POLITICAL AFFAIRS OFFICER

Org. Setting and ReportingThis position is located in the Regional Affairs Unit of the Office of the United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process (UNSCO) in Ramallah and will report to the Chief Regional Affairs Unit (CRAU). ResponsibilitiesWithin delegated authority, the Political Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties: Political Analysis and Advice - Identify, analyze and monitor political developments, trends and emerging issues in Palestine, including as they relate to internal Palestinian political dynamics and to advancing the Middle East Peace Process. - Assess implications and make recommendations to Chief Regional Affairs Unit on possible policies, strategies and other measures to address issues of concern and to advance mandated objectives. Reporting and Information Management - Prepare summary and analytical reports including, but not limited to, weekly political reports, briefing notes, options papers, code cables and input for the monthly briefing of the Special Coordinator to the Security Council on the situation in the Middle East. - 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. Planning, Coordination and Facilitation - Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with Palestinian Government representatives and other political actors, the diplomatic community, civil society actors, military and law enforcement actors, academic and research institutions, and other national and international partners and UN Common System colleagues and counterparts for information-sharing, policy and coordination matters. - Support the activities of the Regional Affairs Unit in line with the Special Coordinator's strategic vision and guidance with regard to support for the Middle East Peace Process and other elements of the UNSCO mandate; assist in the coordination of international assistance thereto. - Propose, support and engage in political outreach activities; Support preparations for official meetings, events and visits, including by drafting talking points, speeches and background papers for senior UN officials; Participate in fact-finding and other missions; Prepare written summaries of meetings/visits and assist with follow-up activities, as appropriate. Management/Administration - Contribute to the formulation and implementation of the unit’s programme of work. - Perform other related duties as required. CompetenciesProfessionalism: 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. EducationAdvanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent degree) in political science, international relations, social sciences, 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 five years of progressively responsible experience in political affairs, diplomacy, conflict resolution, or related field is required. At least two-years’ experience working in a common system field operation (inclusive of peacekeeping, political missions and UN agencies, funds, and programmes) in a conflict or post-conflict setting is desirable. Five years experience in political outreach, facilitation, analysis, advice and reporting is desirable Three years experience working on political issues in or on the Middle East is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. There are no additional desirable languages specified. 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).