Duration of Assignment: Initially 1 year (with the possibility to extend up to 2 years)
Note: This post is opened in the context of the Junior Professional Officer (JPO) scheme sponsored by Canada and is addressed to candidates with Canadian nationality.
Candidates must be max. 32 years old as of 31 December of the year of application (i.e. born on or after 01/01/1994)
More information on the Canadian JPO Programme can also be found on the following website: Global Affairs Canada
II Duties, responsibilities and Output Expectations
Post-conflict countries that avoid conflict relapse receive a significantly higher share of peace ODA than post-conflict countries that do relapse.1 But OECD (DAC) members’ official development assistance earmarked for peace is at a fifteen-year record low, while the world is witnessing the largest number of violent conflicts since 1946. When security institutions perform poorly, societal trust – so necessary for sustained prosperity and
well-being – remains elusive. In those settings, serious violations of human rights are likely to occur.
Cross-border conflict and civil war become immediate risks. Women get trapped in predatory environments. Vulnerable groups live in fear. Institutions erode. Investors are scared away. A few privileged reap the benefits of favouritism and repression, while development is denied to many. Without peace, humanitarian needs will not decrease, nor will development objectives be reached. Providing genuine security to any population is a deeply meaningful assignment. It is central to the United Nations Charter. It should inspire dignity, pride, and deserved authority: the true significance of
carrying a uniform. A professional, effective and accountable security sector brings benefits far beyond a well-functioning government. Integrity in security forms the backbone for empowered and productive communities – anywhere in the world. The Security Sector Reform Unit in the Office of Rule of Law and Security Institutions (OROLSI) is the United Nations’ system-wide focal point for security sector reform & governance (SSR&G). In its work, security, development and human rights intersect.
This position will focus on three areas:
a. Support a process of strategic re-positioning of SSR&G towards the post-2030 period. In coordination with OECD’s Development Cooperation Directorate (responsible for work on the ‘peace’ pillar of the Humanitarian-Development-Peace (HDP) nexus), the UN aims to develop, in the coming 5
years, entry points for a further strengthening of global commitments on SSR&G for the successor process to the SDGs. This process includes an exploration of possible targeted attention to SSR&G in the Peacebuilding Commission, ECOSOC, and/or General Assembly.
b. Support cutting-edge implementation of the 2026-2030 ‘United Nations Programme of Action on SSR’(UN PoA on SSR), the system-wide multi-year framework designed to guide collective action toward
the United Nations vision on SSR&G (as outlined in S/RES/2553 (2020) and the most recent report of the Secretary-General). This ‘whole-of-UN’ programme is grounded in the ‘Call to Action for Human Rights’, as well as the agendas for sustainable development; women, peace and security; youth, peace and security; and action for peacekeeping+.
c. Interact with UN peace operations and other country presences on their needs for SSR&G support.
Within delegated authority, the Junior Professional Officer will be responsible for some or all of the following duties:
• Support the further development of partnerships and informal processes with ‘Friends of SSR’ (UN Member States, relevant international organizations, think tanks), including e.g. through a Wilton Park conference or similar, towards the development of a strategic post-2030 SSR&G
approach;
• Support the development and roll-out of the UN’s state-of-the-art ‘CROSSROADS’ guidance modules;
• Strengthen knowledge management on SSR&G;
• Prepare timely responses to queries and requests for SSR support from UN peace operations and other country presences, including through connections with the UN Standing Capacity on Security Sector Reform & Governance (SSuRGe Team) in Brindisi, members of the Inter-agency
SSR Task Force, and other partners;
• Participate in the development, implementation and evaluation of assigned
programmes/projects; review relevant documents and reports; identify problems and issues to
be addressed and propose corrective actions; liaise with relevant parties; identify and track
follow-up actions
• Organize meetings, seminars, and workshops;• Assist in the drafting of documents, e.g., policy and guidance materials, reports, briefing notes, cables, talking points, notes to the file on meetings;• Liaise with expert-level counterparts from the United Nations, Member States, donors, regional organizations and other partners;• Research, analyse and present information from various sources;
• Support outreach activities, education and training initiatives, seminars, presentations, etc;
• Perform other duties as required.
III Training component: Learning elements and expectations
On completion of the assignment, the JPO will be able to:
• Gain in-depth knowledge about SSR&G, both at international (normative) and country-specific
levels.
• Gain deep experience in developing strategy as a collaborative process between many
entities across development and political / security pillars
• Understand SSR&G knowledge-related needs, as well as specific areas of guidance.
• Be familiar with the development of guidance materials and knowledge management.
• Have insight into specific country contexts in which UN SSR assistance is being provided,
including the role of various partners, such as United Nations Member States, United Nations
entities and multi-lateral organizations.
• Understand the organization and functions of the United Nations, multi-lateral partners and
other entities engaged in SSR&G.
• Coordinate the provision of knowledge and advice to country contexts.
• Effectively participate in meetings and collaborative projects on SSR with a wide range of
partners.
• Understand the core values of the UN regarding respect for diversity and will have an
opportunity to work with people of diverse backgrounds and diverse points of view.
IV Supervision
Title of Supervisor: Chief, SSRU (D-1), Deputy Chief SSRU (P-5) and/or SSR Officer (P-4), depending on specific assignments.
Content and methodology of supervision:
Establishment of a Work Plan: During the first month of the assignment, the Junior Professional Officer (JPO) will work jointly with his/her direct supervisor to finalize an agreed upon work plan.
The final work plan will be discussed and mutually agreed to by the JPO and his/her supervisor.
Evaluation: The United Nations Performance Evaluation System (e-performance) will serve as a primary platform to evaluate of the JPO’s performance.
Regular informal performance evaluation will take place
periodically. Supervision and guidance will be provided on a continuing basis.
V Required Qualifications and Experience
Education: Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in social / political science, international relations, public administration, management studies, international security, or a related field. A first-
level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Working experience (incl. internships and volunteering):
• A minimum of two years of experience in international peace and security or a related field is required.
• Experience in project management and coordination, including providing assistance to
implementing project activities, monitoring impact, milestones and timelines is required.
• Experience in undertaking research and/or developing policy is required (on international peace and security) is desired).
• Experience in implementing SSR projects is desired.
• Experience with developing, implementing, managing and/or supporting knowledge management system/s is desired.
• Experience in the organization of educations and training courses, coaching events, workshops, conferences and/or other events, including in-person, hybrid and/or virtual formats is desirable.
• Experience in interacting with high-level officials and intergovernmental bodies working with complex and sensitive issues is desired.
• Experience in the area of resource mobilization is desired.
• Experience as a special assistant and/or working in the front office of a senior executive/office is desired.
Languages:
English and French are the working languages of the UN Secretariat. For this position, fluency in English is required. French is desired. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.
UN competencies:
PROFESSIONALISM:
Strong project management and coordination skills, including ability to evaluate and synthesize information from a variety of sources while working effectively in a stressful environment. Is able to identify and contribute to the solution of problems/issues.
Has knowledge of various research methodologies and sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Good analytical, planning and organizational skills. 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.
PLANNING AND ORGANIZING: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates an 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; uses time efficiently.
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 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.
Workforce Diversity
The United Nations believes that an inclusive culture attracts the best talent and encourages all qualified applicants, regardless of gender, disability, sexual orientation, cultural or religious
backgrounds, to apply.
VII How to apply
Applicants should submit their application electronically directly to the Organization. Please apply online via:
https://owa.undesa.it/oas/oas.aspx?CMD=START&CP=16
More information on how to apply can also be found on the following website:
https://jpo.desa.un.org/
Applications must be received no later than 04 February 2026, 6.00 pm (Eastern Standard Time
UTC-5, New York USA). Applications received after this date will not be considered. Applicants will receive a confirmation of receipt.
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted thereafter. Canadian nationality only
VI Background information on Agency/Department/Section
Security sector reform & Governance (SSR&G) is an integral element of the United Nations sustaining peace and prevention agendas. It is both a preventive measure and a long-term development goal. The
United Nations assists Member States to undertake SSR&G to achieve effective and accountable security for the State and its citizens, without discrimination and with full respect for human rights and the rule of law.
The United Nations supports SSR&G in peace operations and in non-mission settings – in response to national requests – and in transition settings. In societies emerging from conflict, robust SSR&G is a major factor for the exit of a peace operation, early recovery, sustainable peacebuilding and
longer-term development. This exciting position will be located within the SSR Unit in the Office of Rule of Law and Security Institutions, United Nations Headquarters in New York.
The SSRU is the United Nations’ system-wide focal point on SSR and is responsible for developing knowledge, providing advice and facilitating connections in support of nationally led SSR processes. This includes leading the 14-member Inter- agency SSR Task Force to implement thematic Security Council resolutions on SSR, including 2553
(2020).