DIRECTOR, POLITICAL AFFAIRS

Org. Setting and ReportingThis position is located in the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) in Kinshasa. Kinshasa is classified as an “C” hardship duty station and a family duty station. Reporting to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG), the Director of Political Affairs is responsible for the provision of general direction and coordination of the Mission’s activities related to political outreach, analysis and reporting. ResponsibilitiesWithin delegated authority from the SRSG, the Director, Political Affairs will be responsible for the following duties: Strategic vision, political analysis and advice • Develop the overall political strategic vision and policies in coordination with the Mission’s senior leadership, including in support of the ongoing political transition, political and peace negotiation processes and reconciliation and stabilization efforts. Advocate and represent the Mission’s views authoritatively and ensure that support to these processes proceed in a coordinated and integrated manner. • Guide the Mission’s strategic engagement with the national government, bilateral partners and civil society actors relevant to political affairs matters by liaising and forging effective professional relationships with government officials, political actors, leaders of civil society, and serving as an interlocutor for the international community, including regional and sub-regional actors and organizations, UN Member States, the diplomatic community and the wider UN system. • Lead the Mission’s political affairs efforts towards future reconciliation and transition planning and capacity building of national authorities. • Identify, analyze and monitor political developments and emerging issues with respect to the implementation of MONUSCO’s mandate. • Assess implications and make recommendations to the Mission leadership on possible strategies, policies and other measures to address issues of concern and to advance mandated objectives. Reporting and Information Management • Review inputs and reports of the Political Affairs Division to ensure synergy and complementarity in the implementation of the Mission’s mandate while ensuring regular, timely and high-quality reporting to the Mission leadership on developments and issues pertaining to the mandate. • Manage the preparation of summary and analytical reports, including situation reports, briefing notes, notes to file and code cables. • Prepare/review the division’s input for the reports of the Secretary-General to the Security Council and reports to the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budget Questions (ACABQ), the General Assembly. • Oversee the preparation of contextual information materials, such as background notes and political profiles. • Establish and ensure an effective system of information management designed to guarantee accessibility and utility of information. Planning, Coordination and Facilitation • Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with the authorities, political and community leaders, civil society actors, the UN family and other national and international partners on coordination and policy matters. • Consult and cooperate with partners to develop strategies and plans of action to address political challenges, in pursuit of mandated objectives. • Monitor, evaluate and report on implementation. Management • Formulate and manage the implementation of the programme of work of the Political Affairs Division in coordination with managers in the division, determining priorities and activities that are in accordance with the mandate. • Manage related administrative tasks, including preparation of budgets, assignment and monitoring of performance parameters and critical indicators, reporting on budget, preparation of inputs for the results-based budgeting process (RBB). • Supervise, mentor, and evaluate staff; participate in the selection of new staff. • Provide strategic guidance to managers in the Political Affairs Division and participate in their evaluation. Results expected: Effectively provide authoritative advice on complex, unprecedented or sensitive issues related to the provision of advice, mediation and negotiation support for community and national reconciliation activities. Provide briefings on issues related to the political affairs environment and developments. Support national reconciliation by preparing the ground for higher level mediation exercise. Develop cooperative and supportive working relationships with counterparts. Advocate for good practices. Advise senior management. Guide the Political Affairs Division in the process of political transition and the comprehensive dialogue with the Government. CompetenciesProfessionalism: Demonstrated in-depth understanding of peacekeeping operations; Substantial and diverse experience in all facets of the job; strong analytical and evaluative skills combined with good judgment; in-depth understanding of and an ability to evaluate international political situations; excellent drafting and presentation skills; 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 the audience. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. Planning and 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. Leadership: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow. Empowers others to translate vision into results. Is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives. Establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support. Anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions. Drives for change and improvement; does not accept the status quo. Shows the courage to take unpopular stands. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing. Judgement/decision making: Identifies the key issues in a complex situation, and comes to the heart of the problem quickly. Gathers relevant information before making a decision. Considers positive and negative impacts of decisions prior to making them. Takes decisions with an eye to the impact on others and on the Organization. Proposes a course of action or makes a recommendation based on all available information. Checks assumptions against facts. Determines that the actions proposed will satisfy the expressed and underlying needs for the decision. Makes tough decisions when necessary. EducationAdvanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in Political Science, International Relations, Social Science, Law 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. Job - Specific QualificationNot available. Work ExperienceAt least 15 years of progressively responsible experience in political affairs, diplomacy, conflict resolution, or related field is required. At least five years of management experience is required. Extensive experience in political outreach, analysis, reporting and negotiation in an international setting is required. Experience managing a large multi-functional team or office in a United Nations common system field operation (inclusive of peacekeeping, political missions and UN agencies, funds and programmes) or a comparable international organization in a conflict or post-conflict setting is required. Extensive experience working in the Great Lakes Region and proven knowledge of conflict-related issues in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is required. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English and French are required. 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).