United Nations Representative

Job Title:                                         United Nations Representative

Function:                                         Policy and Advocacy

Duty Station:                                  New York City, United States

Expected travel:                             30% travel, primarily internationally

Line Manager:                                Global Head of Policy and Advocacy

Line Management Responsibility: n/a

ABOUT US

Nonviolent Peaceforce (NP) is a dynamic, international non-governmental organization working to transform the world’s response to violent conflicts. Through our Unarmed Civilian Protection (UCP) methods, we aim to reduce violence, protect civilians, and support communities as they work to enhance their security and dignity. We work in various countries affected by violent conflict and its aftermath, partnering with affected populations to build more peaceful societies.

OVERVIEW

Nonviolent Peaceforce is seeking a dedicated, strategic, and proactive Policy and Advocacy Adviser (United Nations), based in New York. This critical role involves representing NP at the UN and with UN member states, advocating for unarmed civilian protection (UCP) and collaborating with various stakeholders to advance NP’s mission in UN settings. At a time when global approaches to peacekeeping are evolving, this position offers an opportunity to influence key decision-makers and promote civilian-centered protection in international peace and security frameworks.

The Adviser will track and analyze civilian protection issues, lead NP’s global policy and advocacy strategy at the UN, and provide technical support to Country Programme staff on key thematic and operational policy areas. The role will also involve working closely with affected communities, NP colleagues, and duty bearers to uplift civilian protection needs within UN systems.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

In this strategic and hands-on role, the Adviser will:

Advocacy and Policy Development:

• Design and implement a comprehensive and coordinated UN strategy to advance policy and funding support for civilian protection in violent settings, UCP and NP's mission.
• Advocate for the recognition and integration of civilian-led, unarmed strategies into UN policies and programs.
• Monitor and analyze UN policies, resolutions, and debates affecting NP's work.
• Draft policy briefs, position papers, and reports to inform and influence UN decision-making processes.

Representation and Networking:

• Serve as NP’s primary representative at UN Headquarters, participating in meetings, briefings, working groups, and events.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with UN agencies, member states, diplomatic missions, and civil society organizations.
• Contribute to UN working groups, committees, and coalitions relevant to NP's mission.
• Maintain an up-to-date database of advocacy contacts and networks.

Programme Support and Coordination:

• Share insights from UN policy and advocacy settings to inform NP’s practice and programs.
• Uplift empirical data and evidence from NP’s field operations in UN policy settings.
• Support NP’s field operations by facilitating communication and collaboration with UN entities.
• IIdentify partnerships and funding opportunities to enhance NP’s impact at the UN, and contribute to relevant proposal development..
• Coordinate visits and briefings for NP field staff and leadership at the UN.

Communication and Outreach:

• Raise awareness about UCP and civilian protection needs and responses through public speaking, panel discussions, and media engagements.
• Organize events, seminars, and workshops to promote NP’s mission.
• Work alongside communications colleagues to expand media coverage of NP and UCP’s relevance to the UN.

QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES

The successful candidate will demonstrate the following:

• Postgraduate degree or equivalent professional experience in international affairs, policy & advocacy, peacebuilding, conflict resolution, or related fields.
• At least 5 years of experience in international advocacy or civilian protection.
• Proven track record of engaging effectively with the UN and multilateral organizations.
• Experience in conflict-affected areas and/or UN peacekeeping operations (highly desirable).
• Proficiency in English; knowledge of other UN languages is an asset.
• Excellent analytical, presentation, and communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to meet tight deadlines.
• Culturally sensitive and capable of working in diverse teams.
• Adaptability, resourcefulness, and proactivity within a small, flexible team.

Commitment to NP Principles

The successful candidate will embody NP's core principles:

• Nonviolence
• Direct action
• Radical connection
• Process-oriented
• Independence
• Nonpartisanship
• Redemption and healing
• Pluriversality
• Accountability

These principles guide our actions and relationships as we protect civilians through unarmed strategies in violent conflicts.

APPLICATION PROCESS

• Candidates meeting the above requirements are requested to submit a resume (maximum two pages) and a cover letter (maximum one page) through our website, highlighting their relevant experience and qualifications for the role. Please note that incomplete applications will not be considered.
• The closing date for applications is 16 October 2024. However, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and a candidate may be selected before the closing date, so early submission is encouraged.
• As part of the recruitment process, shortlisted candidates will be invited to participate in an interview, which may include a technical test.

SPECIAL NOTICE

Nonviolent Peaceforce is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against based on disability.

Nonviolent Peaceforce acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of employees, contractors, volunteers, interns, communities we work with, and other stakeholders and is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities and government guidance and complies with best practices in the Humanitarian and Development sector.NP expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through our code of conduct. We prioritise ensuring that only those who share and demonstrate our values are recruited to work for us.

The post holder will undertake the appropriate level of training and is responsible for ensuring that they understand and work within the safeguarding policies of the organisation.

All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records and terrorism finance checks. NP also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.

NO FEE

We never ask for payment as part of our selection process, and we always contact candidates via our corporate accounts and platforms. If you are approached for payment, this is likely to be fraudulent. Please check whether the role you are interested in is posted here on our website.