POLITICAL AFFAIRS OFFICER

Org. Setting and ReportingThis position is located in the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict (OSRSG-SVC) in New York. The Incumbent generally report to a Programme Officer/Team Leader and Chief of Staff. ResponsibilitiesWithin delegated authority, the Political Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties: • Gathers, selects and analyses information contained in communications and publications received from different sources, including the press. • Keeps abreast of 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. • Monitors national and regional level political developments through situation reports from the UN peace operations, reports from UN agencies, non-governmental organizations and other key partners, and through regular liaison with Women Protection Advisors and other relevant field staff. • 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 and assist with the preparation of the SG’s report on conflict-related sexual violence. • Provides technical and substantive back up in the implementation of mandates of the office. • Maintains contacts with other sectors of the UN, 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 Security Council, General Assembly, subsidiary organizations, negotiating bodies, conferences, meetings, and /or special missions, to raise awareness of CRSV considerations. • Prepares meetings of the SRSG with officials from countries under the Organization's purview as well as drafts talking points and speeches for the SRSG. • Supports information management and trend analysis of reported sexual violence incidents including through refining existing tools related to the monitoring and reporting arrangements (MARA) on conflict-related sexual violence • 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. • 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. EducationAn advanced university degree (Master’s or Doctorate degree, or equivalent) in political science, international relations, international economics, law, public administration 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. Job - Specific QualificationNot available. Work ExperienceA 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 to implement the conflict-related sexual violence mandate is required. Experience engaging with Member States on protection issues is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. French 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).