Maritime and Natural Resources Expert

The Expert will serve with a Panel reporting to the Sanctions Committee and the Security Council, contributing to monitoring sanctions measures and investigating alleged sanctions violations related to peace and security in Africa, with a focus on maritime trade and natural resource exploitation relevant to Somalia. The role involves analysis, investigation, reporting, and recommendations to improve sanctions implementation.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the monitoring of sanctions measures and investigation of alleged sanctions violations as mandated by Security Council resolutions related to peace and security in Africa in his/her area of expertise.
• Provide the Panel of Experts with an analysis of licit and illicit trade to and from Somalia's main ports and coast lines, along and across the Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden, as they are relevant to the mandate of the Panel, and input the latter in reports, as well as other updates, as necessary.
• Monitor and investigate activities, particularly the exploitation of natural resources, that generate revenues used to commit violations of the arms embargo.
• Undertake investigations relating to natural resources, including violations of the charcoal ban, particularly through maritime routes, in relation to acts that threaten peace, security and stability of Somalia.
• Contribute to the reporting of any violations of the sanctions regime through reports of the Panel of Experts to the Al-Shabaab Sanctions Committee and the Security Council required under relevant Security Council resolutions, as well as any periodic briefing/reporting as requested by the Al-Shabaab Sanctions Committee.
• Contribute to the preparation of recommendations by the Panel of Experts for improved implementation of the Security Council resolutions related to peace and security in Africa, based on the Panel's investigations, country visits and outreach activities.
• Compile information on individuals and entities that may engage in violations of the sanctions regime.
• Prepare and deliver briefings and presentations on the sanctions regime and the Panel's activities.
• Assist in identifying areas where the capacities of States can be strengthened to enhance the implementation of the sanctions regime.
• Contribute to reports that adhere to a high standard of evidence and rigorous methodology.
• Provide due process to Member States, entities and individuals to respond to allegations and findings when conducting investigations.
• Take on other duties as mandated by the Security Council and/or directed by the Al-Shabaab Sanctions Committee.
• Contribute to the preparation of a programme of work of the Panel of Experts at the outset of the mandate, which will be updated regularly and which delineates individual overall investigative priorities and case-studies, the Panel's decision-making procedures and working methods, as well as its travel schedule.
• Participate in investigative missions and bilateral consultations to gather information from government authorities, private individuals and entities, civil society, regional and sub- regional organisations and United Nations field presences.
• Participate in the Committee's consultations and meetings, as requested.
• 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 Panel members.
• Classify, categorize and archive the materials obtained in the course of the Panel's investigation.
• Submit to the UN Secretariat an End of Assignment Report at the end of the mandate.
• 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 Division, among others.
• Draft and follow up on correspondence in his/her areas of responsibility.

Requirements

• Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in military science, political science, international relations, law, journalism 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 of field experience) of progressively responsible experience in the relevant field is required.
• Significant field experience in post-conflict or other transitional situations 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 complex, political and structured working environments is 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.
• Fluency in English is required.
• Knowledge of Arabic is an advantage.
• Knowledge of Somali and/or local Somali dialects is an advantage.

Skills

• Maritime Trade Analysis
• Natural Resource Exploitation
• Sanctions Monitoring
• Sanctions Investigation
• Field Research
• Investigative Research
• Report Writing
• Experience in Post-Conflict Situations
• Transitional Situations
• Political Analysis
• Interpersonal Skills in Political Environments
• United Nations Rules and Regulations
• Security Council Reporting
• Panel Reporting
• Peace and Security Analysis

Languages

English, Arabic, Somali