Information Specialist (integrated analysis and situational awareness) (Port Sudan) – UNOPS

Job Description

Organization	United Nations Office for Project Services
Job Title	Information Specialist (integrated analysis and situational awareness)
Vacancy code	VA/2025/B5312/30584
Department/office	AFR, HAMCO, Sudan
Duty station	Port Sudan, Sudan
Contract type	Local ICA Specialist
Contract level	LICA Specialist-10
Duration	Three months
Application period	12-Aug-2025 to 18-Aug-2025

UNOPS Horn of Africa Multi-Country Office (HAMCO) is recruiting for this position: Information Specialist based in Port Sudan, Sudan


Duty Station: Non-Family (Hardship location)

Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply.   These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.

Established in 2009, Ethiopia Multi-country office, now referred to as the Horn of Africa Multi-Country Office (HAMCO) manages a growing portfolio of engagements, including associated strategic and operational risks within the region. The HAMCO sub-region currently consists of an established Operation Centre in Addis Ababa which manages a portfolio of engagements in four (4)  Horn of Africa countries  (Ethiopia, Djibouti, Sudan and South Sudan). HAMCO focuses on Infrastructure, Procurement, Project Management, HR and Transactional Services, and Fund Management services across a wide range of sectors including Health, Education, Agriculture, Resilient infrastructure, among others. Our goal is to support countries, help people in need and enable our partners through  delivering on our mandate of infrastructure, procurement and project management in the countries in the Horn of Africa. 

This position is located within the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office in Sudan and the incumbent will be based in Port Sudan, and will report to the UNOPS HAMCO Country Programme Manager. The purpose of the role is to support strengthened early warning, analysis, and situational awareness in Sudan’s rapidly evolving political, economic and security landscape, in order to aid United Nations Country Team collective decision-making and system-wide conflict analysis. 

 Functional Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Information Specialist will be responsible for the following duties:

Information collection

• Maintain an understanding of the political, security, social-economic, development and humanitarian situation in Sudan and in the region, through monitoring and gathering data/information on developments/events from multiple sources including the UNCT, national military/civilian authorities, NGOs, media, social media and other key stakeholders.
• Identify emerging issues, trends and dynamics that may have implications for UNCT operations.
• Organize, analyze, and synthesize information to support the production of accurate and timely RCO analytical products and briefings to support UNCT programming, decision-making, and system-wide conflict analysis, in coordination with other UNCT units and resources. 
• Attend internal and external meetings and represent the RCO as requested. 
• Assist in the maintenance and coordination of information management tools.
• Contribute to effective working relationships with counterparts in the UNCT and relevant external actors and organizations.
• Support coordination among UN AFPs and the identification and implementation of joint analysis needs through the Analysis Working Group anchored in the RCO.

Reporting

• Keep abreast with and report on broader political and other developments relevant to the UNCT.
• Maintain an understanding of the political, security, humanitarian, and human rights situation in Sudan and region; follow unfolding events; conduct trend analysis and mid- to long-term predictive analysis; work with colleagues to gather and verify information; and be able to select, confirm, and deliver the relevant information, with the appropriate political context, in a concise manner (written and oral).
• Contribute to situational awareness by producing timely accurate and analytical reports and briefings that inform the Resident Coordinator, UNCT and partners. 
• Perform other duties, as assigned by the the supervisor.

 Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education

• An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in International Relations or  related fields is required.
• A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in International Relations or  related fields combined with two additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience

• A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in political or international affairs, intelligence or information analysis, development, security, diplomacy or foreign relations, humanitarian affairs, human rights, or related fields is required.
• Experience working in a multicultural and multidisciplinary team is an asset.
• Experience in a conflict or post-conflict situation, or in peacekeeping operations, is an asset.
• Experience as part of a JMAC in a peacekeeping operation (or a similar organization) is desirable.
• Experience briefing senior officials on complex or multidimensional issues is also desirable.

Language 

• Fluency in reading, writing  oral and written English is required.
• Knowledge of an additional UN official language is an advantage
  

 Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.

Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).

Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.

Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.

Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.

Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

 Contract type, level and duration

Contract type:  Local Individual Contractor Agreement (IICA)
Contract level: LICA-11 (ICS11)
Contract duration: Three months
For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx

 Additional Information

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures,  languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. 
• UNOPS evaluates all applications based on the skills, qualifications and experience requirements outlined in the vacancy announcement. We are committed to considering all candidates in a fair and transparent manner, and we value diverse perspectives and experiences, including those of women, indigenous and racialized communities, individuals with diverse gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process.  If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.
• This is a local position and is open to Sudanese nationals only.

Terms and Conditions 

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post. 
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatory courses ( they take around 4 hours to complete)  in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.