POLITICAL AFFAIRS OFFICER

Org. Setting and ReportingThis position is located in the Middle East Team of the Middle East Division (MED) in the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Department of Peace Operations (DPPA-DPO) at Headquarters in New York. The incumbent will serve as Desk Officer in MED and will directly report to the Team Leader of the Middle East Team, under the general supervision of the Director of MED, DPPA-DPO. ResponsibilitiesWithin delegated authority, the Political Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties: • Analyses information contained in communications and publications received from different sources, including the press; maintains up-to-date knowledge of events relating to political issues related to the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) and to the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO), as well as the region. • Monitors operational developments in UNDOF and UNTSO reviewing available information in situation reports, cables, correspondence, media, etc. Identifies matters for follow-up and the need for action, ensures consultation and input from the actors involved, and helps coordinate timely responses to issues and questions raised in the field, as well as monitors and follows up on outstanding issues. • Maintains 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 the staff member is responsible. • Keeps abreast of the latest trends and developments in the area of assignment and provides inputs on issues to senior officials and colleagues in missions and elsewhere in the Secretariat. • Assists in the drafting of various documents related to UNDOF and UNTSO including briefing notes to the Security Council, talking points, background papers and briefing notes for meetings of senior officials with parties, contributors, Member States, etc. • Provides technical and substantive back up in the implementation of mandates of the office, branch or unit. • Maintains contacts with other sectors of the United Nations, other international organizations and governments on coordination and policy matters. • Monitors actions taken by intergovernmental groups, UN organizations, government and non-governmental organizations. • Participates in fact finding and other missions to countries within assigned area of responsibility. • Participates in provision of secretariat services to Security Council, General Assembly, subsidiary organizations, negotiating bodies, conferences, meetings, and /or special missions. • Prepares meetings of the Secretary-General (SG), Under Secretary-General (USG) and other Principals with officials from countries under the Organization's purview. • Performs other related duties as required. Competencies• PROFESSIONALISM: 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 & 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 (Masters degree or equivalent) degree in political science, international relations, international economics, law, public administration, or related field. 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 Experience• A 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 working on the Middle East region, in peace and security issues, is required. • Experience in backstopping UN (or similar international organization) peacekeeping or political missions is required. • Experience with budget preparations in the UN system (or similar international organization) is required. • Experience in a United Nations peace operations or other relevant field operation in a civilian capacity 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).