Humanitarian Expert

UN Secretariat; New York (NY); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

The UN Secretariat seeks an expert to join a Panel reporting to the Security Council Committee on Al-Shabaab. The role focuses on monitoring sanctions, analyzing violations, and supporting evidence‑based reporting in Somalia.

You will undertake field research, prepare briefings, and contribute to reports and recommendations to strengthen sanctions implementation and capacity‑building among Member States. Fluency in English is essential, with Arabic or Somali knowledge advantageous.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in international law, political science, international relations, law, or journalism.
• Ten years of progressively responsible experience in a relevant field, including at least three years in the field.
• Strong report-writing and field research experience.
• Experience with UN sanctions regimes and working within the UN Secretariat is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to monitoring and investigation of alleged sanctions violations as mandated by Security Council resolutions.
• Investigate potential breaches related to child recruitment, targeting of civilians, sexual and gender-based violence, and obstruction of humanitarian assistance in Somalia.
• Prepare comprehensive reports for the Al-Shabaab Sanctions Committee and the Security Council, and develop recommendations for improved sanctions implementation.
• Compile information on entities involved in violations and prepare briefings on the sanctions regime.
• Assist in strengthening Member States' capacities and participate in investigative missions and outreach.

Skills

Sanctions regime knowledge

Field research

Investigative reporting

Report writing

Interpersonal skills

UN rules and regulations

Education

Master's degree (international law / political science / IR / law / journalism)

Job description

Organizational context: The expert will join a Panel reporting to the UN Security Council Committee concerning Al-Shabaab. This role operates under the guidance of the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, specifically the Subsidiary Organs Branch. The Panel, comprising five experts, implements the sanctions regime mandated by the Security Council.

Job purpose: The purpose of this role is to contribute expertise to a UN Panel of Experts tasked with monitoring and investigating sanctions measures related to peace and security in Africa, specifically concerning Al-Shabaab. The expert will play a crucial part in assessing violations, gathering information, and contributing to reports and recommendations for the Security Council Committee. This involves in-depth investigation into areas such as the recruitment of children, targeting of civilians, sexual violence, and obstruction of humanitarian aid in Somalia. The role also involves preparing briefings, identifying capacity‑building needs for Member States, and ensuring rigorous evidence‑based reporting and due process in investigations, ultimately supporting the effective implementation of the UN sanctions regime.

Responsibilities: Key responsibilities include contributing to the monitoring and investigation of alleged sanctions violations as mandated by Security Council resolutions. This involves investigating potential breaches related to child recruitment, targeting of civilians, sexual and gender‑based violence, attacks on protected sites, and obstruction of humanitarian assistance in Somalia. The role requires contributing to comprehensive reports for the Al-Shabaab Sanctions Committee and the Security Council, and preparing recommendations for improved sanctions implementation based on investigations and outreach. Additionally, the expert will compile information on entities involved in violations, prepare and deliver briefings on the sanctions regime, and assist in strengthening Member States' capacities. The role also entails participating in investigative missions, consultations, drafting correspondence, assessing and archiving information, and submitting an end‑of‑assignment report.

Education: An advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in international law, political science, international relations, law, or journalism is required. A first‑level degree with two additional years of relevant experience may be accepted. Fluency in English is essential. Knowledge of Arabic or Somali is advantageous.

Work experience: A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in a relevant field is required, including at least three years of field experience. Significant experience in post‑conflict or transitional situations, strong field research or investigative experience, and proven experience in writing high‑quality reports are essential. Experience with UN sanctions regimes and working within the UN Secretariat is highly desirable.

Skills: Demonstrated substantive knowledge, experience, and skills relevant to sanctions regime implementation. Strong field research and investigative capabilities. Excellent report writing skills. Proven interpersonal skills in complex environments. Understanding of sanctions regimes. Ability to work under UN rules and regulations.

Required languages:

Desired languages: Arabic, Somali