Political Affairs Officer

Position description

Under the supervision of the Director Member Parliaments and External Relations. He/She will support IPU activities in the areas of interfaith and intercultural dialogue, parliamentary diplomacy and mediation efforts to promote peaceful societies.

Responsibilities: Within delegated authority, the political affairs officer will be entrusted with the following duties:

• Develop the IPU’s work on interfaith dialogue, including identifying areas of intersection with other IPU policy priorities and developing strategic partnerships;
• Develop the multi-stakeholder approach foreseen by the ecosystem approach of the 2022-2026 strategy, including religious and traditional leaders, faith-based organizations, civil society engagement and academia;
• Organize activities on interfaith dialogue to counter intolerance and promote peace;
• Contribute to preparations for future editions of the Parliamentary Conference on Interfaith Dialogue;
• Prepare publications which map good practices around parliamentary engagement with religion and belief for peace and understanding and provide guidance to parliaments;
• Prepare analyses and reports about the religious or belief dimension to international conflicts and societal tensions;
• Contribute to efforts of parliamentary diplomacy, especially in the context of conflicts with a religious component;
• Contribute to efforts of parliamentary mediation for prevention and conflict resolution;
• Other peace-related initiatives as identified by the supervisor.

The work involves frequent interaction with the following:

• Parliamentarians, Secretaries General of parliament, parliamentary staff;
• The Executive Office and Members of the IPU Secretariat;
• External partners and institutions, including the United Nations;
• Religious, belief and community leaders; faith-based organizations.

Results expected:

High-quality outputs and speedy delivery of services. Production of high-calibre reports. A high level of discretion, political tact, and commitment in carrying out responsibilities.

Qualifications

Competencies:

• Professionalism: 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. Practical approach to problem solving.
• Planning and organizing: Identifies priority activities and assignments. Adjusts priorities as required. Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work and ability to meet deadlines. Ability to work with accuracy under time constraints and pressure.
• Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively in English. Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately.
• Technological awareness: Work experience in office software packages (Windows, Microsoft office, MS Word, Excel etc.) is required.
• Teamwork: Build and maintain positive working relationship with co-workers and the public. Aptitude for human contacts and resourcefulness. Team spirit. Adaptability to varying working environments and conditions. 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.
• Commitment to Continuous Learning: Willingness to keep abreast of new developments in the relevant technical field and to develop own information technology skills.

Qualifications:

Education: Advanced university degree in international relations, political science, law, religious studies, theology or a related field. A first level degree in combination with three additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advance university degree;

Experience: At least five years’ of progressively responsible experience in a similar or relevant field;

Language: A perfect command of written and spoken English. A working knowledge of French or other UN languages will be an advantage.

Other skills:

• Advanced knowledge of the dynamics of interfaith dialogue is essential, and previous experience working in a parliamentary environment, or working in the field of interfaith and/or intercultural dialogue will be a distinct advantage;
• Experience in the organization of conferences and meetings will also be an advantage;
• Ability to work independently.

Assessment:

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which will be followed by competency-based interview.

Compensation:

The Inter-Parliamentary Union offers an attractive salary and benefits package comparable to that of other international organizations headquartered in Geneva. The net salary for this position starts at CHF 70’212 commensurate with education and experience.

Application instructions

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