Political Affairs Officer, P3

Position description

This position is located in the regional political-operational structure of the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations Northern Africa Division. The Northern Africa Division (NAD) is tasked with monitoring and reporting on major developments in the countries under its purview, and recommending actions for addressing the related challenges, risks and threats, including through support to the Office of the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General for Western Sahara (OPESG), the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO), and the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL). The Political Affairs Officer will work under the overall guidance of the Director and Deputy Director of the Division and direct supervision of a Senior Political Affairs Officer.

Within delegated authority, the Political Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties: • Gathers, selects and analyses information on North Africa, 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. • Keeps abreast of latest trends and developments in North Africa and assists senior officials with briefing notes, background papers and talking points. • Provides back-stopping of UN missions in the region, on assigned areas of their mandates and operations. • Maintains contacts with other sectors of the UN, other international and regional organizations and Member States on coordination and policy matters. • Participates in fact-finding and other missions to countries within assigned area of responsibility. • Supports participation of senior officials in meetings of the Security Council, General Assembly, subsidiary organizations, negotiating bodies, as well as conferences and/or special missions. • Prepares meetings of the Secretary-General (SG)/Deputy Secretary-General (DSG)/Under-Secretary-General (USG) with officials from countries under NAD’s purview. • Performs other related duties as required.

Qualifications

• PROFESSIONALISM: Identifies and analyses political, security, social and economic dynamics and trends that impacting peace and security in North Africa and the wider region. 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. • 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.

Application instructions

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