Political Affairs Officer, P3

Position description

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the United Nations Operations and Crisis Centre (UNOCC), within the Research and Liaison Unit (RLU), which conducts research and integrated analysis on issues of concern to senior UN leadership while providing clients with integrated, analytically driven products. The position reports to the Head of the RLU under the supervision of the Deputy Director. The UNOCC is a multi-party entity reporting to the USG for Policy in the Executive Office of the Secretary-General (EOSG), and on peacekeeping matters, with oversight from the USG for Peace Operations. The UNOCC also receives strategic oversight from a Client Board of principals from each its client entities. The UNOCC provides global situational awareness, crisis and risk management, as well as facilitates cross-pillar analysis and decision-making in the UN. The UNOCC is operationally positioned under the Office of Coordination and Shared Services (OCSS) between the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and the Department of Peace Operations.

Responsibilities

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

• Gathers, selects and analyses information on countries and regions of particular interest to DPO and EOSG. Information and data received from relevant UN entities; communications and publications, including from think tanks and the press.
• 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.
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of events relating to political issues in regions of interest to DPO and EOSG, in general, and in particular as they affect those countries and thematic mandates.
• Keeps abreast of latest political, security and economic trends and developments in the various areas of interest and provides inputs on these issues to senior officials.
• Monitors national and regional level political developments, linking with field mission and UN agencies active on the ground.
• Provides technical and substantive backstopping to Joint Mission Analysis Centres in peacekeeping missions and their equivalents in special political missions.
• 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 organisations, government and non-governmental organizations.
• Selects, classifies and stores data for analysis on relevant countries or regions.
• Participates in assistance missions to JMACs in peacekeeping missions within assigned area of responsibility.
• Participates in provision of secretariat services to relevant bodies, conferences, meetings, and/or special missions.
• Prepares background analysis in prep for meetings of the SG’s Executive and Deputies’ Committees and for the SG’s monthly engagement with the Security Council.
• 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. 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 audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
• 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, history, international relations, journalism and media, or a related field. 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, disarmament, security, development management, conflict resolution or related area is required.
• At least two years of experience working consistently in data analytics and analysis, and creating related visualization is required.

Languages

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position(s) advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French is desirable. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.

Application instructions

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