This position is located in the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia (UNVMC) headquarters in Bogotá. The Senior Liaison Officer will report directly to the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General (DSRSG). **Responsibilities**: Within delegated authority the Senior Liaison Officer will be responsible for the following duties: - Plans and implements the operational activities related to the work of the Mission regarding peacekeeping, conflict prevention, mediation matters, post-conflict rehabilitation and political and governance institution-building; incorporates an integrated approach that includes a rights-based dimension, conflict prevention sensitivity and a gender perspective into the policy, planning and operational activities. - Prepares briefing notes and talking points for the Head and Deputy Head of the Mission and other senior staff. Provides continuous guidance and advice to Head and Deputy Head of the Mission, as well as other elected offices of intergovernmental bodies concerning the organization of work, status of negotiations, and conduct of business including interpretation of the rules of procedure. Responds to/ prepares responses to comments, statements and queries of parties. Develops and maintains relations with senior government officials and advises them on issues and policies of mutual concern. - Leads and directs a work team; plans and allocates work assignments; coaches and mentors and evaluates staff; participates in recruitment and selection of new staff and in the development of training programs. Manages, coordinates, organizes and supervises research on a variety of political issues in a region and or country or major conflict. Designs conflict resolution and peacekeeping initiatives; advises on and participates in the negotiation to establish operations and develops guidelines, terms of reference and operational plans and time frames for new operations. Represents the Mission at round tables, seminars and conferences. - Contributes to the formulation of the programme of work, budget and plan of the unit and participates in the overall approval of programmes of work and administrative matters concerning the Mission; coordinates and oversees work of colleagues. - Performs other related duties as required. Competencies 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. 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. Building trust: Provides an environment in which others can talk and act without fear of repercussion. Manages in a deliberate and predictable way. Operates with transparency; has no hidden agenda. Places confidence in colleagues, staff members and clients. Gives proper credit to others. Follows through on agreed upon actions. Treats sensitive or confidential information appropriately. Judgement/decision making: Identifies the key issues in a complex situation, and comes to the heart of the problem quickly. Gathers relevant information before making a decision. Considers positive and negative impacts of decisions prior to making them. Takes decisions with an eye to the impact on others and on the Organization. Proposes a course of action or makes a recommendation based on all available information. Checks assumptions against facts. Determines that the actions proposed will satisfy the expressed and underlying needs for the decision. Makes tough decisions when necessary. Education Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in political science, international relations, social science, economics, law, public administration, or a related field is required A first-level university degree in combination with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Work Experience A minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in political science, diplomacy, conflict resolution, mediation, international relations, law, public administration, economics, humanitarian affairs or related area is required. Extensive experience in political outreach, facilitation, analysis, advice and reporting is required. Experience in multilateral diplomac