Political Affairs Officer, P-4

Position description

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Office of the Under-Secretary-General (USG) for the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA). The incumbent reports directly to the Chief of Office, OUSG/DPPA. The Office of the USG DPPA is charged with the overall policy direction, supervision and management of the Department. The Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs focuses primarily on five action areas in international peace and security, ensuring sound analysis and early warning, preventing conflict and engaging in peacemaking, managing political crises and violent conflicts, sustaining peace, and enhancing partnerships. The Department’s mandate is to prevent and resolve conflict through inclusive political solutions.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority and under the supervision of the Chief of Office, OUSG/DPPA, the Political Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

• Participates in the discussion and formulation of political and technical strategies;
• Reviews and monitors activities in the country, region or thematic area(s) assigned; assesses trends which might affect the political situation; recommends solutions/possible actions by United Nations;
• Analyses political events in assigned area with a view to provide early warning advice to the Chief of Office and USG;
• Lead the review of 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 and other correspondence for senior UN officials as required;
• Meets and liaises regularly with counterparts in the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, the shared structure of DPPA and DPO, DPO, DCO, and other departments, agencies and programmes of the UN System;
• Provide strategic advice and support to the USG, including up-to-date information regarding substantive political matters, and makes recommendations on actions to take.
• Participates in policy discussions regarding political and thematic areas and priorities relevant to DPPA;
• Makes contact with other sectors of the UN, other international organizations and governments on coordination and policy matters, briefs representatives and provides, as appropriate, suggestions and recommendations;
• Manages or supervises projects being implemented by DPPA;
• Briefs interested parties, stakeholders and donors and assists in resource mobilization activities;
• Prepares, briefing notes/talking points for the SG and other Senior UN officials as needed.;
• Support the USG and the Chief of Office in the preparation, coordination, review and presentation of budget proposals and related materials and issues, as well as on other administrative matters;
• Trains, supervises and mentors junior staff in OUSG DPPA;
• Drafts operational plans for activities in DPPA thematic areas, including strategy, feasibility analysis, budget and personnel required and participates in the activities of implementation of these operations.
• • Collects, analyses and reviews 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.

Competencies

• PROFESSIONALISM Ability to complete in-depth studies and reach conclusions on political issues and propose solutions to political problems in specific areas or countries. Ability to relate 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. Able to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management;
• 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;
• 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.

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in political science, international relations, law, public administration or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

• A 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. A minimum of five years of experience in a front office supporting a senior official is required. Experience monitoring political activities, and making recommendations related to conflict prevention, mediation and conflict resolution is required. Experience with budgetary processes and matters pertaining to the mandate of DPPA and the special political missions is required. Experience in coordinating inter-departmental policy processes and mechanisms is required. Experience training, supervising and mentoring junior staff is required. Experience working on both regional and thematic issues under the mandate of DPPA is desirable. Experience and expertise working in/on the Asia-Pacific region is desirable. Experience working on Security Council and Security Council subsidiary organs-related issues is desirable.

Languages

• Fluency in English (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

Application instructions

Please be sure to indicate you saw this position on nearmejobs.eu