POLITICAL AFFAIRS OFFICER

Org. Setting and ReportingThis position is located in the Office for Disarmament Affairs (ODA), in its Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Africa, in Lomé, Togo. The incumbent reports to the Director of the Centre and to the Conventional Arms Branch (CAB). ResponsibilitiesWithin delegated authority, the Political Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties: • Coordinate the implementation of the EU funded project on supporting the United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small arms and light weapons in All Its Aspects (UN PoA), the International Tracing Instrument and Global Framework for Through-life Conventional Ammunition Management. • Act as the focal point on the said project. • Gather, select and analyze information contained in communications and publications received from different sources, including the press. • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of events relating to political issues, in general, and in particular as they affect the countries and thematic mandates for which he/she is responsible. • Keep abreast of latest trends and developments in the area of assignment and provide inputs on issues to senior officials and colleagues in missions and elsewhere in the Secretariat. • Monitor national and regional level political developments and provide advice to field mission/UN agencies active on the ground. • Provide technical and substantive back up in the implementation of mandates of the office, branch or unit. • Maintain contacts with other sectors of the UN, other international organizations and governments on coordination and policy matters. • Participates in fact-finding and other missions to countries within assigned area of responsibility. • Participates in provision of secretariat services to UN subsidiary organizations, negotiating bodies, conferences, meetings, and /or special missions. • Prepares meetings of ODA and UNREC principals with officials from countries under the Organization's purview. • Collects and analyzes data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. • 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. The ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. 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. EducationAn advanced university degree (Master’s or Doctorate degree, or equivalent) in in political science, international relations, international economics, law, public administration, social science or related fields is required. A first-level degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in the specified fields of studies with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is desirable. Job - Specific QualificationNot available. Work ExperienceA minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in political science, international relations, law, disarmament, security, conflict resolution or related area is required. Experience working on the African continent on issues pertaining to small arms and light weapons and/or conventional ammunition is required. Experience in effectively working with regional and sub-regional organizations and/or government officials on conventional arms control is required. Experience in facilitating workshops or trainings on issues of international peace and security or gender equality is desirable. Experience in programme management is desirable. A minimum of two years of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English and French are required. Either Spanish or Arabic or Portuguese 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).