SPECIAL ASSISTANT, POLITICAL AFFAIRS

Org. Setting and ReportingThe Office of the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General for Sudan (OPESG-SUDAN) 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. This position is located in the Office of the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General for Sudan (OPESG-Sudan), based in Addis Ababa. The Special Assistant, Political Affairs, will report directly to the Personal Envoy. ResponsibilitiesWithin the limits of delegated authority, the Special Assistant/Political Affairs will be responsible for performing the following duties: • Identify, analyze and monitor key political developments, trends and emerging issues in Sudan and the region as well as emerging issues with respect to the implementation of the Envoy's mandate; • Assess implications and make recommendations on possible policies, strategies and other measures to address issues of concern and to advance objectives, and monitor, evaluate and report on implementation; • Keep the PESG informed and assist on all matters requiring their personal attention, assist in formulating options as to how those matters might be handled, and ensure appropriate follow-up, as directed, including in liaison with the Head of Office to ensure complimentary; • Plan, organize and manage the PESG's official meetings, events and visits, including through the provision of Secretariat services and by coordinating inputs for talking points and speeches; • Prepare written summaries of meetings/visits and assist with follow-up activities, as appropriate; • Coordinate/draft summary and analytical reports, including inter alia situation reports, briefing notes, notes to file, code cables and inputs for the reports of the Secretary-General; • Prepare and review contextual information materials, such as background notes, political profiles and databases of relevance to the assigned portfolio; • Develop and maintain collaborative relationships across the PESG's office, UN Common System colleagues, as well as with national stakeholders and international partners on information-sharing, policy and coordination matters, and regularly liaise with DPPA-DPO at Headquarters; • Consult and cooperate with partners to develop strategies and plans of action to address political challenges, in pursuit of shared objectives; • Participate in fact-finding and other missions, as required; • Contribute to the formulation and implementation of the Office’s programme of work under the guidance of the envoy and the Head of Office; Support planning and budgetary processes for the unit; • Supervise, mentor, and evaluate staff; • Assist with the selection of new staff • Perform other relevant 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. Communications: 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 the audience; Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. Planning & Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amounts 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, international economics, law, public administration, or related fields. 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 three years of experience in political outreach, mediation, or facilitation is required. Experience working as a Special Assistant or similar capacity to a senior official in the United Nations or similar international organization is required. A minimum of three years of field experience in political affairs in a UN peace operation or a similar international organization in a conflict or post-conflict is required. Some experience working in Africa including on Sudan is required. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English and Arabic are 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).