Associate Political Affairs Officer

Volunteering Elections & Governance Legal

Overview

Support the governance and economy tracks of the Structured Dialogue.

You have:

• Demonstrated professional experience in political science, international relations, social science, law or economy or any other related field.
• Strong understanding of Libya’s political and economic structures and dynamics, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders in consultation processes.
• Proven experience supporting organization of the meetings, workshops, or training sessions, and building partnerships with Libyan stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and writing skills, including the ability to draft high-quality reports, briefings, and communications materials in English and Arabic.
• Demonstrated planning, coordination, and organizational skills, including the ability to support field missions, outreach activities, and stakeholder consultations.
• Knowledge of and commitment to the United Nations mandate, principles, and values, and familiarity with the work of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya, particularly in areas related to governance, the economy and political processes.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a multicultural team environment, maintain positive working relationships, and exercise integrity, professionalism, objectivity, diplomacy, and discretion.
• Strong IT and digital literacy skills, including proficiency in MS Office and digital collaboration tools.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently under tight deadlines, including occasional evening or weekend work as required.
• Previous/current involvement in and/or provision of support to political dialogue and/or reconciliation processes in Libya is desirable.
• Experience working in a United Nations common system field operation or similar international organization or non-governmental organization - is desirable.

Contract

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Under the leadership of SRSG Hanna Tetteh, UNSMIL is currently working to advance an UNSMIL-facilitated, Libyan-led-and-owned political process aimed at breaking the current political deadlock and paving the way toward national elections. On 21 August 2025, SRSG Tetteh announced a political roadmap built around three core pillars: developing a technically sound and politically viable framework for presidential and legislative elections; unifying institutions through a new unified government; and a structured dialogue that enables broad participation of Libyans to address the critical issues to be tackled in order to create a conducive environment for elections, shape a shared vision and address long term drivers of conflict while addressing short term efforts to unify institutions and enhance governance in key sectors.

In a statement on 3 September 2025, the Security Council welcomed SRSG’s briefing on the political roadmap and called on Libyan institutional stakeholders to engage fully and in good faith in a Libyan-led and Libyan-owned process facilitated by UNSMIL. While shuttle diplomacy on the political roadmap by UNSMIL senior leadership is underway, on 14-15 December 2025 UNSMIL launched the Structured Dialogue. The Structured Dialogue is composed of approximately 120 Libyans, reflecting the rich diversity of Libya, including women, youth, and persons with disabilities. Discussions in the Structured Dialogue are organised along four thematic tracks: Governance, Economy, Security, and National Reconciliation and Human Rights.

UNSMIL is seeking to recruit an Associate Political Affairs Officer who is expected to provide project support to the Mission’s facilitation of the governance and economy tracks of the Structured Dialogue.

The National UN Volunteer will work under the overall guidance of UNSMIL’s Chief of Political Affairs Service and direct supervision of the Political Affairs Officer and in collaboration with the team and project members. The National UN Volunteer will also work in coordination with the designated UNDP lead person for the Structured Dialogue if and when required.

The National UN Volunteer will help promote a client, quality and results-oriented approach in her/his work. S/he will work in close collaboration with the team sharing information and ensuring consistent service delivery with an eye to complying with UNSMIL rules and adhering to donor requirements.

The successful candidate will have the following specific responsibilities:

• Support senior officers with the organization of the governance and economy tracks of the Structured Dialogue, including support with preparatory work, logistics, research, coordination, notetaking and other related tasks. • Monitor events relating to political and economic issues in Libya, as well as events related to the political process, and provide timely updates. • Assist senior officers with preparing drafts, briefing notes, correspondence, reports, background papers and talking points. • Ensure compliance with UNSMIL administrative requirements, including completion of mandatory trainings. • Undertake other tasks as directed.

• Professionalism • Planning and organising • Teamwork • Accountability

• Demonstrated professional experience in political science, international relations, social science, law or economy or any other related field. • Strong understanding of Libya’s political and economic structures and dynamics, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders in consultation processes. • Proven experience supporting organization of the meetings, workshops, or training sessions, and building partnerships with Libyan stakeholders. • Strong analytical and writing skills, including the ability to draft high-quality reports, briefings, and communications materials in English and Arabic. • Demonstrated planning, coordination, and organizational skills, including the ability to support field missions, outreach activities, and stakeholder consultations. • Knowledge of and commitment to the United Nations mandate, principles, and values, and familiarity with the work of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya, particularly in areas related to governance, the economy and political processes. • Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a multicultural team environment, maintain positive working relationships, and exercise integrity, professionalism, objectivity, diplomacy, and discretion. • Strong IT and digital literacy skills, including proficiency in MS Office and digital collaboration tools. • Self-motivated and able to work independently under tight deadlines, including occasional evening or weekend work as required. • Previous/current involvement in and/or provision of support to political dialogue and/or reconciliation processes in Libya is desirable. • Experience working in a United Nations common system field operation or similar international organization or non-governmental organization - is desirable.

The position is based in Tripoli, Libya.

UNV Entitlements 1. Pre-assignment • Entry lump sum: USD 350 • Relocation costs: USD 175 at the beginning and end of assignment if the duty station is outside commuting distance (as determined by UNV) 2. During Assignment • Volunteer living allowance: USD 1101.5 • Learning: Access to UNV's learning and career development resources • Annual leave: 2.5 days per month • Insurance: Comprehensive coverage for health, life, and malicious acts for the UN Volunteer and health insurance coverage for up to 3 eligible dependents (see Conditions of Service for eligibility details) • Danger and hardship differential: USD 330.44 3. End of Assignment • Exit lump sum: USD 120 for each month served, paid on successful completion of the contract

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Potential interview questions

Added 1 month ago - Updated 1 month ago - Source: unv.org