Political Affairs Officer (IFI Partnership), P-4

Position description

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Peacebuilding Strategy and Partnership Branch (PSPB) of the Peacebuilding Support Office (PBSO) in the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA). The Political Affairs Officer reports to the Branch Chief in the PSPB through a Senior Political Affairs Officer who serves as the Team Leader for UN partnerships with International Financial Institutions. The focus of this post is to develop and maintain partnerships with International and Regional Financial Institutions to foster their involvement in peacebuilding, through policy dialogue and country specific collaboration. PBSO was established to assist and support the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) and administer the Peacebuilding Fund (PBF). Based on the founding resolutions (A/RES/60/180 and S/RES/1645(2005)) establishing the Peacebuilding Commission, the Secretary-General created PBSO which comprises of the Peacebuilding Commission Support Branch, the Policy, Planning and Application Branch and the Financing for Peacebuilding Branch. PBSO is headed by an Assistant Secretary-General (ASG). PBSO has served since 2017 as the UN system focal point for partnerships with IFIs in crisis-affected settings. The Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) 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, the Political Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

• Develops and maintains partnerships with International and Regional Financial Institutions in support of peacebuilding efforts of the United Nations, in consultation with all relevant stakeholders;
• Reviews and monitors peacebuilding development and activities in the countries or regions assigned; assesses relevant trends in respect of which might affect the political situation and the political impact of intra-regional issues such as refugees, drug control and natural resources; recommends identifies solutions/possible action by United Nations;
• Analyses political and related events and trends within assigned area with a view to provide early warning advice to ASG/USG or Head of Mission;
• 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 related to peacebuilding strategy and partnerships;
• Arranges and participates in negotiations, peacekeeping operations and fact-finding missions;
• Meets regularly with operational teams including UN staff, staff of partner institutions, national officials as well as Military and Civilian Police officers to plan projects and review project activities;
• Provides up-to-date information to senior officials regarding substantive political peacebuilding strategy and partnerships matters and country or regional issues and makes recommendations on actions to take;
• Maintains contacts 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;
• Participates in conferences, seminars and academic fora related to his/her assigned area of expertise;
• Provides input for assessment of staff to be deployed to important posts in the field (e.g. Resident Coordinators);
• 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;
• 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.

Competencies

• Professionalism – Knowledge of the peacebuilding work of the United Nations is required. 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. 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 the audience. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed;
• Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view. Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect. Identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions. Monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems. Keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects. Meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in political science, international relations, international economics, law, public administration or other related area is required. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is an advantage.

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. Experience in conflict prevention and peacebuilding policy and knowledge management, including data analysis, policy analysis and development, is required. Experience working in a crisis or post crisis setting is desirable. Experience in supporting partnership between the United Nations and International Financial institutions or other relevant development finance entities in conflict-affected contexts is desirable. Experience in networking with academic institutions, research organizations and think tanks and civil society organizations in the area of international peace and security is desirable. 2 years or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

Languages

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in both oral and written English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.

Application instructions

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