Political Affairs Officer, P4

Position description

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Middle East Team of the Middle East Division (MED) in the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Department of Peace Operations (DPPA-DPO) at Headquarters in New York. 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:

• Reviews and monitors activities in the Middle East region; assesses the impact of regional trends, including in relation to regional peacekeeping operations; recommends solutions/possible action by United Nations.
• Provides substantive guidance, direction and support to UNDOF and UNTSO.
• Monitors the activities of the Missions and make recommendations for improvements or adjustments in relation to critical developments or changing circumstances.
• Arranges and participates in assessment and planning missions related to assigned area of work.
• Analyses political and related events with a view to providing early warning advice to senior UN officials, including in relation to assigned peacekeeping operations.
• Prepares analytical reports and papers on matters of concern to the Security Council, or other bodies; drafts notes, background papers, talking points, speeches and other correspondence for senior UN officials.
• Provides up-to-date information to senior officials regarding substantive matters and related regional issues and makes recommendations on actions.
• Maintains contacts and coordinates with other sectors of the UN on coordination; briefs representatives and provides, as appropriate, suggestions and recommendations.
• Participates in conferences, seminars and academic fora related to assigned area of expertise.
• Carries out, in consultation with the Team Leader, administrative functions relating to staff planning and budgets.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Competencies

• PROFESSIONALISM: 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.
• 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.

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 working on Middle East peace and security issues is required.
• Experience backstopping UN (or similar international organization) political or peacekeeping missions and/or serving in a UN political or peacekeeping mission is required.
• Experience with budget preparations in the UN system is desirable.

Languages

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

Application instructions

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