Job Description

Org. Setting and ReportingThe position is located in the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) and Peace Operations (DPO), in the front office that supports the work of the Assistant Secretary-General overseeing Europe, Central Asia and the Americas in New York. The incumbent will report to the Assistant Secretary-General through the Special Assistant. ResponsibilitiesWithin delegated authority, the Political Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties: • Provides advice and recommendations to senior officials on key issues in the area of responsibility and ensures the quality standards are met for advice, recommendations and briefings provided by other parts of the organization. • Communicates senior-level decisions and guidance to the relevant desks in DPPA-DPO and ensures that the decisions are implemented. • 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. • 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. • 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. • Prepares meetings of the SG/DSG/USG with officials from countries under the Organization's purview. • Performs other related duties as required CompetenciesProfessionalism: Shows ability to support senior officials in high-level political engagement and preventive diplomacy. 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. 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. 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. EducationAn advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Political Science, International Relations, International Economics, Law, Public Administration or a 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. Job - Specific QualificationNot available. Work ExperienceA minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in political science, international relations, law, security, conflict resolution or related area is required. Experience drafting sensitive political analysis and diplomatic correspondence is required. Experience for a least three years in a front office supporting UN or similar senior officials is required. At least two years of experience working on political, prevention and/or peacekeeping issues related to the Americas and Europe/ Central Asia are required. At least one year of policy experience in UN peace and security issues is required. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. Either French or Spanish is desirable. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult for details).

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