Within delegated authority and under the supervision of the Manager of the Peacekeeping Training Unit (PTPU), in the Division of Peace, the Programme Specialist is responsible for the following duties (in compliance with the Institute’s relevant policies, guidelines, procedures, and processes):

1. Coordinating UNITAR activities related to the topic area “Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration” (DDR) by:

• Coordinating the design and development of blended training programs (online and face to face) in coordination with the members of the Integrated Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration Training Group (IDDRTG).
• Liaising with the members of the Inter-Agency Working Group on DDR (IAWG DDR).
• Liaising with the members of the Integrated Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration Training Group (IDDRTG).
• Keeping up to date the PTPU’s Manager on the work plan of the IDDRTG and enhance the relations with the IDDRTG members suggesting new strategic initiatives.
• Coordinating the project in partnership with key stakeholders, such as the UN Department of Peace Operations (DPO) and the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) aimed at developing initiatives educational material, designing, implementing, and facilitating training sessions, training of trainers and events on DDR-realted topics.Coordinating the partnership with the African Union Commission (AUC) DDR/SSR.
• Coordinating the collaboration with the World Bank (WB) on DDR-related initiatives and on conflict prevention and response mechanisms.
• Coordinating the implementation of training programs, with a focus on, but not limited to, DDR.
• Consulting and coordinating with donors and partner institutions.
• Monitoring and analysing project development and implementation. 
• Preparing and reviewing relevant documents and reports.
• Identifying problems and issues to be addressed and initiates corrective actions.
• Preparing and monitoring the projects budget.
• Ensuring follow-up activities.

2. Coordinating UNITAR activities related to the topic area “Recovery, Stabilization and Reconciliation” by:

• Coordinating the initiatives focused on Recovery, Stabilization and Reconciliation in different conflict and post-conflict contexts.
• Promote, develop, and coordinate new initiatives that apply UNITAR community-led approach focused on capacity building for local Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in different conflict and post-conflict contexts
• Coordinating the design and delivery of capacity building solutions including training (blended, online and face to face) in the framework of the initiatives in this topic area.
• Consulting and coordinating with donors and partner institutions.
• Monitoring and analysing project development and implementation. 
• Preparing and reviewing relevant documents and reports, and
• Identifying problems and issues to be addressed and initiates corrective actions.
• Preparing and monitoring the projects budget.
• Ensuring follow-up activities.

3. Coordinating UNITAR activities related to the topic area “Small Arms Control” by:

• Coordinating the collaboration with the Regional Centre on Small Arms in the Great Lakes Region, the Horn of Africa and Bordering States (RECSA).
• Coordinating the design and delivery of the training programmes in the framework of the initiatives in this topic area.
• Consulting and coordinating with donors and partner institutions.
• Monitoring and analysing project development and implementation. 
• Preparing and reviewing relevant documents and reports.
• Identifying problems and issues to be addressed and initiates corrective actions.
• Preparing and monitoring the projects budget.
• Ensuring follow-up activities.

4. Co-leading the further development of a Latin America portfolio, together with the UNITAR Division for Peace Youth and Women Empowerment Pillar by:

• Coordinating the design and delivery of the training initiatives in Latin America on youth-led conflict transformation, reconciliation, and resilience in collaboration with UNITAR Division for Peace Youth and Women Empowerment Pillar
• Building and strengthening partnerships with relevant regional and national stakeholders.

5. Identifying new project, partnerships, and funding opportunities for PTPU in the areas of peace and security, more specifically locally led recovery, resilience, stabilization, and reconstruction processes by:

• Identifying potential areas for further development and incubating new initiatives and methodologies with the goal of enhancing the diversity and effectiveness of the recovery and resilience portfolio.
• Building and strengthening partnerships with international organizations, governments, research and training institutions, CSOs and NGOs working on such topics.
• Identifying possible sources of funding leading to conceptualization of new project concepts and project proposals.

6. Support to the Manager of PTPU by:

• Providing substantive support among others through preparation of documents, briefing points and presentations.
• Delivering training courses as requested.
• Preparing various written outputs as requested.
• Performing other duties as required.

•  Team members in the Peacekeeping Training Programme Unit;
•  Officials in national governments and international organizations;
•  Local organizations.

In the execution of the above tasks, the incumbent will supervise staff, fellows, consultants/individual contractors, experts, and interns/trainees. 

• Effective support provided to training activities and in other training-related events.
• Effective advice on the direction of Unit’s activities.
• Effective promotion of Unit’s products and services.
• Effective inputs in relevant areas.
• Effective support in funding efforts.

Professionalism: Good understanding of strategies, functions and organization of projects in the areas of in post-conflict recovery and resilience, Integrated Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration; good general knowledge of the organizational structure and respective roles of partner organizations in relation to the areas outlined above; good ability to communicate and develop fruitful cooperation with partners, donors and any other relevant stakeholder; ability to accurately prepare a range of outputs and reports including training project proposals and concept notes; good ability managing training projects, from the design to the implementation, monitoring and final reporting; good ability to prepare training projects budgets; demonstrated ability to apply good judgment in the context of assignments given. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence representing the Institution and programme in project coordination groups; 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.

Planning & Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies, effective time management and ability to plan own work and the pillar’s work to meet designated deadlines. Sound skills and ability to identify priority activities and assignments and supervise colleagues; and ability to adjust 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. Advanced ability to work under pressure with frequent and tight deadlines. High level of judgment and discretion in accomplishing the job. Uses time efficiently

Communications: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately: asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed

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. Works effectively with people from all backgrounds; treats all people with dignity and respect; treats persons of any gender equally; shows respect for and understanding of diverse points of view and demonstrates this understanding in daily work and decision-making; examines own biases and behaviours to avoid stereotypical responses; does not discriminate against any individual or group.

Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honors commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.

Experience: A minimum of five years of progressive responsible experience in project or programme management in international affairs, peacebuilding and training development; advanced understanding and knowledge of human-centered, participatory, and experiential training approach. Experience with the UN Secretariat, UN Common System or other international organization is desirable.

Education:  Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in political science, human rights, international or European affairs, or a related field from an accredited academic institution.

Language: Fluent English and Spanish; fluency in one or more official UN languages is desirable.