About this role

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Office of the DSRSG-D/RC/HC, within the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). The incumbent will report directly to the Principal Coordination Officer. The Climate, Peace and Security Advisor (CPSA) will support UNAMA leadership, particularly the DSRSG-D/RC/HC, and the Climate, Peace and Security Unit within the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA)’s Policy and Mediation Division, in responding to emerging priorities and vulnerabilities related to climate change, environmental shocks, and natural resource management and impacts on peace and stability in Afghanistan and the region.

Responsibilities

Provide up-to-date analysis to UNAMA leadership and relevant UN offices on the interlinkages between climate change, peace, and security in Afghanistan and the region and their implications for the strategic objectives of UNAMA and relevant UN offices.
Promote coherence and integration among the Mission and relevant UN entities on climate, peace and security issues, assisting leadership in developing a common vision, objectives, and evidence-based programming.
Lead on the mainstreaming of climate-related peace and security risks into the policies, strategies, planning, and activities of UNAMA and relevant UN offices.
Enhance engagement and confidence-building measures on climate, peace and security with all relevant Afghan stakeholders, including the de facto authorities (DFA), civil society, regional actors, and the broader international community.
Support the Resident Coordinator’s Office on the integration of climate, peace and security issues into aid coordination efforts, particularly related to the work of the UNCT, the Climate, Water and Environment Task Force and the Afghanistan Water Platform.
In collaboration with relevant UN entities, identify funding gaps related to climate, environment, peace, and security issues in Afghanistan and the region and support the development of proposals for programming.
Collaborate with entities from across the UN system and other partners to identify opportunities for climate finance to support peacemaking and peacebuilding activities in Afghanistan and the region, as appropriate.
Engage relevant environmental non-governmental organizations, civil society, as well as Afghan, regional, and international stakeholders, to promote regional dialogue, technical cooperation, capacity building, and advocacy on climate, peace and security issues.
Serve as UNAMA’s focal point on climate, peace, and security, including by enhancing early warning of related risks, collecting and sharing good practices, and strengthening collaboration with the UNCT, UNRCCA, Climate Security Mechanism, regional Resident Coordinator’s Offices, and others.
Contribute to preparing strategies, reports and other research activities related to climate, peace and security in Afghanistan and the region, including Central Asia and South Asia.
Support DPPA PMD’s Climate Security Unit and the Climate Security Mechanisms with climate, peace and security efforts in Central and South Asia, as required and in coordination with UNRCCA and relevant Resident Coordinator’s Offices.
Perform other related duties as required.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM: Shows ability to complete in-depth studies and reach conclusions on possible causes and solutions to political problems in specific areas and/or countries. 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.
COMMUNICATION: 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 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.
CLIENT ORIENTATION: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree, or equivalent) in climate, environment, peace and conflict studies, security, political science, international relations, political economy, or related fields is required. A first-level degree (bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in the specified fields of studies with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

A minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in the areas of climate, peace and security, climate change, environmental governance, political affairs, diplomacy, international relations, law, conflict prevention and peacebuilding, peace and security, conflict resolution, development, or related areas is required. Extensive analytical and reporting experience on the interplay between political, security, economic, and environmental issues is required. Experience working in the areas of climate, peace and security is required. At least three years of experience working in an international organization or non-governmental organization on political and climate issues in a conflict or post-conflict setting is required. Experience drafting analytical reports for senior leadership under time constraints and in crisis settings is required. Experience in or on Afghanistan or the region is required. Experience conducting research in a field setting is desired. Proven policy, advisory, and advocacy, and inter-governmental experience and track record of engagement with senior officials in the UN, government, and external partners is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. Either Dari or Pashto is desirable.