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Applications are now open for the 2027 United Nations Standby Team (SBT) of Senior Mediation Advisers, a highly prestigious international opportunity coordinated through the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) in partnership with the United Nations Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA).

The Standby Team consists of internationally recognized mediation experts who can be rapidly deployed to support peace processes, preventive diplomacy efforts, dialogue initiatives, and conflict resolution activities around the world. Team members provide technical expertise to United Nations envoys, peace missions, regional organizations, governments, and other partners engaged in mediation and peacebuilding efforts.

Selected advisers become part of a global roster of specialists who contribute to some of the world’s most complex peace and conflict-resolution processes.

Summary

• Programme Name: UN Standby Team of Senior Mediation Advisers (SBT) 2027
• Organizing Agencies: United Nations Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) and UNOPS
• Position Type: Senior Mediation Adviser
• Location: Home-Based (Global Assignments)
• Contract Type: International Individual Contractor Agreement (IICA)
• Level: ICS-12
• Eligible Applicants: Experienced International Mediation and Peacebuilding Professionals
• Fields: Mediation, Peacebuilding, Conflict Resolution, Dialogue Facilitation, Security Arrangements, Constitution-Making, Gender and Inclusion, Climate and Natural Resources
• Application Mode: Online

About the UN Standby Team of Senior Mediation Advisers

Established in 2008, the Standby Team of Senior Mediation Advisers is a specialized mechanism that provides rapid-response mediation expertise to support peace processes worldwide.

Members of the Standby Team can deploy within a very short timeframe to assist UN envoys, mediators, political missions, regional organizations, and conflict parties involved in peace negotiations and dialogue initiatives. The team also provides remote advisory support, coaching, technical assistance, and capacity-building services.

The programme plays a critical role in supporting:

• Conflict prevention
• Peace negotiations
• National dialogue processes
• Ceasefire arrangements
• Inclusive political settlements
• Constitutional reform processes
• Transitional justice initiatives
• Peace agreement implementation

Demand for Standby Team support has increased significantly over the years due to the growing need for professional mediation expertise in complex conflict environments.

Areas of Expertise Sought

The United Nations recruits specialists across various thematic areas.

Current and recent areas of specialization include:

• Design and Conduct of Mediation Processes
• Dialogue Facilitation
• Security Arrangements and Ceasefires
• Constitution-Making
• Power-Sharing Arrangements
• Gender and Inclusion
• Climate Change, Environment and Natural Resources
• Transitional Justice and Reconciliation
• Digital Technology, Mediation and Inclusion

Selected experts may work across one or multiple areas depending on their qualifications and professional background.

Benefits of Joining the Standby Team

Successful candidates may receive:

• International consulting contracts with the United Nations
• Opportunities to support global peace processes
• High-level international exposure
• Remote and field-based assignments
• Professional networking opportunities
• Collaboration with UN envoys and senior mediators
• Participation in conflict prevention and peacebuilding efforts
• Access to specialized mediation initiatives
• Opportunities to influence global peace and security outcomes

The programme is regarded as one of the most prestigious mediation expert mechanisms within the United Nations system.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants generally should possess:

• Advanced university degree in a relevant field

OR

• A bachelor’s degree combined with additional relevant experience

Applicants should also demonstrate:

• Extensive experience in mediation, peacebuilding, diplomacy, conflict resolution, dialogue facilitation, or related fields
• Strong analytical and advisory skills
• Experience working in complex political environments
• Ability to work effectively under pressure
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills

Recent vacancy notices indicate that candidates are typically expected to have at least ten years of progressively responsible professional experience in mediation, conflict resolution, peace processes, facilitation, dialogue, research, or related areas.

Language Requirements

Applicants must possess excellent English communication skills.

Knowledge of additional United Nations official languages is highly desirable, particularly:

• French
• Arabic
• Spanish
• Russian
• Chinese

Multilingual candidates often have an advantage due to the global nature of mediation assignments.

Key Responsibilities

Depending on specialization and assignment, Senior Mediation Advisers may:

• Advise on peace negotiations
• Support mediation and dialogue processes
• Facilitate stakeholder engagement
• Assist in ceasefire negotiations
• Draft peace agreements
• Conduct conflict analysis
• Provide technical advice to mediation teams
• Train mediators and stakeholders
• Develop policy and briefing materials
• Support implementation of peace agreements

Experts may provide support both remotely and through short-notice field deployments.

Selection Process

The recruitment process is highly competitive.

Candidates are generally assessed based on:

• Professional experience
• Technical expertise
• Leadership capacity
• Mediation track record
• Regional and thematic knowledge
• Language abilities
• Ability to work in multicultural environments

Experts are selected through a rigorous identification and recruitment process administered by UNOPS in collaboration with the UN Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs.

How To Apply

Step 1: Review the Official Vacancy Announcement

Carefully read the requirements, responsibilities, and eligibility criteria.

Step 2: Prepare Application Documents

Gather all required documents, including:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Academic certificates
• Employment records
• Professional references
• Language certificates (where applicable)

Step 3: Complete the Online Application

Submit your application through the official UNOPS careers platform.

Step 4: Await Evaluation

Applications undergo technical review and assessment by the recruitment team.

Step 5: Participate in Further Assessments

Shortlisted candidates may be contacted for interviews, technical assessments, or additional evaluations.

Step 6: Final Selection

Successful candidates may be included in the Standby Team roster and considered for future assignments.

Why Apply?

The UN Standby Team offers a unique opportunity to:

• Contribute to international peace efforts
• Work with senior UN leadership
• Influence conflict resolution processes
• Build a global professional network
• Gain international recognition
• Support mediation efforts in conflict-affected regions
• Advance a career in diplomacy and peacebuilding

For experienced professionals in mediation and peacebuilding, few opportunities offer the same level of global impact and professional prestige.

Application Deadline

03 July 2026

Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications well before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues.

Official Application Link

Official Vacancy Page:

Related Opportunities

• Geneva Peace Fellowship 2026/27, Switzerland (Partially Funded)
• Global Youth Diplomacy Forum 2026 in Paris, France
• Youth Assembly of Nations 2026 in Greece (YAN Athens)
• NATO Young Professionals Programme 2026 (NATO YPP Europe)
• Nigeria Green Academy 2026

Final Note from AK Travels LTD

The 2027 UN Standby Team of Senior Mediation Advisers represents an exceptional opportunity for experienced professionals working in mediation, diplomacy, peacebuilding, conflict prevention, and international development.

At AK Travels LTD (www.aktravelsltd.com), we encourage qualified applicants to highlight their mediation experience, leadership achievements, negotiation expertise, and contributions to peace and conflict-resolution initiatives. Since this programme attracts some of the world’s leading experts, a strong professional profile and demonstrated impact in peacebuilding work will be essential for success.

If you have substantial experience in mediation, dialogue facilitation, peace processes, or international conflict resolution, this could be one of the most prestigious opportunities available within the United Nations system.