Associate Political Affairs Officer

Contract

This is a UNV National Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as National UN Volunteer. It is normally only for nationals. More about UNV National Specialist contracts.

UNAMA is a political mission that was established by the UN Security Council Resolution 1401 in March 2002 at the request of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. Its mandate is reviewed annually, with the latest mandate renewal being on 16 March 2023 through Resolution 2678 (2023).

The current priorities of the Mission to be implemented in coordination with UN entities are the promotion and support of humanitarian assistance in line with humanitarian principles, human rights, equality for women and girls, inclusive governance, resilience, and economic stability, and using our good offices for principled and constructive engagement with all national, regional and global stakeholders in the pursuit of Afghanistan’s peace and stability. In pursuit of these priorities, UNAMA provides political good offices to facilitate dialogue among Afghans and with the region; monitors, reports, and protects human rights; promotes responsible, inclusive, governance and rule of law; facilitates humanitarian assistance; coordinates international donors; and encourages regional cooperation. UNAMA maintains an extensive field presence across Afghanistan.

Within delegated authority, the Associate Political Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

• Receive and analyze information contained in communications and publications from different sources, including the press; maintain up-to-date knowledge of events relating to political issues in a specified area or subject matter. • Assist senior officers with preparing drafts, briefing notes, background papers and talking points. • Prepare summaries of articles from a wide variety of sources; draft correspondences and sections of reports. • Monitor political, socio-economic, and other politically relevant developments in an assigned area. • Provide input into political, humanitarian, and economic efforts and programs supported or undertaken by the Mission. • Provide translation and interpretation services to the Head of Office and the Political Affairs Team, as needed. • Design and implement political outreach activities and local peace initiatives; support the Head of Office in implementing community outreach activities. • Expand the Herat Field Office contacts and networks with local authorities and stakeholders. • Participate in field visits to conduct political outreach meetings with de facto authorities, civil society actors, and community in western four provinces. • Integrate gender equality perspective in implementing the Mission’s mandate in Herat, particularly by the Political Affairs Team. • Perform other related functions as required.

• Accountability • Creativity • Planning and organising • Professionalism

Political Science, Management or Development, or in a related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with three years of qualifying experience is required. • Relevant years of work experience is not required for applicants with a relevant Master’s degree. However, applicants with a Bachelor’s degree must have a minimum of three years of progressively responsible experience in political science, international relations, law, disarmament, security, development management, conflict resolution or related area is required. • Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills. • Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing. • Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels. • Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment. • Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines.

The contract lasts for the period indicated above with the possibility of extensions subject to availability of funding, operational necessity and satisfactory performance. However, there is no expectation of renewal of the assignment. Travel to duty station (if applicable) and a Settling-In-Grant will be provided in the event the duty station is not within commuting distance from the place of recruitment. The applicable Volunteer Living Allowance is provided monthly to cover housing, utilities and normal cost of living expenses. Life, health and permanent disability insurance are included ) and final repatriation (if applicable). Furthermore, in non-family duty stations that belong to hardship categories D or E, as classified by the ICSC, a Well-Being Differential (WBD) will be provided on a monthly basis.