Org. Setting and Reporting

The position is located in the Executive Office of the Secretary-General (EOSG), in the Political, Peacekeeping, Humanitarian and Human Rights Unit (PU), which reports to the Chef de Cabinet. The Political Affairs Officer reports to the Officer-in-Charge/Acting Director of the Political Unit. The EOSG, under the guidance of the Secretary-General (SG), works as a team pursuing in a cohesive and coherent manner, the SG's vision, priorities and policies for his second mandate in office. It seeks alignment of the United Nations family with the SG's vision, priorities and policies. It is guided by the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity and of achieving gender and regional balance among staff. All EOSG units will support the EOSG senior officials, as appropriate, depending on the tasks at hand, regardless of which senior official they formally report to, and will work together through a matrix team approach, as necessary, to ensure EOSG leads by example on integration and cross-pillar work.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Political Officer will be responsible for the following: • Monitor, identify and analyze geographic or thematic political and related developments with a view to provide early warning advice to the Officer-in-Charge/Acting Director of the Unit; • Prepare political and other analytical reports, background papers, talking points and correspondences of concern to the EOSG, the General Assembly, the Security Council and other bodies as appropriate; • Prepare for official meetings, events, talks, visits of political and related nature involving the leadership of the EOSG; • Conduct and direct research, initiate and carry out in-depth analysis on political, peacekeeping, humanitarian and human rights issues related to the assigned geographic or thematic areas. Follow up on current trends and political and security problems related to assigned geographical areas, with a view to provide early warning advice to EOSG senior officials. • Support senior management decision-making on country situations and relevant thematic files, through provision of incisive analysis and highlighting potential areas for system-wide actions. • Perform other related duties as requested by the EOSG.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM Knowledge of the substantive political role of the UN in general and of UN interventions on specific areas/themes. Shows ability to produce reports and papers on substantive issues and to coordinate, review and edit the work of others. Shows ability to apply UN rules, regulations, policies and guidelines in work situations. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence 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. 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 as appropriate. TEAMWORK Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent degree) in political science, international relations, international economics, law, public administration or other related. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Job - Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in political analysis, peace and security, conflict prevention, diplomacy, mediation, humanitarian or human rights work or related fields is required. Experience in providing advice and the preparation of analytical reports, background notes and key messages to senior management is required. Excellent analytical, drafting and verbal communication skills are required. Experience in a transitional, developmental, humanitarian, conflict or post conflict setting is desirable Experience in political analysis related to Sub-Saharan Africa and/or the Middle East is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. French is desirable. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).

Required Languages

LanguageReadingWritingListeningSpeakingEnglishUN Level IIIUN Level IIIUN Level IIIUN Level III

Desirable Languages

LanguageReadingWritingListeningSpeakingFrenchUN Level IIIUN Level IIIUN Level IIIUN Level III

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Special Notice

This position is temporarily available until 31 December 2026, with a possibility of extension subject to availability of funds. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment. While this temporary assignment / appointment may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, the selection for this position is for a limited period and has no bearing on the future incumbency of the post. Subject to the funding source of the position, the eligibility for this temporary job opening may be limited to candidates based at the duty station. This temporary job opening may be limited to "internal candidates," who have been recruited through a competitive examination administered according to staff rule 4.16 or staff selection process including the review of a central review body established according to staff rule 4.15. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. Staff members of the United Nations common system organizations who will reach the mandatory age of separation or retirement within the duration of the current temporary need period are not eligible to apply. Submitting an application or selection for the current temporary job opening does not delay or increase the mandatory age of separation. At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disability. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disability may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application.