PRINCIPAL POLITICAL AFFAIRS OFFICER

Org. Setting and ReportingThe Senior Adviser reports directly to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) and Head of Mission (HoM). ResponsibilitiesThe Senior Adviser assists the SRSG in the discharge of her overall responsibilities as HoM, providing political and other advice as well as support on a variety of operational, managerial and substantive issues. S/he also provides political advice to the Force Commander and other members of UNFICYP senior management. Within delegated authority, the Senior Adviser will be responsible for performing the following duties: Political Analysis and Advice - Identify, analyze and monitor political, security and operational developments and emerging issues with respect to the implementation of UNFICYP's mandate; Assess implications and make recommendations to the SRSG on possible strategies, policies and other measures to address issues of concern and to advance mandated objectives. Reporting - Ensure regular, timely and high quality reporting to the SRSG and to UN Headquarters on developments and issues pertaining to the mandate; Draft and oversee the preparation of analytical reports, including situation reports, briefing notes, notes to file and code cables; Prepare/review draft reports of the Secretary-General to the Security Council. Coordination - Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with government authorities, political and community leaders, civil society actors, and other national and international partners; Consult and cooperate with partners to address political, security and operational challenges, in pursuit of mandated objectives; Work closely with the diplomatic community on political issues and support to civil society and inter-communal efforts; Liaise with the Office of the Special Adviser of the Secretary General on Cyprus to ensure synergies and a coordinated approach to issues of mutual concern. Management -Assist the SRSG/HoM in ensuring the integrated and coherent functioning of the Mission across all components; Exercise direct supervision of the Civil Affairs Section, the Public Information Office, Legal Officer and Gender Affairs Officer; Facilitate the translation of policy intent and high-level direction by the SRSG/HoM into viable tasks, and work with components to ensure their effective implementation; Formulate and manage the implementation of the Mission's programme of work in substantive areas, determining priorities and activities that are in accordance with the mandate and with UNFICYP's mission concept; In coordination with the Chief of Mission Support, ensure an integrated approach to the results-based budgeting process, including alignment with strategic and operational plans and adequate provisions to meet resource requirements, and oversee the process as it relates to substantive Mission components; Supervise and evaluate substantive staff and participate in the selection of new staff. Perform other relevant duties requested by the SRSG/HoM. CompetenciesProfessionalism - Demonstrated sound knowledge of the UN system and in-depth understanding of peacekeeping operations; Strong analytical skills combined with good political judgment; in-depth understanding of and an ability to evaluate political situations; Proven ability to provide strategic advice and recommendations to senior officials; Ability to propose creative approaches to both substantive and managerial issues and processes while abiding by UN rules, policies and guidelines; 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 problem 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. 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. Leadership - Serves as a role model that other people want to follow; Empowers others to translate vision into results; Is pro-active in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; Establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support; Anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions; Drives for change and improvement; does not accept the status quo; Shows the courage to take unpopular stands. Managing Performance - Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability, and decision-making authority; Makes sure that roles, responsibilities, and reporting lines are clear to each staff member; Accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills; Monitors progress against milestones and deadlines; Regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff; Encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative; Actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff; Appraises performance fairly. 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 with a relevant combination of academic qualifications and experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Job - Specific QualificationNot available. Work ExperienceA minimum of fifteen years of progressively responsible experience in political affairs, diplomacy, conflict resolution, civil affairs or related field is required. Extensive outreach experience to political interlocutors, civil society, government officials and the diplomatic community, and experience in facilitation, analysis, advice and drafting/reporting is required. At least three years of professional experience in a conflict or post-conflict setting is required. Proven track record of leadership, political acumen, coordination and management in multicultural settings, including coordination and oversight of interdisciplinary teams is required. Experience working in a UN peace-keeping operation is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. There are no additional desirable languages specified. 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).