerships internally or externally, Representing the UN externally.

High school diploma or equivalent is required.

Training in communication, community work, project monitoring, logistical, administrative issues is desirable.

At least three (3) years of related work experience in providing support work for protection of civilians, disarmament, conflict resolution or peace building and/or humanitarian related work with NGOs, civil society organizations is required. The minimum year of relevant experience is reduced to one (1) for candidates who possess a first-level university degree or higher. Experience in conflict management and support to state institutions is required. Knowledge of fundamental human rights, local legal principles and institutional framework, good understanding of mission mandate and ability to gather, verify and evaluate information from a variety of sources is desirable.

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of local languages spoken by the communities in the given duty station is desirable.

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

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