POLITICAL AFFAIRS OFFICER

Org. Setting and ReportingThis job opening is with the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) and the incumbent works under the general direction of the Head of Mission and the supervision of the Senior Advisor. ResponsibilitiesWithin delegated authority, the Political Affairs Officer in the OSRSG will be responsible for the following duties: • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of events and trends relating to political and other relevant issues in the area of responsibility and the wider region and provide inputs, recommendations and advice to the SRSG and convey inputs and guidance to senior officials and colleagues in Mission and elsewhere in the Secretariat. • Work closely with the Senior Adviser in coordinating the work of the other mission components to ensure that the SRSG’s guidance is reflected in a coherent and integrated mission-wide approach to the mandate. • Bring to the attention of the SRSG all matters requiring SRSG's personal attention, make recommendations on how those matters might be handled, and ensure appropriate follow-up, as directed. • Prepare draft reports of the Secretary-General to the Security Council, draft briefings to the Security Council and other such documents; prepare various written materials, such as analytical reports and papers, statements, draft notes, background papers, briefing notes, talking points, information notes, speeches other correspondence for the SRSG; provide quality control for daily and weekly reports and for HQ. • Together with the other components of the mission, assess trends that might affect the political situation and the political impact of intra-regional issues, recommend solutions/possible action that can be taken by the Mission. • Attend meetings of the SRSG and ensure that appropriate records of meetings are kept; attend and document meetings on behalf of the OSRSG. • Gather, select and analyze information on EU developments related to Cyprus, and developments relating to Turkey. • Develop and maintain contacts with Cypriot authorities, political parties, organizations, civil society and NGOs; raise the awareness of all concerned on the activities of UNFICYP; promote cooperation, interaction and trust among all concerned. Interact frequently with mission components, UN agencies, funds and programs, other international organizations and governments including the EU on coordination and policy matters. • As requested, coordinate and review incoming and outgoing correspondence of the SRSG. • Plan, organize and manage conferences, meetings, seminars and workshops as directed by the SRSG. • Support the office of the SRSG in the preparation of documents on behalf of the mission including planning frameworks and documents, results-based budgeting inputs and comprehensive performance assessment system. Support the office of the SRSG in the implementation of any plans. • In collaboration with the Good Offices mission, support the facilitation of high-level technical committees and direct contact mechanism between the parties. Work with the Special Assistant to the Special Adviser to ensure close coordination and maximum integration between UNFICYP and OSASG. • Attend and speak at seminars and other meetings related to assigned areas. • Define work plan for area assigned in accordance with established terms of reference. • Perform other related duties as required. Competencies• Professionalism: Demonstrated ability to complete in-depth studies and reach conclusions on possible causes and formulate solutions to political problems in the mission area; Ability to relate various issues and perspectives to political, social, economic and humanitarian programs in the country, sub-region and region; strong analytical skills combined with good judgment; ability to convey recommendations in a concise manner. Effective negotiation skills and ability to promote mutually satisfying and sustainable solution; 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. • Judgment and Decision making: Identifies the key issues in a complex situation, and comes to the heart of the problem quickly; gathers relevant information before making a decision; considers positive and negative impacts of decisions prior to making them; takes decisions with an eye to the impact on others and on the Organization; proposes a course of action or makes a recommendation based on all available information; checks assumptions against facts; determines the actions proposed will satisfy the expressed and underlying needs for the decision; makes tough decisions when necessary. • 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. • 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. EducationAdvanced 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 qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Job - Specific QualificationNot available. Work ExperienceA minimum of seven (07) years of progressively responsible experience in political affairs, international relations, diplomacy, conflict resolution or related area is required. At least three (03) years' experience in the international field is required. Experience on Cyprus, the wider Eastern Mediterranean region (Middle east, Turkey and North Africa) region and in a conflict or post-conflict area is desirable Experience working in a peacekeeping operation and/or a special political mission is desirable. Previous experience working in the front office of a senior level official is desirable. Experience managing teams is desirable. LanguagesFluency in English (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of a second official UN language is an asset. AssessmentEvaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview. Special NoticeAppointment or assignment against this position is for an initial period of one year. The appointment or assignment and renewal thereof are subject to the availability of the post or funds, budgetary approval or extension of the mandate. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-general and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures. The United Nations is Secretariat and is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for these positions. The United Nations Secretariat maintains rosters of qualified and available candidates to fill anticipated job openings in peacekeeping operations, special political missions, and other field operations. The purpose of this job opening is to generate a list of qualified candidates for inclusion in the Political Affairs Officer P-4 roster. The entire assessment process takes an average of six months; all applicants will be notified in writing of the outcome of their application (whether successful or unsuccessful) within 14 days of the conclusion of the process. Successful candidates will be placed on the roster and subsequently will be invited to apply for field mission vacancies open only to roster members. Roster membership does not guarantee selection. Please note that Political Affairs positions include conflict and post-conflict locations in non- family and/or hardship duty stations. Political Affairs staff may also be housed in camp environments. An updated list of missions and additional information on working in the field can be found at http://www.un.org/en/peacekeeping/about/dfs/. Applicants, who successfully go through a competitive recruitment process and are recommended for selection and/or inclusion in the roster of pre-approved candidates for subsequent job openings at the same level and with similar functions, may have their application information and roster status shared with other UN Organizations. Such applicants may be contacted by other UN Organizations for similar job openings, subject to the confirmation of their interest. Placement on the roster is no guarantee of a future selection United Nations ConsiderationsAccording to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date. No FeeTHE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.