Organization: UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations (UNDPKO)
Website and contact information:
http://www.un.org/Depts/dpko/dpko/
Location of headquarters:
Unknown
Year founded:
1948
Mandate and/or mission statement:
In accordance with the purposes and principles
enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, the Department of
Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) is dedicated to assisting the Member
States and the Secretary-General in their efforts to maintain
international peace and security. The Department's mission is to plan,
prepare, manage and direct UN peacekeeping operations, so that they can
effectively fulfil their mandates under the overall authority of the
Security Council and General Assembly, and under the command vested in
the Secretary-General.
DPKO provides political and executive direction to UN peacekeeping operations, and maintains contact with the Security Council, troop and financial contributors, and parties to the conflict in the implementation of Security Council mandates. DPKO strives to provide the best possible and most cost-efficient administrative and logistical support to missions in the field through the timely deployment of quality equipment and services, adequate financial resources and well-trained personnel. The Department works to integrate the efforts of UN, governmental and non-governmental entities in the context of peacekeeping operations. DPKO also provides guidance and support on military, police, mine action, and logistical and administrative issues to other UN political and peacebuilding missions.
Each peacekeeping operation has a specific set of mandated tasks, but all share certain common aims - to alleviate human suffering, and create conditions and build institutions for self-sustaining peace. The substantial presence of a peacekeeping operation on the ground contributes to this aim by introducing the UN as a third party with a direct impact on the political process. In exercise of its tasks, DPKO aims to minimize the many risks to which peacekeepers may be exposed in the field.
Peacekeeping operations may consist of several components, including a military component, which may or may not be armed, and various civilian components encompassing a broad range of disciplines. Depending on their mandate, peacekeeping missions may be required to:
DPKO provides political and executive direction to UN peacekeeping operations, and maintains contact with the Security Council, troop and financial contributors, and parties to the conflict in the implementation of Security Council mandates. DPKO strives to provide the best possible and most cost-efficient administrative and logistical support to missions in the field through the timely deployment of quality equipment and services, adequate financial resources and well-trained personnel. The Department works to integrate the efforts of UN, governmental and non-governmental entities in the context of peacekeeping operations. DPKO also provides guidance and support on military, police, mine action, and logistical and administrative issues to other UN political and peacebuilding missions.
Each peacekeeping operation has a specific set of mandated tasks, but all share certain common aims - to alleviate human suffering, and create conditions and build institutions for self-sustaining peace. The substantial presence of a peacekeeping operation on the ground contributes to this aim by introducing the UN as a third party with a direct impact on the political process. In exercise of its tasks, DPKO aims to minimize the many risks to which peacekeepers may be exposed in the field.
Peacekeeping operations may consist of several components, including a military component, which may or may not be armed, and various civilian components encompassing a broad range of disciplines. Depending on their mandate, peacekeeping missions may be required to:
Deploy to prevent the outbreak of conflict or the spill-over of conflict across borders;
Stabilize conflict situations after a cease fire, to create an environment for the parties to reach a lasting peace agreement;
Assist in implementing comprehensive peace agreements;
Lead states or territories through a transition
to stable government, based on democratic principles, good governance
and economic development.
Relevant programs and projects:
Current head/director (and nationality):
Jean-Marie Guéhenno, France
Number of Member States and/or Observer States:
192 Member States of the UN
Operating budget:
$5.28 billion (2006-2007)
Number and location of missions or field offices:
15 current peacekeeping operations; 18 Current
peace operations directed and supported by the Department of
Peacekeeping Operations
Number of employees:
Uniformed personnel* 82,685
Including 70,616 troops; 9,555 police and 2,514 military observers
Including 70,616 troops; 9,555 police and 2,514 military observers
International civilian personnel* (28 February 2007) 4,616
Local civilian personnel* (28 February 2007) 10,359
UN Volunteers* 1,942
Total number of personnel serving in 15 peacekeeping operations* 99,602
Total number of personnel serving in 18 DPKO-led peace operations** 102,593
Total number of fatalities in peace operations since 1948*** 2,3447
Grades descriptions:
UN Human Resources Galaxy e-Staffing System under the heading Job Opportunities in Peacekeeping and other Field Missions
What is the job application process?
UN Human Resources Galaxy e-Staffing System under the heading Job Opportunities in Peacekeeping and other Field Missions. Personal History Forms will be accepted if sent via the fax number listed on the bottom of each vacancy.
Yes through UN Volunteers.
What are the expectations, minimum requirements and application procedures for volunteers in this organization?
Through UN Volunteers. Online volunteers
Application process: Join the Online Volunteer Service
Basic requirements for Online volunteers: The
UNV OV service is open to all people worldwide that are beyond the age
of legal majority according to the law in their respective countries. In
principle, everyone who is motivated, has the required profile for an
online volunteering assignment, and has a regular access to the Internet
can apply.
Online application for professionals and humanitarian aid specialists
Basic requirements for UN Volunteers:
A university degree or higher technical diplomas; 
Several years of relevant working experience; 
At least age 25 (no maximum age limit); 
Good working knowledge in at least one of the three working UN languages: English, French and Spanish; 
Strong commitment to values and principles of volunteerism; 
Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment; 
Ability to adjust in difficult living conditions; 
Strong interpersonal and organizational skills; 
Prior volunteering and/or working experience in a developing country is an asset.
Unknown.
What are the expectations, minimum requirements and application procedures for interns in this organization?
Unknown.
Mission readiness
Would you feel comfortable leaving your family, friends, and personal obligations for a period of 6 months or more? The
majority of the missions are considered special, or "non-family", which
means that staff members are strongly discouraged from bringing
dependents/ family members to the mission area. The United Nations does
not assist family members as regards the obtaining of visas or use of
transport and other facilities provided to staff. Furthermore, family
members are not included in the security arrangements made for United
Nations personnel.
Are you prepared to possibly endure the daily hardships and hazards of mission life? This
involves the possibility of meager accommodations, fluctuating food and
water supply, adverse climate and health conditions, restricted
communications with areas outside of the mission, and overall security
risks within potentially hostile circumstances. Applicants who have
previously served in the field under similar circumstances are highly
desirable.
Are you enthusiastic, self-motivated, and
independent? Do you have the capacity to be a true team-player,
dedicated to working with others in group decision-making? Are you
willing to work 7 days per week, 15 hours per day, if necessary?
Would you characterize yourself as having
patience, understanding, and grace under pressure, as well as a sense of
humor to defuse potentially awkward situations? Are you self-confident
while recognizing your own weaknesses, as well as strengths? Do you view
change as inevitable and respond to it as a source of renewal and
improvement?
Are you well-organized, structuring your
time efficiently and setting realistic goals and priorities in the
context of a stressful, potentially chaotic environment? Do you exercise
good judgement and feel comfortable making decisions that may have
profound ramifications?
Do you have the curiosity and energy to
learn the local language(s), culture, history and political climate of a
mission? Could you be culturally and gender sensitive in dealing with
an indigenous population as well as United Nations colleagues?
Are you, to the best of your knowledge, in good overall physical and mental health? In
order to be approved for mission assignment, all staff members must
undergo a full medical examination and be cleared for service by the
United Nations Medical Director.
Professional Category
Work in the professional category generally
demands a high degree of analytical skills, communication skills,
substantive expertise and/or managerial leadership ability. Applicants
are required to have a first level university degree from an accredited
university or institution. An advanced degree may be required for some
functions, as specified in the Vacancy Announcement. A combination of
relevant academic qualifications and extensive experience may be
accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Field Service Category
Applicants are required to have a high school
diploma or equivalent, some positions may require a technical or
vocational certificate.
Required Experience
Applicants should offer experience relevant to
the functions of the post, as described in the ?responsibilities?
section of the vacancy announcement. Depending on the position, other
factors to be evaluated may include national versus international
experience; progressively responsible and/or diversified experiences at
the level of managerial/leadership responsibility held; and, knowledge
of a particular geographic region, including local languages.
Language Knowledge
English and French are the working languages of
the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in English or French is
required, knowledge of additional official UN languages (Arabic,
Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish) is an advantage.
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