Senior Political Affairs Officer, P-5

Position description

Org. Setting and Reporting

This post is located in the Asia-Pacific Division of the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and of Peace Operations (DPPA-DPO) and is based in Jakarta, Indonesia. This post will focus on advancing the Comprehensive Partnership between the United Nations (UN) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) through strengthened institutional dialogue and coordination between the two organizations and with ASEAN Member States, including through engaging with the ASEAN Committee of the Permanent Representatives and the ASEAN Secretariat. The Senior Political/Liaison Officer reports to the Director of the Asia and the Pacific Division through the Team Leader for South and Southeast Asia.

Responsibilities

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

• Formulates political affairs strategies, programmes of work and specific projects regarding the implementation of the UN’s Comprehensive Partnership with ASEAN; develops a vision or direction for this work and creates the conditions for implementation;
• Plans and coordinates the UN’s programmes and activities requiring interdepartmental and interagency involvement regarding the implementation of the UN’s Comprehensive Partnership with ASEAN;
• Reviews and monitors activities in the ASEAN region; assesses trends which might affect the overall political situation and the political impact of intra-regional issues on the UN’s Comprehensive Partnership with ASEAN; recommends solutions/possible action or engagement by the UN;
• Analyses political and related events within the ASEAN region with a view to provide early warning advice to UN Senior Officials;
• Prepares briefing notes, talking points, speeches, correspondence and any other documentation for the Secretary-General, Under Secretary General/Assistant Secretary General and other UN Senior Officials for high-level meetings and other interactions;
• Conducts and directs research, initiates and carries out in-depth analysis and studies on diverse and sensitive issues related to the ASEAN region;
• Proposes policy directives and plans of action for immediate and long-range solutions to issues facing the ASEAN region;
• Conceptualizes, coordinates, arranges and implements ASEAN-UN collaborative activities and events;
• Acts as focal point for collection of information and analysis and prepares relevant reporting in coordination with DPPA-DPO Headquarters and other UN entities that work in the implementation of UN’s Comprehensive Partnership with ASEAN and the Plan of Action;
• Formulates the programme of work, budget and medium-term plan for the collaboration with ASEAN as part of the overall Team and Division programme of work; coordinates and oversees work of colleagues;
• Develops and maintains relations with officials and representatives at the highest levels of ASEAN governments, other ASEAN structures and ASEAN Secretariat and advises them on issues and policies of mutual concern;
• Meets regularly with UN entities, ASEAN Member States officials and ASEAN Secretariat staff to coordinate work on joint reports and activities towards the implementation of the ASEAN-UN Plan of Action;
• Acts as a senior presenter in events and trainer in courses;
• Performs other related duties as required.

Competencies

• Professionalism: Knowledge of DPPA-DPO/APD unit’s strategic direction and ability to translate it into a results-oriented work programme. Able to evaluate regional and international political problems. Able to work in the field. Able to manage and coordinate multileveled projects. 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. Able to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing;
• 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;
• Planning and 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;
• Vision: Identifies strategic issues, opportunities and risks. Clearly communicates links between the Organization’s strategy and the work unit’s goals. Generates and communicates broad and compelling organizational direction, inspiring others to pursue that same direction. Conveys enthusiasm about future possibilities;
• Judgement/decision making: Identifies the key issues in a complex situation, and comes to the heart of the problem quickly. Gathers relevant information before making a decision. Considers positive and negative impacts of decisions prior to making them. Takes decisions with an eye to the impact on others and on the Organization. Proposes a course of action or makes a recommendation based on all available information. Checks assumptions against facts. Determines that the actions proposed will satisfy the expressed and underlying needs for the decision. Makes tough decisions when necessary.

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) degree in political science, international economics, 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. 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 ten years of progressively responsible experience at national and international levels in advisory and managerial positions in, political science, international relations, law, disarmament, security, development management, or conflict resolution is required;
• Experience formulating political strategies and advising senior officials is desirable;
• Experience building relationships and liaising with a wide range of stakeholders is desirable;
• Experience coordinating activities requiring interagency involvement is desirable;
• Experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

Languages

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

Application instructions

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