POLITICAL AFFAIRS OFFICER

Org. Setting and ReportingThe incumbent will serve as Political Affairs Officer in the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General (PESG) for Sudan. The Personal Envoy leads good offices and political engagement with Sudanese, regional and international stakeholders to enhance efforts to end the Sudan conflict and relaunch a credible political process, aiming for greater coherence, coordination and integration of the various mediation initiatives. The Political Affairs Officer will report to the Principal Political Affairs Officer/Head of Office. The position is based in Addis Ababa. ResponsibilitiesWithin the limits of delegated authority, the Political Affairs Officer will be responsible for performing the following duties: • Plans and implements the operational activities related to the work of the Office, i.e., political affairs, conflict prevention and resolution, mediation, interim or transitional security arrangements, support to political transition.; pursues an integrated approach that includes a rights-based dimension, conflict prevention sensitivity, and a gender perspective into the policy, planning and operational activities of the unit. • Provides technical expertise and advice on inclusive security stabilization arrangements, particularly on ceasefire and cessation of hostilities issues, to the PESG and to conflict parties or other key stakeholders, as appropriate. • Coordinates, organizes and supervises research and analysis on a variety of political and security arrangements issues related to Sudan and the good offices work of the PESG. • Prepares and reviews briefing notes and talking points for the Principal Political Affairs Officer, Head of Mission and other senior staff. • Provides guidance and advice on assigned issues to the head of mission, as well as other selected offices of intergovernmental bodies concerning assigned areas of work, status of negotiations, and the approach to various issues including interpretation of rules of procedure. • Prepares responses to comments, statements, and queries of parties and manages operations involving several components of a limited nature, such as civilian, military or humanitarian operations. Develops and maintains relations with government officials at the working levels and advises them on issues and policies of mutual concern. • Designs conflict resolution, conflict prevention, mediation and peace implementation initiatives; advises on and participates in the negotiations to establish operations and activities, and develops guidelines, terms of reference and operational plans and time frames for new operations and activities, with a focus on ceasefires and security arrangements. • Assists in planning, coordinating and supporting programmes, projects and activities requiring mission and/or inter-agency involvement and participation. Represents the team at round tables, seminars and conferences. • Provides substantive support to his/her supervisor in the formulation of the programme of work, budget and medium-term plan of the unit by actively participating in or leading meetings, drafting major components and compiling or researching issues related to the mission. • Performs other related duties as required. CompetenciesProfessionalism: Thorough knowledge and understanding of the UN's role in preventive diplomacy, good offices, mediation and conflict resolution; Strong understanding of political and security dynamics in Sudan and the region; Ability to evaluate political situations and challenges and to build effective relations with key stakeholders to identify appropriate solutions; Ability to draft quickly and well, edit and produce cogent analysis of political, social, and economic events and to maintain a dynamic reporting effort; Shows pride in work and 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 and 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, social science, economics, law, public administration, or a 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 is required in political science, international relations, law, disarmament, security, development management, conflict resolution or related area. A minimum of two years of field experience in political affairs in a UN peace operation or a similar international organization is required, including some experience working in Africa. Experience working in a conflict or post-conflict setting is required. A minimum of three years of experience in political outreach, facilitation, analysis, advice and reporting is required Experience in supporting good offices or mediation efforts as part of a political or peace process is required. At least three years of experience working on security arrangements, ceasefires and cessation of hostilities agreements is required. Experience working on peace and security issues in the Horn of Africa, including Sudan is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. 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).