Political Affairs Officer

These positions are located within United Nations Field Peacekeeping Operations, Special Political Missions, and Offices. The Political Affairs Officer reports a Senior Political Affairs Officer, depending on the specific mission or office structure.

**Responsibilities**:
Within delegated authority, under the direct supervision of the Senior Political Affairs Officer, the Political Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

- Participates fully in assigned operational activities related to conflict prevention and resolution, post-conflict rehabilitation, governance and institution-building, civil society support work, and any other office or mission work; supports an integrated approach that includes a rights-based dimension, conflict prevention sensitivity, and a gender perspective into the policy, planning and operational activities of the unit.
- Prepares briefing notes and talking points for Head of the Mission, and other senior staff. As requested, provides guidance and advice on assigned issues to the Head of Mission, concerning assigned areas of work, status of negotiations, and the approach to various issues.
- Prepare summary and analytical reports including, but not limited to, situation reports, briefing notes, background notes, options papers, code cables and input for the reports of the Secretary-General to the Security Council, General Assembly, or other bodies. Provide daily, weekly, and other relevant reports and notes to file. Manage information to ensure its accessibility and utility.
- Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with UN Common System colleagues and counterparts, official representatives, civil society actors, academic and research institutions, and other national and international partners on information-sharing, policy and coordination matters.
- Attends meetings to identify the scope of the project, considers methodologies, and participate in developing guidelines, terms of reference and operational plans and time frames for new team.
- Assists in planning, coordinating and supporting programmes, projects and activities requiring mission and/or interagency involvement and participation. Represents the team at round tables, seminars, and conferences.
- Supports his/her supervisor in the formulation of the programme of work, budget and medium-term plans of the unit by participating in meetings and compiling or researching issues related to the mission.
- Strengthens data-driven approaches to political analysis, including the utilization and analysis of data for purposes of early warning analysis trends, forecasts and assessments to support strategies and decision making.
- Performs other related duties as required

Competencies

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 the 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, international economics, law, public administration, or a 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 five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in political science, international relations, law, disarmament, security, development management, conflict resolution or related area is required.

Experience working in, or in support of a United Nations field operations or similar international or national organizations in a conflict or post-conflict setting is desirable.

Languages
English and French are the working languages of the Secretariat. For this position, fluency in English (both oral and written) is required. Fluency in French is desirable.

Assessment

Special Notice

Eligibility Notice:

- As per revision of ST/AI on Staff Selection System (ST/AI/2010/3/Rev.1), a staff member in the General Service category and Field Service category at the FS-5 level and below employed by United Nations Secretariat are required to pass the G to P examination in order to be eligible to be considered for positions in the professional and higher categories.

United Nations Considerations

Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the