Org. Setting and Reporting
The position is located in the Department of Peace Operations (DPO), Office of the Under-Secretary-General (OUSG). The incumbent reports to the Chief of Office of the Under-Secretary-General.
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the Political Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties: • Participates in the discussion and formulation of political and technical strategies in the field as needed. • Reviews and monitors activities in the country or region assigned; assesses trends and developments which might affect the political and operational situation and their impact on relevant peace operations. • Analyses political and other events in assigned area and monitors, analyses and reviews political, policy and cross-cutting issues related to peace operations, with a view to provide early warning advice to the USG and Chief of Office. • Prepares analytical reports on electoral matters of concern to the Assembly, or other bodies; drafts notes, background papers, talking points and other correspondence for senior UN officials as required. • Meets regularly with counterparts in the DPO, DPPA, UNDP, and other departments, agencies and programmes of the UN System to plan projects and review project activities as needed. • Ensures up-to-date information regarding substantive political matters and makes recommendations on actions to take. • Makes contact with other sectors of the UN, other international organizations and governments on coordination and policy matters with regards to operations; briefs representatives and provides, as appropriate suggestions and recommendations as needed. • Briefs donors and other interested parties as needed and assists in resource mobilization activities. • Drafts notes, background papers, talking points, speeches and other correspondence for the USG DPO. • Acts as focal point for collection and analysis of information on political, policy and crosscutting issues, as assigned. • Maintains contacts and coordinates policy matters with relevant offices in the Secretariat and the UN system, with other international organizations, and with Member States; briefs Member State representatives. • Carries out, in consultation with supervisors, administrative functions relating to the staffing, planning and budget of an operation; including the selection of staff assigned to missions. • Backstops for the Chief of Office and serves as OiC of the OUSG Front Office during the absence of the Chief of Office, as required. • Performs other related duties and special assignments, as required.
Competencies
• Professionalism: Ability to complete in-depth studies and reach conclusions political issues and propose solutions to political problems in specific areas or countries. Ability to relate various issues and perspectives to political, social, economic and humanitarian programmes in affected countries and areas. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Able to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. • 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 audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. • Planning& Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.
Education
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) degree in, political science, international relations, law, public administration, or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Work Experience
A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in political science, international relations, law, conflict resolution or related area is required. A minimum of three years of experience working in a front office providing substantive policy advice and support to senior UN officials, or of a comparable international organization is required. Experience in a peacekeeping operation in Africa is required.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position(s) advertised, fluency in both oral and written English is required; and fluency of French is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.
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