POLITICAL AFFAIRS OFFICER

Org. Setting and ReportingThis position is located in the Policy, Knowledge Management and Coordination Branch of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism of the Secretariat, at Headquarters in New York. The Political Affairs Officer will report to the Chief of the Policy, Knowledge Management and Coordination Branch through Section Chiefs where applicable. The focus of this job is on supporting policy and enhancing coordination and coherence in the work of the United Nations on counter-terrorism, including through the effective implementation of the Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact. Responsibilities• Manage and support the coordination and coherence work of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Compact as Team Leader. • Reviews and monitors activities in the country or region assigned; assesses trends which might affect the political situation and the political impact of intra-regional issues such as refugees, drug control and natural resources; recommends solutions/possible action by United Nations. • Analyses political and related events within assigned area with a view to provide early warning advice to the Under-Secretary-General. • Prepares analytical reports and papers on sensitive and high profile matters of concern to the General Assembly, Security Council, or other bodies; drafts notes, background papers, talking points, speeches and other correspondence for senior UN officials. • Participates in the organization and supervision of Secretariat services required by the Security Council and to other committees and bodies related to its work. • Acts as focal point for collection and analyses of information on political issues of assignment, particularly related to counter-terrorism and violent extremism, as and when conducive to terrorism, • Provides up-to-date information to senior officials regarding substantive political matters and country or regional issues and makes recommendations on action to take. • Maintains contacts with other sectors of the UN, other international organizations, UN Member States and governmental or intergovernmental law enforcement agencies on coordination and policy matters; briefs representatives and proves, as appropriate suggestions and recommendations. • Participates in conferences, seminars and academic fora related to his/her assigned area of expertise. • Carries out, in consultation with the Chief of the Section, administrative functions relating to the staff planning and budget. • Drafts plans for start-up of operations and participates in the activities of implementation. • Performs other related duties as required. Competencies• Professionalism – Extensive knowledge of cross-cutting peace and security issues, especially policy matters related to counter-terrorism and political analysis. In-depth knowledge of the UN System and its work on counter-terrorism and prevention of violent extremism, as and when conducive to terrorism, and shows ability to coordinate the United Nations on such issues. Shows ability to complete in-depth studies and reach conclusions on possible causes and solutions to political problems in specific areas and/or countries. Shows ability to relate to 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. • 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. • 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. EducationAdvanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in political science, international relations, international economics, law, public administration or other related. 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 ExperienceA minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in political science, international relations, law, disarmament, security, development management, conflict resolution or related area is required. Experience working on counter-terrorism and prevention of violent extremism issues is required. 5 years of experience in managing a team in a regional or global context is required Experience in fundraising and/or extra-budgetary funding is desirable. The experience of working on counter-terrorism issues with Member States and international organisations is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is 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).