Political Affairs Officer, P3

Position description

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the regional political-operational structure of the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations (DPPA-DPO), in the Northern Africa Division. The Northern Africa Division is tasked with monitoring and reporting on major developments in the countries under its purview, and recommending actions for addressing the related challenges, risks, and threats. Under the overall guidance of the Director and Deputy Director of the Division, the Political Affairs Officer will report to a Division Team Leader/Senior Political Affairs Officer.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Political Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

• Gathers, selects and analyses information on North Africa, 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 as they affect the countries and thematic mandates for which the staff member is responsible;
• Keeps abreast of latest trends and developments in North Africa and provides inputs on issues to senior officials and colleagues in missions and elsewhere in the Secretariat;
• Monitors national and regional level political developments and provides advice and support to United Nations field operations in North Africa;
• Maintains contacts with other UN departments and entities, other international and regional organizations and governments on coordination and policy matters;
• Monitors actions taken by intergovernmental groups, UN organisations, government and non-governmental organizations;
• Participates in fact-finding and other missions to countries within assigned area of responsibility;
• Prepares meetings of the Secretary-General/Deputy Secretary-General/Under-Secretary-General and other senior UN officials with officials from countries under the purview of the Division;
• Performs other related duties as required.

Competencies

• PROFESSIONALISM: Identifies and analyses political, security, social and economic dynamics and trends impacting peace and security in North Africa and the wider region. 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.

Education

• An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in political science, social sciences, international relations, law or related field is required. 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 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 political issues in or related to North Africa or the wider region is desirable;
• Experience providing headquarters-level support to a field operation (peacekeeping, special political mission, or similar) at the international level is desirable;
• Experience providing support and advice to senior officials in an international and/or multigovernmental organisation is desirable.

Languages

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of French or Arabic is desireable.

Application instructions

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