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. The Department of Peace Operations (DPO) serves as an integrated "centre of excellence" for United Nations Peace operations, responsible for preventing, responding to and managing conflict and sustaining peace in the context of mandates in countries where peace operations under its purview are deployed. This includes facilitating and implementing political agreements, providing integrated strategic, political, operational and management advice, direction and support to peace operations; developing political, security and integrated strategies, leading integrated analysis and planning of peace operations and backstopping those operations.
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. Able to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. 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. 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. 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, 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.
Job - Specific Qualification
Not available.
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 equivalent in a national service is required. Experience working on peacekeeping operations in Africa, the Middle East and Europe is required.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English and French are required. Spanish 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 IIIFrenchUN Level IIIUN Level IIIUN Level IIIUN Level III
Desirable Languages
LanguageReadingWritingListeningSpeakingSpanishUN Level IUN Level IUN Level IUN Level I
Assessment
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.
Special Notice
This post is financed with extra-budgetary resources for a period through 29 August 2027. The appointment or assignment and renewal thereof are subject to position and availability of funds. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. Pursuant to section 7.11 of ST/AI/2012/2/Rev.1, candidates recruited through the young professionals programme who have not served for a minimum of two years in the position of their initial assignment are not eligible to apply to this position. Individual contractors and consultants (Non-Staff Personnel) who have worked within the UN Secretariat in the last six months, irrespective of the administering entity, are ineligible to apply for professional and higher temporary or fixed-term positions and their applications will not be considered.
