POLITICAL AFFAIRS OFFICER

Org. Setting and ReportingThis post is located in the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPA) at Headquarters. Under the overall supervision of the Director of the Policy Mediation Division and the Chief for Policy and Guidance, the incumbent reports to the Senior Political Affairs Officer/Team Leader. ResponsibilitiesWithin delegated authority, the Political Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties: • Gathers, selects and analyses information contained in communications and publications received from different sources, including the press. • Maintains up-to-date knowledge of events relating to political issues, in general, and in particular in relation to geopolitical developments and their impact on international peace and security. • Keeps abreast of latest trends and developments in the area of assignment and provides inputs on issues to senior officials and colleagues in missions and elsewhere in the Secretariat. • Monitors global and regional level political developments and provides advice to field missions. • Provides technical and substantive back up in the implementation of mandates of the office, branch or unit. • Maintains contacts with other sectors of the UN, other international organizations and governments on coordination and policy matters. • Monitors actions taken by intergovernmental groups, UN organisations, government and non-governmental organizations. • Selects, classifies and stores in computerised databases information relating to potential disputes and conflicts involving assigned countries or region. • Participates in fact-finding and other missions within assigned area of responsibility. • Collects and analyzes data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. • Performs other related duties as required. Work implies frequent interaction with the following: • Staff in EOSG, DPPA, DPO, ODA and UNDP • Staff in the field, particularly in special political missions and UN Country Teams • Department of Global Communications • Legal staff • Permanent Missions and members of delegations to the UN • Staff of specialized agencies, representatives of non-governmental organisations, regional intergovernmental organisations, academic institutions and civil society. Results Expected: Carries out assignments to completion, including required consultations, with skilful analyses of complex problems and timely action, coherent decisions and clear communication. Competencies• Professionalism: Ability to identify and analyze geopolitical dynamics and analyse their impact on peace and security. 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. Able to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. • 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. EducationAdvanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in political science, international relations, or other related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Job - Specific QualificationNot available. Work ExperienceExperience working in intergovernmental processes in the area of peace and security in an international organization is required. Experience in drafting major policy documents in the area of international peace and security is required. Experience conducting geopolitical analysis related to international peace and security is required Experience engaging in reform processes in international organizations is desirable. A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in political science, international relations, law, disarmament, security, development management, conflict resolution or related area is required. 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).