Responsibilities

Within limits of delegated authority and under the direct supervision of the Special Envoy – O/SESG-GL Nairobi, the Special Assistant will be responsible for performing the following duties:

• Providing specialized advice and support to the Special Envoy in carrying out his duties, including identifying, analyzing and monitoring regional developments and emerging issue with respect to the implementation of the Mission’s mandate;
• Bringing to the attention of the Special Envoy all matters requiring his personal attention, makes recommendations on how those matters might be handled and ensures appropriate follow-up as directed;
• Preparing talking points, meeting notes and draft reports on the Special Envoy’s engagements, in close coordination and consultation with relevant focal points:
• Pending definite arrangements, providing interpretation for the SESG’s engagements;
• Managing the Special Envoy’s social media presence;
• As requested, handling incoming and outgoing correspondence of the Special Envoy and coordinates travels and official engagements in close consultation with Mission focal points;
• Liaising and maintaining close working relationships with officials of State Institutions, Political Parties, Civil Society Organizations and Religious Actors, bilateral and other international partners;
• Performing other related duties as required.

Requirements

Competencies

• Professionalism: Knowledge of political issues as they relate to the United Nations including with respect to the Organization’s work in the Great Lakes region. Solid knowledge of the work of the United Nations and of the functioning of the United Nations system is essential. Demonstrated ability to provide policy advice and recommendations on political issues to senior officials. Ability to produce talking points, meeting notes, analytical reports and papers on political trends and their implications for the United Nations. Ability to develop and maintain contacts with a variety of stakeholders relevant to the political work of the Organization. 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in political science, international relations, social science, economics, law, public administration, or a 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.

Work Experience

• A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in political affairs, international development, conflict resolution, or related field is required.
• Experience working in political, development and humanitarian issues is required
• Experience working in a United Nations common system field operation (inclusive of peacekeeping, political missions and UN agencies, funds, and programmes) – or similar international organization or non-governmental organization – in a conflict or post-conflict setting is desired
• Previous experience working in the office of a senior public official as a Special Assistant (or similar) to a senior public official is required.

Languages

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