United Nations Department of Operational Support (UNDOS) 31 views

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Department of Field Support (DFS) in UN Peacekeeping 

The Department of Field Support (DFS) stands as a crucial arm of the UN Secretariat, dedicated to providing essential support to peacekeeping and political field missions. With a focus on finance, logistics, human resources, and general administration, DFS plays a pivotal role in enabling the effective functioning of UN peacekeeping activities worldwide. Partnering closely with the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO), DFS contributes to the planning, preparation, management, and direction of UN peacekeeping endeavors.

While member states contribute soldiers and police personnel for protection and security patrols in peacekeeping missions, DFS also recruits a substantial number of civilians to serve in various capacities. These civilians, whether national or international staff, are entrusted with non-military roles in areas such as political affairs, civil affairs, human rights, humanitarian assistance, administration, civil aviation, and engineering, among others.

Working for UN Peacekeeping: A Fulfilling Journey

For civilians, working in UN peacekeeping represents a profoundly rewarding experience and an enriching career path akin to serving in their country’s foreign and diplomatic service. UN peacekeeping civilians hail from all 193 member states, embodying diversity and bringing a breadth of experiences and perspectives to the organization. Whether stationed at the UN Headquarters in New York, regional hubs, or field operations, UN peacekeeping offers opportunities for impactful contributions on a global scale.

In alignment with General Assembly and Security Council policies, DFS actively encourages talented and qualified women to apply and join the organization, recognizing the invaluable contributions they bring to peacekeeping missions.

A Brief History of UN Peacekeeping

The roots of UN peacekeeping date back to 1948, marked by the establishment of the first UN peacekeeping missions: the UN Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO) for Palestine and the UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) for Kashmir. The formal inception of the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) occurred in 1992 under the leadership of Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of peacekeeping efforts.

The Role of Peacekeeping in the UN Family

DPKO plays a pivotal role in supporting Member States and the Secretary-General in their endeavors to maintain international peace and security. By providing political and executive direction to UN Peacekeeping operations worldwide, DPKO facilitates communication with the Security Council, troop contributors, financial contributors, and conflict parties in mandate implementation. Civilian staff members play a crucial role in these operations, aiding in the integration of UN, governmental, and non-governmental efforts within peacekeeping contexts.

UN Field Missions: Opportunities for Impact

Currently, there are 16 Peacekeeping Operations and 23 Special Political Missions led by DPKO and the Department of Political Affairs, respectively, spanning regions worldwide. DFS actively supports the recruitment for these missions, including positions in Yemen, Libya, and Syria, and is particularly seeking Arabic speakers to fill crucial roles.

To explore opportunities with UN-DFS rosters, visit Impactpool and update your profile to receive alerts on posted vacancies. Details on how to apply can be found in the job advertisements. When submitting your application, kindly indicate that you found the opportunity on Impactpool.org.

Join us in making a difference on the global stage through UN peacekeeping, where every contribution counts towards fostering peace and stability in conflict-affected regions.