Political Affairs Officer, P4

Position description

Org. Setting and Reporting

This post is located in the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General in the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS). The Political Affairs Officer reports directly to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General/Head of Mission.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority and under the direct supervision of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG)/Head of Mission, the Political Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

• Supports the SRSG in advancing the Mission’s operational, strategic and policy priorities, and provides substantive advice on organizational effectiveness, interdepartmental coordination, and donor or institutional relations;
• Monitors political and related developments in the context of the Mission’s regional peace and security mandate, assesses trends which might affect the political situation and as well as their implications and provides up-to-date information and/or reporting, with recommendations on possible actions, strategies and other measures to address issues of concern and advance the mandated objectives;
• Prepares and reviews analytical reports, research and related documentation, including background papers, briefing notes, speeches statements and talking points relevant to the SRSG’s portfolio, ensuring strategic alignment, clarity and impact;
• Participates in conferences, seminars and academic fora related to his/her assigned area of expertise, providing feedback reporting, as appropriate;
• Develops and maintains working level contacts and relations with other sectors of the UN, other international organizations and counterpart representatives of governments, briefs representatives and provides, as appropriate, suggestions and recommendations;
• Provides substantive support to the SRSG by drafting and coordinating high-level correspondence for the SRSG; monitoring and following up on the implementation of decisions and priorities set by the SRSG, internal coordination, and mission planning, drafting major components and compiling or researching issues related to the Mission;
• Pursues an integrated approach that includes a rights-based dimension, conflict prevention sensitivity, and a gender perspective into the policy, planning and Mission operational activities;
• Maintains close working relations with the relevant Resident Coordinator Offices and UN country teams as well as building synergies and complementarities with regional partners in particular ECOWAS in support of the SRSG’s activities and missions;
• Assists in conducting stakeholder analyses in order to build and maintain a database for understanding the relationship dynamics of various national actors and stakeholders in assigned area of the sub-region, including with civil society actors and political parties representatives;
• Performs other duties as required.

Competencies

• Professionalism – Knowledge of political issues related to West Africa and the Sahel is a prerequisite; Ability to complete in-depth studies and reach conclusions on possible causes and solutions to political problems in specific areas and/or countries; Ability to relate to various issues and perspectives on 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; and 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 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.

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in political science, international relations, law, public administration, or related field is required. A first-level university degree with a combination of two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

• A minimum of seven years of relevant, progressively responsible professional experience including in political science, international relations, law, public administration, programme management and/or strategic planning processes in peace consolidation settings or related field is required. At least two years of experience in a field mission or working with UN Agencies, Funds and Programmes is desirable. Work experience in West Africa or the Sahel is desirable. Work experience in diplomatic missions or embassies is desirable.

Languages

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English and French are required. Portuguese is desirable.

Application instructions

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