POLITICAL AFFAIRS OFFICER

Org. Setting and ReportingThis position is in the Electoral Assistance Division in the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) at the UN Headquarters in New York. Under the overall supervision of the Director and the Deputy Director, the incumbent reports to the co-Team Leaders of Cluster 1 (Country Support). ResponsibilitiesWithin delegated authority, the Political/Electoral Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties: • Participates in the discussion and formulation of political and technical strategies in the electoral field. • Reviews and monitors political developments and electoral activities in assigned countries; assesses trends which might affect the political situation and the organisation of electoral processes; recommends possible actions by United Nations. • Analyses political developments and electoral activities in assigned countries with a view to provide early warning advice to the Deputy Director and the Director.. • Prepares analytical reports on electoral matters, drafts notes, background papers, talking points and other correspondence for senior UN officials as required. • Meets regularly with counterparts in the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, DPO, UNDP, and other departments, agencies and programmes of the UN System to coordinate engagement in the area of elections in countries under his/her responsibility. • Ensures up-to-date information regarding substantive electoral/political matters and makes recommendations on actions to take. • Participates in policy discussions regarding electoral matters and democratisation. • Makes contact with other sectors of the UN, other international organizations and governments on coordination and policy matters with regards to electoral operations; briefs representatives and provides, as appropriate suggestions and recommendations. • Oversees electoral projects being implemented in countries under his/her responsibility. • Briefs donors and other interested parties on UN electoral support and assist in resource mobilization as needed. • Prepares briefing notes/talking points for the SG and other Senior UN officials as needed. • Carries out, in consultation with supervisors, administrative functions relating to the staffing, planning and budget of an electoral operation • Leads or deputizes needs assessment missions to evaluate Government requests for electoral assistance, project formulation missions and/or expert advisory missions to UN operations and field offices. • Performs other related duties as required. Work implies frequent interaction with the following: Counterparts in peacekeeping operations and/or DDA and DPPA, UNDP, DPO, DPI, OCHA, UNOPS, UNV Special Envoys and Representatives of the Secretary-General Resident Coordinators of UN system UN specialized agencies Representatives of non-governmental organisations, regional intergovernmental organisations, governments and international/regional organizations. Representatives of Governments/ Permanent Missions to the UN Electoral management bodies Academic community, institutes and foundations as required. Results Expected: Provides senior officials with well-analysed, concise information and recommendations as to appropriate action to be taken in the electoral field; demonstrates ability to solve electoral problems. Leads or deputizes various electoral missions. Oversees electoral activities being carried out in the field by the UN System. Competencies• Professionalism: Ability to complete in-depth studies and reach conclusions on electoral and political issues and propose solutions to political problems in specific areas or countries. Field expertise and technical understanding of electoral operations. Ability to relate 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. Able to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. • 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& 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) degree in political science, international relations, law, public administration, 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 QualificationNot available. Work ExperienceA minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in electoral assistance, including in advising an electoral management body, is required. A minimum of four years of comparative experience in supervising, implementing, supporting or advising on electoral processes in multiple countries is required. Experience in electoral assistance in a field operation of the United Nations Common System (inclusive of peacekeeping, special political missions and UN regional commissions, agencies, funds and programmes) or a similar international organization is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English and French are required. Either Arabic or Russian or Spanish or Chinese (Mandarin) is desirable. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).