SENIOR POLITICAL AFFAIRS OFFICER

Org. Setting and ReportingThis position is located in the Regional Affairs Unit of the Office of the United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process (UNSCO) in Jerusalem and will report to UNSCO Head of Mission. ResponsibilitiesWithin delegated authority, the Senior Political Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties: Plans and implements the operational activities related to the work of the office or mission, i.e. conflict prevention and resolution, post-conflict rehabilitation, election administration, political and governance institution-building, civil society support work, etc.; incorporates 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. Prepares briefing notes and talking points for the Head of the Mission and other senior staff. Provides continuous guidance and advice to the head of mission, as well as other elected offices of intergovernmental bodies concerning the organization of work, status of negotiations, and conduct of business including interpretation of the rules of procedure. Develops and maintains relations with senior government officials and advises them on issues and policies of mutual concern. Leads and directs a work team; plans and allocates work assignments; coaches, mentors, and evaluates staff; participates in recruitment and selection of new staff and in the development of training programs. Manages, coordinates, organizes and supervises research on a variety of political issues in a region and or country or major conflict. Plans, coordinates and manages programs, projects and activities requiring mission and/or interagency involvement and participation. Represents division/office/mission at round tables, seminars and conferences. Formulates the program of work, budget and medium-term plan of the unit and participates in the overall approval of the program of work, and administrative matters concerning the Section/Division or mission; coordinates and oversees work of colleagues and unit. Performs other related duties as required. Competencies• PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of the work of intergovernmental bodies, the work of the United Nations and its related bodies concerned with political, economic, social and related matters. Ability to evaluate international political situations in area of assignment. Ability to manage and coordinate many different levels and participants in operations in both the field and UN common system. 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. • 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. • LEADERSHIP: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow: empowers others to translate vision into results; is proactive 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 improvements; does not accept the status quo; shows the courage to take unpopular stands. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing. • 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) 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 ExperienceA minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in political science, international relations, law, disarmament, security, developments management, conflict resolution or related area is required. A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in a United Nations common system field operation (inclusive of peacekeeping, political missions, UN agencies, funds, and programmes) or similar international organization or non-governmental organization in a field-based environment is required. Three years experience serving in hardship duty stations with a high level of insecurity is required. Five years experience in political outreach, facilitation, analysis, advice and reporting is required. A minimum of three years of experience working on political issues in or on the Middle East is desirable. A minimum of one year experience working in the Levant region is desirable. Experience in delivering political analysis on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict 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).