ORGANISATIONAL CONTEXT
The overall goal of the Implementation Support Unit (ISU) is to support the President, President-designate, Coordination Committee and States parties to the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM) in their implementation of the provisions of the Convention. The ISU is to demonstrate an active and strategic engagement with States parties assisting them in the furthering of the overall goals of the Convention including in partnership with other States not yet party and actors vital for the successful implementation of the Convention.
The ISU serves as the interface of States parties with the international community on issues related to the implementation of the CCM. It supports States parties in their fulfilment of obligations and responsibilities with respect to provisions of the treaty and its agreed architecture, the Coordination Committee and its various Thematic Working Groups under the lead of the thematic Coordinators.
Hosted by the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD), providing administrative support and necessary infrastructure to the unit, the ISU Director reports to the President of the Meeting of States Parties (MSP), or Review Conference (RevCon), is accountable to the States parties and will contribute to the successful implementation by States of the CCM.
Under the overall direction of the ISU Director the Implementation Support Specialist, supported by the Implementation Support Assistant will support the work of the ISU in providing substantive policy advice to the Presidency, President-Designate, Coordinators and States parties covering all aspects of the work under the CCM including in overseeing and guiding the functioning of the Convention, both in areas of management and substantive policy/programmes, and in ensuring effective coordination with the rest of the community.
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the direction of the Director of the ISU, the Implementation Support Specialist provides for team efforts on the part of the CCM ISU to support States parties to the CCM in their efforts to implement provisions of the Convention with the following main responsibility:
- Reports to the Director of the ISU and functions as Acting Director in the Director’s absence;
- Supports the Director in identifying emerging political, legal and normative developments relevant to the Convention, and in formulating responsive strategies for implementation and positioning.
- Represents the ISU-CCM in relevant technical, diplomatic or inter-agency fora as assigned by the Director, contributing to the visibility and normative positioning of the Convention.
- Assists the Coordinators in preparing and convening meetings on their various thematic responsibilities.
- Actively assists the Coordinators in their outreach and bilateral dialogue with States Parties regarding obligations to fulfil as well as with relevant organizations and institutions.
- Actively supports States in understanding the nature and extent of their obligations under the Convention and prepares proposals, in cooperation with relevant partners, for implementation of activities for achievement under the Convention.
- Actively contributes to the development and adaptation of innovative tools, formats or engagement methods to better support States Parties and strengthen the Convention’s implementation architecture.
- Actively leads on institutional knowledge management systems to capture, codify and disseminate implementation practice, and lessons learnt across States Parties. As such, establishes, actively maintains and regularly updates resource bases of available and relevant technical expertise within the various thematic areas and on request assisting States Parties to liaise with such expertise.
- Contracts relevant technical expertise in support of specific activities and projects organized by the President or the Coordinators, including development of substantive documents.
- Supervises the Implementation Support Assistant, including providing task guidance, quality assurance, and performance feedback in line with ISU workflows and expectations. Ensures that work is delivered in a timely and consistent manner and brings any recurring challenges to the attention of the Director as part of routine coordination. Establishes regular task planning and review process with the Assistant to ensure clarity of expectations and accountability; coordinates with the Director to promote a supportive and results-oriented work environment.
- Contributes to the Performance Evaluation of the Implementation Support Assistant, including documentation of contributions and challenges, and proposes professional development or support needs when relevant.
- Actively prepares external communication, website updates, and reporting addressed to the CCM governance.
- Supports the Director in financial oversight, including the monitoring of budget implementation, planning of financial needs in line with the annual work plans and preparation of financial inputs to donor reports, ensuring alignment with Convention priorities and ISU institutional sustainability.
- Tracks key financial indicators and contributes to financial forecasting and scenario analysis to support informed decision-making by the Director.
- Provides quality control of financial information and expenditure tracking coordination with GICHD finance and the Implementation Support Assistant.
- Performs any other duties as assigned by the Director on behalf of States Parties.
ADDITIONAL DUTIES
- Carrying out all responsibilities in a gender and diversity inclusive manner, in line with ISU and Convention values.
- Undertaking tasks beyond the immediate scope of responsibility when required to ensure the effective functioning of the ISU, including surge capacity support and cross cutting institutional priorities.
- Proactively identify and propose areas for innovation, partnership development or strategic engagement that contribute to the long-term relevance and sustainability of the Convention.
- Performing other relevant duties as assigned by the Director consistent with the evolving needs of the Convention.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in one of the following disciplines: political/social sciences, international law, international relations, peace and conflict studies, development studies, geography, public administration, business administration, or another relevant field, is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience, including relevant military or security related training, may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree, where appropriate.
- A minimum of 7 years professional work experience in the nexus of development/humanitarian/disarmament work in fields of research, policy and/or program development and implementation and strategy formulation required, with specialist knowledge of international humanitarian law and post-conflict recovery processes is strongly desirable.
- A minimum of 5 years experience working in an international multilateral and/or diplomatic environment.
- Proven track record of financial management and communications.
- Demonstrated ability to navigate politically sensitive environments and uphold the integrity of a multilateral treaty is an asset.
- Fluency in English (oral and written), is required.
- Proficiency in at least one additional official UN language is mandatory given the linguistic diversity of the Convention’s States Parties. Knowledge of additional languages is considered an asset.
Travel
The position may require occasional international travel in support of Convention -related activities and meetings.
Salary Information
Please note that the salary for this role is CHF 106'881.- yearly gross, subject to social security deductions and income tax.
Applications
If you feel you have the right profile, kindly register your application on-line, including a CV in English on pdf format of maximum 2 pages.
Application Deadline: 13 August 2025