SPECIAL ASSISTANT, POLITICAL AFFAIRS

Org. Setting and ReportingThis position is located in the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), Nicosia, in the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG). The Special Assistant will report to the SRSG or his/her designate. ResponsibilitiesWithin delegated authority, the Special Assistant will be responsible for performing the following duties: Political Analysis, Advice and Reporting • Identifies, analyzes, and monitors political developments and emerging issues with respect to the implementation of the mission's mandate; uses data-driven analytical techniques. • Assesses implications and makes recommendations on possible policies, strategies and other measures to address issues of concern and to advance mandated objectives; monitors, evaluates and reports on implementation. • Coordinates/drafts summary and analytical reports including, but not limited to, daily and weekly situation reports, talking points/key messages, briefing notes, notes to file, code cables and input for the reports of the Secretary-General to the Security Council. • Provides briefings as required to mission leadership, other components, and visitors. • Performs other relevant duties as requested by the SRSG. Coordination and Facilitation • Provides substantive and practical support to the SRSG in implementing the mission's mandate. • Keeps the SRSG informed on all matters requiring his/her personal attention, assists in formulating options as to how those matters might be handled, and ensures appropriate follow-up, as directed. • Supports the organization of the SRSG's meetings and mission events, prepares written summaries and conducts follow-up activities, as appropriate; coordinates/drafts correspondence for the SRSG's signature. • Serves as a O/SRSG focal point in relevant cross-component working groups, including the Comprehensive Performance Assessment System (CPAS). • Develops and maintains collaborative relationships with mission components, the authorities, the broader UN family, donors, and other national and international partners. CompetenciesProfessionalism: 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 ensures the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listen to others, correctly interpret messages from others and responds appropriately; ask 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: Work collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals. Solicit input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise; be willing to learn from others. Place team agenda before and above personal agenda. Support and act in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position. Share credit for team accomplishments and accept joint responsibility for team shortcomings. 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 in combination with qualifying 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 affairs, diplomacy, conflict resolution, or related field is required. Extensive experience in political outreach, facilitation, analysis, advice and reporting is required. Experience working in or in support of a field operation of the United Nations Common System or a comparable international organization or non- governmental organization is desirable. Previous experience working in the office of a senior public official and/or as a Special Assistant (or similar) to a senior public official 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).