Political Affairs Officer, P-3

Position description

Org. Setting and Reporting

The position is located in the Office of the Assistant Secretary-General for Middle East and Asia Pacific in the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations (DPPA-DPO). Under the overall supervision of the Assistant Secretary-General, the incumbent will report to the Senior Political Affairs Officer.

Responsibilities

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

• Provides support, advice and recommendations to the Assistant Secretary-General on key issues in area of responsibility and ensures quality standards are met for advice, recommendations and briefings provided by other parts of the organization.
• Gathers, selects and analyses information 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, in particular the work of relevant peacekeeping operations and special political missions.
• Keeps abreast of latest trends and developments in the area of assignment and provides inputs on issues to senior officials and colleagues in missions and elsewhere in the Secretariat.
• Communicates senior-level decisions and guidance to the relevant desks in DPPA-DPO and ensures that the decisions are implemented.
• Provides technical and substantive back up in the implementation of mandates of the office, branch or unit.
• Maintains contacts with other sectors of the UN, other international organizations and governments on coordination and policy matters.
• Monitors actions taken by intergovernmental groups, UN organizations, government and non-governmental organizations.
• Drafts and reviews project proposals and budgets for the use of extra-budgetary funds by the office, monitors project implementation and drafts project reports.
• Drafts and monitors workplans for the office, gathers information on the workplans from the Divisions and compiles reports on their implementation.
• Reviews submissions on staffing and recruitment matters, providing advice on whether correct processes have been followed as appropriate.
• Prepares meetings of the ASG, as well as those of other senior officials such as SG/DSG/USGs with officials from countries under the Organization’s purview.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Competencies

• Professionalism: Ability to identify and analyze political, ethnic, racial, social and economic problems that cause civil unrest in a country or geographic area in area of responsibility. 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. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed as appropriate; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication. 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

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in political science, international relations, international economics, law, public administration or other related. 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, security, development management, conflict resolution or related area is required. Experience in political affairs at the intergovernmental level is required. Experience drafting sensitive political analysis and diplomatic correspondence is required. Experience in a front office supporting senior officials is required. Experience working on Asia Pacific issues is required. Experience working on the Middle East is desirable.

Languages

• English and French are the official working languages of the UN Secretariat. For this position, fluency in English (both oral and written) is required.

Application instructions

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