POLITICAL AFFAIRS OFFICER

Org. Setting and ReportingThe position is within the Gender, Peace and Security Unit of the Policy and Mediation Division in the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) in New York. The incumbent reports to the Team Leader and the Chief of Unit. The GPS unit within DPPA's Policy and Mediation Division provides technical backstopping and substantive advice to DPPA staff at HQ and the field to ensure that Gender and Women, Peace and Security (WPS) issues are integrated into all of the Department's work. The GPS unit works in particular towards advancing the full, equal and meaningful participation of women in all political decision-making processes; including conflict prevention and resolution processes; and to address and prevent conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV). ResponsibilitiesWithin delegated authority, the Political Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties: • Reviews and monitors activities and events of relevance to women, peace and security (WPS) at the country, regional and global level; assesses trends which might affect the political situation; recommends solutions/possible action by United Nations. • Analyses political and related events within assigned area with a view to support colleagues gender mainstream analytical reports and papers on sensitive and high-profile matters of concern to the General Assembly, Security Council, or other bodies; drafts notes, background papers, talking points, speeches and other correspondence for senior UN officials. • Participates in the organization and supervision of Secretariat services required by the Security Council and other committees and bodies related to the WPS agenda. • Acts as focal point for the implementation of the DPPA WPS Policy, in particular with regards to improving the Department's gender-sensitive conflict analysis, and targeted measures on women's participation in peace and political processes and senior leadership accountability, as well as WPS and climate security. • Arranges and participates in mediation support activities, strategic assessments and factfinding missions. • Meets regularly with operational teams including UN staff to plan projects and review project activities. • Provides up-to-date information to senior officials regarding substantive political matters and country or regional issues of relevance to the WPS agenda and makes recommendations on actions to take. • Maintains contacts with other entities of the UN, other international organizations, Member States and women civil society organizations on coordination and policy matters; briefs representatives and provides, as appropriate suggestions and recommendations. • Participates in conferences, seminars and academic fora related to his/her assigned area of expertise. • Carries out, in consultation with the Team Leader of the Unit, administrative functions relating to the staff planning and budget. • Performs other related duties as required. Competencies• PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of the work of the United Nations, in international relations, international human rights law, women's rights or other related areas, particularly, in conflict or post-conflict settings. Demonstrated professional competence in the areas of gender equality and Women, Peace and Security and in conflict/post-conflict environments. Ability to identify key strategic issues, opportunities and risks within the area of work. 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 Women, Peace and Security and gender equality perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men at the political level and 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) 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 years of progressively responsible experience in political science, international relations, law, disarmament, security, development management, conflict resolution or related area is required. Experience in providing support on implementing the women, peace and security agenda across multiple regions, including support for senior leadership, is required. Demonstrated expertise in successfully integrating a gender perspective into policies and programmes, including on climate, peace and security, is required. Experience in conducting and facilitating trainings on gender-sensitive analysis is required. Experience in providing support to mediators on inclusion and gender perspectives in peace processes and good offices efforts is required. For this post, experience on supporting North, Central and Southern Africa, the Middle East, the Americas and the Asia Pacific region is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. Either Spanish or Arabic 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).