POLITICAL AFFAIRS OFFICER

Org. Setting and ReportingThis post is located in the Europe and Central Asia Division (ECAD) of the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) and the Department of Peace Operations (DPO) at Headquarters. The incumbent will report to the relevant Team Leader/Senior Political Affairs Officer in ECAD. ResponsibilitiesWithin delegated authority, the Political Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties: • Gathers, selects and analyses information contained in communications and publications received from media and other sources on political developments and key peace and security issues in Europe and in the assigned countries/issues. • Maintains up-to-date knowledge of developments in Europe and the assigned countries, including of United Nations’ engagement with regional entities, including EU and NATO, with a focus on key regional peace and security issues, such as Cyprus and Ukraine. • Keeps abreast of latest trends and developments in the area of assignment and provides inputs on issues to senior officials and colleagues in the Secretariat. • Monitors national and regional level political developments and provides backstopping support to field presences as well as advice to UN agencies active on the ground in countries of responsibility, as needed. • Provides technical and substantive back up in the implementation of mandates of the Europe and Central Asia Division. • Coordinates with the UN Liaison Office in Brussels and other liaison presences in Europe on key regional peace and security issues. • Maintains regular contacts with other sectors of the UN, other international organizations and Permanent Missions on coordination and policy matters. • Monitors actions taken by intergovernmental groups, UN organizations, government and non-governmental organizations, including Women and Youth civil society partners. • Prepares materials for meetings of the Secretary-General and senior UN officials with Government representatives and other counterparts. • Prepares, drafts and coordinates inputs for briefings and reports to the Security Council and General Assembly. • Participates in fact-finding and other missions to countries within assigned area of responsibility, as required. • Performs other related duties as required. CompetenciesProfessionalism: Ability to identify and analyze political, ethnic, racial, social and economic problems that cause civil unrest in a country or geographic area, 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. 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. 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 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, disarmament, security, development management, conflict resolution or related area is required. Experience in performing desk officer responsibilities, including backstopping a liaison office or field presence of the UN or another international organization, is required. Experience in working on current key peace and security matters in Europe, and performing political analysis, advice, liaison and reporting responsibilities, is required. Experience in drafting briefing materials, speeches and public statements for senior officials, including briefings and reports to the Security Council and the General Assembly, is required. Knowledge of current peace and security issues and political developments in Ukraine is required. Experience in Women Peace and Security project development and civil society engagement is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. 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).