Counter-Terrorism/Threat Assessment Expert

Result of ServiceThe Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team pursuant to resolutions 1525 (2004) and 2253 (2015) concerning ISIL (Da'esh), Al-Qaida and the Taliban and associated individuals and entities (\"the Monitoring Team\") consists of ten experts with demonstrated substantive knowledge, experience and skills in areas relevant to the implementation of the sanctions regimes. The Monitoring Team’s mandate is established and can be renewed or terminated by the Security Council. The Monitoring Team acts under the direction of the Security Council Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015) concerning ISIL (Da'esh), Al-Qaida and associated individuals groups undertakings and entities, and Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1988 (2011), and assist the two Committees and the Ombudsperson in their activities. The Expert will serve with the Monitoring Team reporting to the Sanctions Committees and the Security Council. The Expert comes under the overall guidance and management of the Subsidiary Organs Branch of the Security Council Affairs Division of the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, specifically, of the Secretary of the Security Council Committees and the Chief of the Branch and the Director of the Security Council Affairs Division. The work of the Monitoring is facilitated by a Coordinator who is also an expert on the Monitoring Team. For more information about the Monitoring Team, including its reports and other relevant materials, please see: https://main.un.org/securitycouncil/en/sanctions/1267/monitoring-team/work-and-mandate Work LocationNew York Expected durationThis position is expected to become available in October 2025 for an initial period of 12 months, with the possibility of extension up to a maximum service period of 60 months, subject to the renewal of the mandate (currently through 17 June 2027) and budgetary approval. Duties and ResponsibilitiesWithin delegated authority, the expert will be responsible for, but not limited to, the following duties: Substantive • Contribute to the submission of reports on the implementation by Member States of the measures imposed by the Security Council under the ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida and 1988 sanctions regimes and make recommendations for improved implementation and possible new measures. • Contribute to the Monitoring Team’s periodic briefing/assessments on the threat posed by ISIL (Da’esh), Al-Qaida, and the Taliban. • Prepare and deliver briefings on the sanctions regimes and the Monitoring Team’s activities. • Contribute to the Monitoring Team’s understanding of the evolution of ISIL (Da’esh), Al-Qaida, and the Taliban and their affiliates and the changing nature of the threat posed by these groups and individuals. • Produce analysis based on information collated from Member States on ISIL (Da’esh), Al-Qaida and the Taliban’s activities on financing, radicalization and recruitment, kidnapping for ransom, their criminal misuse of the Internet and the illicit proliferation of small arms and light weapons. • Consult with Member States and gather information on instances of reported non-compliance of the sanctions measures on behalf of the Committees. • Undertake confidential consultations with Member States’ intelligence and security services, including in regional forums, following Member States’ procedures and communications channels, in order to facilitate the sharing of information and strengthen implementation of the sanctions measures. • Work with Member States and relevant international and regional organizations, including UN entities, to promote awareness of, and compliance with, the sanctions measures. • Assist the Ombudsperson in carrying out his or her mandate. • Contribute to the reviews of the names on the Sanctions Lists of the Committees, including by bringing new or noteworthy circumstances to the Committees’ attention that may warrant de-listing, and presenting additional identifying and other information to assist the Committees in efforts to keep the Sanctions Lists as updated and accurate as possible. • Contribute to the Monitoring Team’s work in assisting the Committees to follow up on requests for information to Member States, including with respect to the implementation of the measures. • Support the Committees in facilitating assistance on capacity-building for enhancing implementation of the measures, upon request by Member States. • Contribute to reports that adhere to a high standard of evidence and rigorous methodology. • Assume other duties as mandated by the Security Council and/or requested by the Committees. Organizational • Contribute to the preparation of the programme of work of the Monitoring Team, including a travel schedule, which will be updated regularly. • Participate in missions to gather information from government authorities, private individuals and entities, civil society, regional and sub-regional organizations and United Nations field presences. • Draft and follow up on correspondence in his/her areas of responsibility. • Collate and assess the information obtained, including by sharing written notes and briefs with other members of the Monitoring Team. • Classify, categorize and archive the materials obtained in the course of the Monitoring Team’s work. • Submit to the UN Secretariat an End of Assignment Report at the end of the mandate. • Assume other duties as requested by the Secretariat, as appropriate. Administrative • Abide by the rules and regulations of the United Nations, as guided by the Secretary of the Committee, the Chief of the Subsidiary Organs Branch and the Director of the Security Council Affairs Division, among others. • Abide by the applicable policies, guidelines and procedures on safety and security within the UN’s Security Management System (UNSMS). • Abide by the applicable policies, guidelines and procedures on official travel, including the 3 July 2024 Policy Guidelines on Official travel: Compliance with the advance purchase policy (OHR/PG/2024/5). Competencies: Professionalism • Substantive knowledge of counter-terrorism and sanctions-related issues. • Demonstrated understanding of ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida and affiliated individuals and entities, their evolution, linkages and changing nature of the threat. • Demonstrated understanding of terrorism-related issues in the Middle East. • Strong analytical capacity and research skills. • Ability to develop sound case studies featuring corroborated information from credible sources, and ability to synthesize this information into a report. • Ability to work in dynamic and high-pressure situations; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results. • Ability to treat sensitive or confidential information appropriately. • Demonstrated understanding of sanctions regimes in a United Nations, regional organization or Member State setting. • Willingness to travel extensively, including to hazardous locations with difficult security environments. • The position requires adherence to established United Nations Department of Safety & Security (UN DSS) guidelines and security/operating procedures. The position requires a high level of personal commitment to the Monitoring Team’s mandate and to the United Nations. • Incorporate gender perspectives in the substantive area of responsibility, in all relevant areas. Planning and organizing • Proven capacity to plan and execute a work plan, and adapt, as required, to fluid priorities and demands. • Ability to work independently in a systematic and productive manner. Ability to foresee risks and allow for contingencies when planning. Communications • Strong oral communication and drafting skills. • Ability to interact positively with high-level government officials and the diplomatic community. • Proven ability to defend and explain difficult issues to high-level government officials and the diplomatic community. Teamwork • Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships in multicultural, multi-ethnic and political work environment. • Ability to develop consensus among people with varying points of view. • Supports and acts in accordance with a final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect his/her own position. Technological awareness • Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office applications including Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel. • Ability to use other relevant software (such as photograph management tools and mapping tools), as well as database software to organize, analyse and to archive collected materials. Actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks. Qualifications/special skillsAn advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in security/military/strategic studies, political science, international relations, law, or other relevant area is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. • A minimum of ten years (including a minimum of three years field experience) of progressively responsible experience in counter-terrorism, risk analysis and threat assessment in international/regional organizations or bodies, government, private sector financial and/or non-financial institutions, and/or security-related professions is required. • Strong field research or investigative experience in the area of expertise is required. • Experience in writing high-quality reports is required. • Proven interpersonal skills in a complex, political and structured working environment are required. • A demonstrated understanding of sanctions regimes in a United Nations, regional organization or Member State setting is highly desirable. • Experience in working under the rules and regulations of the organization and the working culture and methods of the United Nations Secretariat is highly desirable. • Experience in the Middle East is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in English and Arabic is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage. Additional InformationThis is a level C consultancy position as defined in the Secretariat Administrative Instruction on Consultants and Individual Contractors (ST/AI/2013/4/Rev.1) and OHR Guidelines for the recruitment and administration of Consultants Serving as Experts on Groups and Panels, including the Office of the Ombudsperson and the Focal Point for Delisting established by the Security Council. The position requires travel to engage with government officials and other interlocutors. All travel will be in Economy Class. Geographical diversity is a strong consideration. Women are particularly encouraged to apply. Candidates are encouraged to apply to the Security Council Affairs Division Pool of Experts. Candidates registered in the Pool of Experts are available for consideration whenever relevant opportunities arise. They will be contacted directly by the relevant team using the email address provided in the PHP submitted when applying to the Pool. Candidates who have joined the Pool should also actively apply to sanctions expert vacancy announcements posted In Inspira and on this website. Candidates interested in becoming members of the Pool of Experts can apply at the following URL: https://careers.un.org/jobSearchDescription/191928. For more information, please see: https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/sanctions/Pool_of_Experts. Candidates should list all work experience and diplomas in the relevant part of the application. Work experience and diplomas only mentioned in the cover letter will not be considered for screening purposes. Statements must include concrete start and end dates, detailed description of tasks and achievements and whether the experience was obtained in full-time or part-time. Candidates should note that eligibility and fees will be decided based on their submitted application only. There is no option to revise an application after submission. An appointment shall not be granted to a person who is the father, mother, son, daughter, brother, or sister, including step-parents, step-children, and step-siblings of a staff member. No FeeTHE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.