Responsibilities

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

Political Analysis and Advice

• Identify, analyze and monitor the implications of political developments, trends and emerging issues in the region, including activities of national stakeholders, and their impact on joint United Nations programmes in support of the implementation of the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework (PSCF); and
• Assess implications and make recommendations on possible policies, strategies and other measures to address issues of concern to advance mandated objectives.

Reporting and Information Management

• Prepare summary and analytical reports including, but not limited to, situation reports, briefing notes, options papers, code cables and input for the reports of the Secretary-General to the Security Council, General Assembly or other bodies; and
• Prepare contextual information materials, such as background notes, political profiles and databases of relevance to the assigned portfolio; Manage information to ensure its accessibility and utility.
• Selects, classifies and stores in databases information relating to assigned area. Coordinates appropriate archiving on the shared drive of documents of the political team.

Planning, Coordination and Facilitation

• Support the Director Political Affairs in planning, coordination, facilitation and evaluation of activities of the Political Affairs Unit, including the political, security, human rights and humanitarian portfolios;
• Liaise with MONUSCO, UNOCA, UNOAU and RCOs in the region;
• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with Government representatives, civil society actors, the broader UN family, academic and research institutions, and other national and international partners on information-sharing, policy and coordination matters;
• Monitor, evaluate and report on mandate implementation; and
• Support preparations for official meetings, events, joint retreats and visits by the Director Political Affairs and the Special Envoy, by drafting talking points and speeches as well as readouts and reports;
• Ensure that decisions are adequately captured and follow up on implementation;
• Participate in field missions;
• Prepare written summaries of meetings/visits and assist with follow-up activities, as appropriate;
• Supports his/her supervisor in the formulation of the programme of work, budget and medium-term plans of the unit by participating in meetings, and compiling or researching issues related to the mission;
• Support communication and outreach of the political affairs unit, in coordination with the Public Information Officer.

Management/Administration

• Support mission planning and budgetary processes.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Competencies

• Professionalism: 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.
• 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 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.

Requirements

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in political science, international relations, law, public information, strategic communication or 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.

Job Specific Qualification

• Not available.

Work Experience

• A minimum of five (05) years of progressively responsible experience in political science, international relations, public information, strategic communication, conflict resolution or related area is required.
• Experience in political reporting is required.
• Experience working in a United Nations common system field operation (inclusive of peacekeeping and political missions or similar international organisation is required.
• Experience in coordination and substantive support to senior officials is desirable.

Languages

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised fluency in English and French, (both oral and written) is required.